STEM Construction Planks for Kristi Young

Every child deserves to experience the joy of learning—to see, touch, and feel the concepts they’re mastering. The materials in this project—file folder games, literacy-based STEM centers, and interactive board games—transform abstract academic concepts into concrete, hands-on experiences. These tools are not just “extras”; they are essential supports that bridge the gap between engagement and understanding for students who learn best by doing. In our community, we work tirelessly to meet students’ basic needs, but for many of my learners, the true challenge comes after those needs are met—keeping them motivated, curious, and confident in their ability to learn.

As a special education teacher, I serve students with diverse learning profiles who require multisensory, tactile opportunities to grasp reading, math, and problem-solving skills. Traditional worksheets and assessments don’t always capture their growth, but file folder games and learning centers allow me to gather meaningful data through authentic engagement—observing mastery in action, not just on paper. Because I work with the same students for multiple years, these resources will continue to benefit them year after year, while also supporting our school wide focus on hands-on learning.

My goal is to build a small lending library of these materials so classroom teachers can borrow and use them in their own centers and interventions, extending the impact beyond my classroom and promoting collaboration across grade levels. The total cost of this project—$3,164.97 (subtotal) —is beyond what can be covered by classroom or personal funds, yet its value will extend far beyond a single school year. These tools have been tested and proven effective in my previous teaching settings, helping students find joy in learning through play, teamwork, and discovery. In a community where we prioritize essentials, this project represents an investment in what makes school magical—the moments when learning becomes a lived experience. The “extras” are often what spark the biggest breakthroughs, and with your support, we can transform our classrooms into spaces where learning feels like exploration and success feels achievable for every child.