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Goal

My goal is to enhance interest and learning through the physical engagement of recreating history in a tangible and fun way. These items will be used to enhance classroom instruction, as well as provide alternatives to technology filled afternoons, during an afterschool history club. The purpose of the club is to create interest in history, give knowledge, and show that fun can be had without electronics. Unlike traditional classroom learning, these games and activities foster hands-on, cooperative experiences that make learning feel like play, which is especially important for keeping students motivated and curious during the pivotal middle school years. 

 

Category

Learning Aids - Sunshine state book sets, robotics kits, puzzle boards, science models, engineering supplies, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

The grant materials will be used to create classroom learning opportunities for over 100 children each year whose strengths are visual and tactile learning, as well as strengthen those areas in children that struggle. The activities require teamwork and spatial planning, and will transport them visually to the locations we study in various civilizations.
Additionally, the afterschool club creates a safe, inclusive environment where students can unplug from screens, connect face-to-face, and develop confidence through collaboration and friendly competition.
Below are the some of the ways I plan to incorporate these items to enhance the learning environment for my students.
For our unit on Ancient Mesopotamia, the clay and stylus tools will be used to write in the ancient language of Cuneiform, emphasising the importance of communication and the various ways it is used. The same can be said for the hieroglyphic stencils and papyrus paper for our unit on Ancient Egypt. Ancient achievements can be seen in many of the games that have been passed down through the ages, with our unit on Ancient China, we have Chinese checkers, as well as Majong, which help our students see the similarities in cultures with enjoyable and challenging games. The puzzles bring geographical awareness of the world, as well as help with tactile and problem solving skills. The trivia games and card sets will be utilized for fun competition, as well as bell ringer activities to make sure every minute of class time is utilized.
 

 

Benefits to my students

In the classroom, these activiities, games, arts and crafts will be used to bring history to life and create a love for learning. The more students enjoy coming to class, the more actively engaged they will be in the lessons and the more meaningful the learning. This will encourage attendance and effort, resulting in positive outcomes in confidence, grades, test results, etc. Most of our students do not have the ability to travel the world, so models such as the lego sets, allow them to virtually "visit" these historical locations and crafting them encourages teamwork, and planning skills, which roll over into many subject areas.
Playing board games and solving puzzles in an afterschool setting provides middle school students with a fun and engaging way to strengthen vital academic and life skills. These activities promote critical thinking, strategy, and problem-solving—skills that directly support success in subjects like math, reading comprehension, and science. Board games often require students to interpret instructions, calculate scores, and make predictions, while puzzles build spatial reasoning, memory, and perseverance.
 

 

Budget Narrative

Whether in the classroom or afterschool these activities go beyond academics and nurture essential social and emotional growth. Playing games in groups teaches communication, teamwork, patience, and empathy—qualities that are increasingly important for youth development but often underemphasized in standard curricula. I teach about the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics, and social structures in each civilization. Some are Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient Greece and Rome, and MesoAmerica, just name just a few. All of which are part of the state approved curriculum.  

 

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