Mindful Moments & Movement Based Reading

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Megan Schwartz
Grant Co-applicants
Erica Stukey Allstadt
Crystal Bailey
Holly Williamson
School Site
Donner Trail Elementary
Grant Category
Life Skills & Health
Literacy
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

I hope to expand upon my current teaching and ensure I'm able to meet my 2nd and 3rd graders exactly where they are. In our room, we’re working hard on growth mindset and becoming confident readers. This grant would fund a Calm Corner filled with cozy SEL books and sensory tools like rainstick and tongue drum to help us breathe through tough moments. It also includes ELA games (phonics and sight word activities) that let students jump, move, and play while they master reading standards.

Benefits of Program

The biggest benefit is giving my students the tools in their toolbox to handle their emotions. Instead of a student shutting down when a reading passage is hard, they can use a calm corner tools to take a reset breath or grab a fidget. On the academic side, moving while learning helps my high-energy students actually remember what they read. By moving around the classroom on carpet dots, they they can experience the lesson and solidify phonics concepts better.

Success of Program

I’ll know this is working when I see my students heading to the Calm Corner when they feel big emotions. For ELA, I’ll be looking at our weekly spelling and fluency checks. If my kinesthetic learners start hitting their benchmarks because of these new games, I’ll know we’ve hit the mark.

Implementation
  • I'll model how to use the musical instruments for calm breathing (using the "drum beat" to slow our hearts).
  • I’ll introduce the Calm Corner expectations (it's a place to reset, not just play).
  • I’ll start our "Friday Game Days" using the new games, eventually working them into our daily ELA centers.
Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Absolutely! We are a tight-knit team, and we love sharing resources. I plan to keep the ELA games in portable bins so my teammates can borrow them for their own centers. We'll also share SEL books and swap ideas on which our students are connecting with the most.

Sustainability
The best part about these items is that they aren't one and done. Unlike workbooks or craft supplies, these instruments, sturdy games, and books are built to last. I’ve specifically looked for high-quality materials that can handle the "love" of students year after year. These will be a part of my classroom community for a long time.
Amount Funded
$1463.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$189 - Match and Sort Games - See Itemized List
$338 - Reading Games - See Itemized List
$219 - Phonics Games - See Itemized List
$149 - SEL Books - See Itemized List
$50 - Music Instruments - See Itemized List
$126 - Elkonin Box Phonics Whiteboards x 36
$75 - ELA Movement Items - See Itemized List
$105 - SEL Sensory Activities - See Itemized List
Shipping
$115.00
Taxes
$97.00
Other funding sources

N/A

Supporting Links
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XYmovyg7BPcRtRpoeP-KBWARDW-MdEr5uBjPxTR…