Teacher: Amber Case-Meza

School: Platte Valley Early Learning Center

Website: PlattvalleyRE-7.org

Address: 600 Hill Street, Kersey, CO 80644

Grade Level: Preschool

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Grow Little Minds

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
I am a lead preschool teacher in Kersey, Colorado, working with 3-year-olds. Our focus this year is on social emotional learning, helping students learn how to share, be good friends, and manage their big emotions in healthy ways. At the beginning of the school year, we spend a lot of time teaching these concepts, and I am seeking more toys and curriculum materials to support our lessons. Circle time and large group activities can be challenging, so we are exploring engaging tools like pop-up books and movement activities to keep the children's attention. Thank you for considering helping our little growing minds!

Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3

Impact:
Providing more materials will expand the daily learning experiences in our classroom. By adding a dedicated social emotional curriculum, pop-up books, a calm-down corner, and cause-and-effect toys, I hope to enhance my students' ability to learn positive behavior and emotional regulation. Large group movement items and positive behavior incentives will further engage the children in developing their social emotional skills.

Use of Funds:
- Social Emotional Curriculum
- New Pop-Up Books
- Calm Down Corner Items
- Cause and Effect Toys
- Large Group Movement Items
- Positive Behavior Incentives