Mini-Grants
Our Teacher Mini-Grant Program provides funding of up to $500 per grant to support innovative classroom projects and activities. This initiative empowers educators with the resources needed to enhance learning experiences and inspire students. See examples below.
Short-term Initiatives
6th Grade Yarn Bombing - WE REACHED OUR GOAL!
As a culminating end-of-the-year activity after reading the novel, Zinnia and The Bees, the 6th grade teaching team did a yarn bombing project on one of the trees in the pollinator garden at Reeds Brook Middle School. The main character in this text likes to knit and yarn bombs various items in her neighborhood and house.
Yarn bombing is a form of street art that employs colorful displays that are not destructive or harmful to the host object. This would be an engaging activity that all 6th students will participate in. We intend to create a sense of community, belonging, and excitement for school while teaching students a lifelong skill that will generate text-to-self connections.
Knitting is mathematically complicated and relates to different disciplines, from patterning and geometry to coding. The rhythmic action of knitting can be similar to meditation and alleviates stress, allowing children to relax the mind, which the novel's main character demonstrates. By learning how to knit, children apply discipline, focus and coordination to create an item of value and practicality. They learned that hard work can be rewarded, which builds their sense of accomplishment.
Although this is a short-term initiative, the looms they bought will be reused by future 6th-grade classes and we look forward to more yarn bombing.
With your help, the kids were able to create a colorful community and make a difference! Together, we can weave creativity, warmth, and support into our surroundings. Your generosity is appreciated.