Myra Koerner from Pettigrew Elementary received $409.89 for her project, “Independent Hands-On Learning.”

Myra plans to create reading and math stations using alphabet and number rockets, magnetic counting mazes, linking letter monkeys, peg number boards, and more. In the application, she wrote, “As we add more curriculum and rigor to our instruction, we must decrease the amount of time spent on child-directed hands-on learning. As children are allowed more tablet time at home, we are seeing a gap in their fine motor skills and ability to work independently. Giving children the opportunity to engage in educational, hands-on activities that are designed to strengthen their fine motor skills, pre-writing skills, phonics skills, and early number recognition is the perfect way to use this independent learning time in the classroom. These experiences will enhance their participation and keep them engaged in a day full of rigorous instruction.”