Big Math for Little People
- School Year: 2025-2026
- Applicants: Alison Foley, Angela Bottaro, Michelle Deegan, Sarah Novak
- School: Smith
- Subjects: Math
This grant funds a variety of large math manipulatives and games such as translucent cubes, a 120 floor mat, and a strawberry picking patch game that will be utilized by all of the Kindergarten classes at Smith STEM Elementary School. These manipulatives and games will help students learn math concepts in a play-based environment as they also enhance their imaginations, independence, communication and problem solving skills. The teachers will rotate these math manipulatives and games through different play areas throughout the year to keep the activities new and engaging and to align with the West Hartford curriculum. Play-based learning is valuable to young students in their natural development. Students' curiosity and enthusiasm will shine through as they play with and explore math in a self directed, age-appropriate way.