We would like to request a grant of $641.00 to purchase a dozen small "Wiggle Cars" and eight children's safety helmets for TK students at Glenshire Elementary School. Wiggle cars are small ride-upon cars without pedals that enhance children's gross motor skill development, and core body strength as they require a child to "wiggle" their bodies in order to make the cars move.
Two TK classrooms of approximately 48 Transitional Kindergarteners from 4 to 5 years old will benefit from this grant. Six-eight students at a time may be driving the vehicles. They will be required to wear the safety helmets when operating the Wiggle Cars.
Gross motor development, coordination, and balance are important components of an early childhood curriculum such as that of our Transitional Kindergarten program. Success would come in various forms such as physical body strength and awareness, independence, and enhanced social skills associated with sharing and rule following with Wiggle Car usage.
The Wiggle Cars will be used during TK recess periods (in fair weather). Teachers and paraprofessionals will supervise usage, establish rules for sharing and driving, and set limits on where the cars can be driven. The cars will be stored in a locked shed in the TK/K playground area.
The Wiggle Cars will be shared among two TK classrooms.
We did not talk about other funding with our principal, though it was discussed with our TK/K program administrator. There is a possibility of using other sources such as the PTO and local service clubs for funding. If there is a problem with procuring the cars for the amount we requested, we can use class funds to cover the remaining amount of purchase.