Teacher: Ashley Girodo

School: Upper Blue Elementary

District: Summit School District

Town: Breckenridge, CO

Region: Central Mountains

Grade Level: 5th Grade; All Subjects

Project Title: The Return to Playful Learning

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Amount Requested: $500

School Website: Upper Blue Elementary

Project Description:
I am seeking funding for "The Return to Playful Learning" to bring back the joy of learning through play in our 5th grade classroom in Breckenridge, Colorado. I have observed a significant increase in stress and anxiety among my students, particularly within the Hispanic population, where rates of depression and suicidal ideation are on the rise. This project aims to reduce anxiety and stress through educational games, creating a balanced and supportive learning environment. The games will help students engage in creative problem-solving, collaboration, and exploration, all of which foster emotional well-being and promote mental health.

Proposal:
Through play-based learning, I will:

• Reduce anxiety by incorporating engaging, game-based activities into the curriculum.
• Promote collaboration and social skills through group play.
• Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills using fun, educational games.

Examples include:

• Social Studies Quest: Interactive games and role-playing historical figures to deepen understanding of history.
• Science Explorers: Hands-on games and outdoor play to spark curiosity in scientific concepts.

Budget Breakdown:
Funds will be used to purchase sets of the following educational games for classroom use:

• Ticket to Ride (strategy game focused on geography and history): $30 x 4 = $120
• Cytosis (biology-based game): $40 x 4 = $160
• Math for Love: Prime Climb (math game): $35 x 4 = $140
• Blurt! (vocabulary game): $20 x 4 = $80
• Total: $500