With funding from the Royalton Education Foundation, I was able to purchase multiple sets of STEM manipulatives to be used with a light table. These sets give my preschoolers an opportunity to help guide their learning opportunities and experiences and increase their knowledge at a self-led pace.
These manipulatives will allow students to work in small groups on problem-solving activities, encouraging them to collaborate with peers to create a student-led learning environment. Innovative manipulative and STEM materials will help to increase student math and literacy proficiencies throughout the year, as they interact with peers and gain vital social skills that will prepare them for future academic success.
In addition to providing a sensory experience with the purchased materials, children will also increase fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cooperation amongst peers/adults, sharing space and materials with peers/adults, oral language skills, math concepts, problem-solving skills and creativity. These benefits are all being gained while the children engage in open-ended play in a student-led learning environment.
Ms. Amanda Billig
Preschool Teacher