Teacher: Marissa Grubb
School: Merit Academy
District: Woodland Park School District
District Website: Merit Academy
School Address: 600 E Kelly's Rd, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Grade Level: 1st Grade
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Tailored Learning 1st Grade
Category: Literacy
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
At Merit Academy, a classical charter school in Woodland Park, Colorado, we are committed to providing a rigorous education while fostering virtues such as responsibility, valor, goodness, perseverance, and friendship. Our diverse rural community includes students from Pre-K through 11th grade, and in my 1st grade classroom, we focus on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment.

For our 4th year, I am seeking funds to enhance our math and literacy centers with collaborative learning resources. These resources will include interactive materials and tools that promote group work and hands-on activities, making learning more dynamic and effective. By incorporating these educational tools, we will support diverse learning styles and encourage cooperative problem-solving and critical thinking.

Use of Funds:
These additional literacy tools will address different learning needs and provide fun, hands-on activities to strengthen reading skills. These resources and tools will improve both academic learning and character development.

With these resources, my goal is to enhance literacy, increase student interest, and inspire a lasting love of reading. Your support will make a big difference, giving students important skills and supporting their personal growth, while transforming our classroom into a more effective and engaging learning environment.

Budget Breakdown:

• Literacy Centers: Engaging kits and interactive tools to support reading skills development, including leveled reading books, phonics games, and sight word activities. Materials will cater to varying levels, with advanced kits for students who excel in reading and foundational sets for those needing extra support.
• Math Centers: Hands-on manipulatives and games to reinforce math concepts such as addition, subtraction, and place value. We will include both challenging materials for advanced learners and more accessible resources for students who require additional practice.
• Phonics Materials: Comprehensive phonics instruction kits, including letter tiles, blending boards, and decodable books. Resources will be tailored to different skill levels, ensuring that both advanced readers and those needing more practice can benefit.
• Science of Reading Resources: Evidence-based materials to support the science of reading approach, including interactive whiteboards, phonemic awareness activities, and vocabulary-building tools.
• Hands-On Activities: A variety of manipulatives and games designed to make learning engaging and effective, including math and literacy activity kits, and small group materials.
• Small Group Instruction Tools: Resources for differentiated instruction, such as individual whiteboards, mini-games, and customized learning kits to support small group work.

Photos:

Photo 1