With the help of our supporters, EPAK makes grants that enrich the education of students ranging from preschool to high school in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park. Two recent EPAK grants use building-based activities to promote foundational learning. All Five preschool’s mission provides a high-quality essential education for young children, often through intentional play. In the words of teacher Austreberta G., “Great minds can create great things with great materials.”
She continues,
We are so thankful for all the blocks and planks we added to our outdoor area for cooperative playing. Using cognitive skills, children are learning problem solving and how to share space and materials.
The EPAK grant provided bristle blocks which strengthen the children’s fine motor skills when using the connectors. These blocks encourage imagination and both independent play and working in a group to advance social and emotional learning.
Thank you for your continued dedication to support all educators through these grants! -Austreberta G., All Five
Hands-on learning and a building-based approach also happen thanks to EPAK grants for higher level students. Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School students were excited to receive the EPAK-funded Spintronics Act One and Act Two to build mechanical circuit puzzles and Turing Tumble, which allows students to construct marble-powered computers.
Teacher Tina C noted:
I enjoyed watching the intrigue and wonder on student faces while they collaborated on how to solve each puzzle or task so they can move on to the next step. It was amazing! -Tina C., Cesar Chavez Middle School
Teachers understand that a building-based kinesthetic approach to learning promotes critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the students get extra opportunities to grow in these areas.
