THE FOLLOWING IS A TRINITY LUTHERAN RELEASE
In March, Mindy Ohlmiller, a Kindergarten teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Danville, applied for a grant through Western Governors University. The purpose of the grant is to award teachers with grant money for innovative classroom projects. WGU recognizes that teachers have been faced with the difficult task of finding new ways to reach students and this program supports them in doing just that.
Mrs. Ohlmiller requested a combination of dramatic play and sensory materials to create an “Imagination Station”. Her idea is simple. “In this digital age kids are on their electronic devices and playing less. They are losing fine motor skills and important social emotional, problem solving skills. I want to be able to incorporate more sensory time into my centers. Living in the mid-west we have times of indoor recess all year long (too hot, too cold, too windy, too rainy, etc.)
“Kids tune out to online programs aimed at indoor recess because they are saturated with them. I have observed students love opportunities for dramatic play. In the fall I created a pizza parlor where students could takeorders (work on handwriting), play cashier (play money) and create “pizzas” for customers (listening skills). The students were happy and able to communicate better during lessons. I want a chance to offer more of theseopportunities.”
– Mindy Ohlmiller
On Thursday Dr. Terrance Hopson visited Trinity and presented Mrs. Ohlmiller with a check that will make her vision a reality. The presentation was a surprise and was held with the students, faculty, and staff present. It was a very exciting time for everyone. There were happy tears, hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
Details about the grant:
https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/western-governors-university-announces-return-of-fund-myclassroom-program-encourages-k12-teachers-to-apply-for-grant-funding-by-april-17-57518.cfm
