Enhancing Early Learning Through Art Easels in Kindergarten

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Crystal Bailey
Grant Co-applicants
Megan Schwartz, Erica Allstadt
School Site
Donner Trail Elementary
Grant Category
Art/ Music
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

This grant seeks funding to provide high-quality, child-friendly art easels for a kindergarten classroom. Each easel will include dual surfaces (dry-erase board and chalkboard), as well as clips for paper to support painting and drawing activities. The easels will be paired with essential materials such as washable paints, markers, chalk, brushes, and paper.

These developmentally appropriate tools will create an engaging, hands-on art center where students can explore creativity, early writing, and visual expression in a structured yet flexible environment.

Benefits of Program

Art easels provide young learners with opportunities to develop critical foundational skills through play-based learning. Benefits include:

  • Fine Motor Development: Painting, drawing, and writing strengthen hand muscles necessary for handwriting.
  • Creativity and Self-Expression: Students can communicate ideas, emotions, and stories visually.
  • Early Literacy Skills: Vertical writing surfaces support letter formation, name writing, and phonics practice.
  • Social-Emotional Growth: Collaborative art experiences encourage sharing, turn-taking, and confidence-building.
  • Engagement and Focus: Hands-on, choice-based activities increase student motivation and time-on-task.
Success of Program

The implementation of art easels is expected to positively impact student development across multiple domains.

Anticipated Outcomes:

  • Improved fine motor control and pencil grip
  • Increased ability to form letters and shapes correctly
  • Greater student engagement during center time
  • Enhanced creativity and willingness to take academic risks

Measurement Methods:

  • Teacher observations and anecdotal records during center time
  • Student work samples collected over time (before and after implementation)
  • Fine motor and writing assessments (e.g., tracing, letter formation)
  • Increased participation rates and time-on-task during art activities
Implementation

The art easels will be incorporated into daily classroom routines as part of a rotating center-based learning model.

  • Easels will be introduced with clear expectations and modeled use
  • Students will rotate through the art center in small groups several times per week
  • Activities will align with current curriculum themes (e.g., letter of the week, seasons, storytelling)
  • Teachers will provide both structured prompts (guided drawing, letter practice) and open-ended creative opportunities
  • Materials will be organized and accessible to promote independence and responsibility
Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

The art easels would mostly stay in the K/1 classroom but could be used during school wide events or given to another teacher for a lesson if appropriate. 

Sustainability
The requested easels are durable, high-quality items designed for long-term classroom use. With proper care, they can be used for many years and benefit multiple groups of students.
Washable and reusable materials (dry-erase boards, chalkboards) reduce ongoing costs
Consumable supplies (paper, paint) will be replenished through classroom budgets or future small grants
Clear classroom procedures will be established to teach students how to properly use and care for materials
Easels can be shared among classrooms or grade levels if needed, maximizing their impact.
Amount Funded
$1085.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$897 - Toddler Heavy-Duty Hardwood Easel QTY:3
Shipping
$98.00
Taxes
$90.00
Supporting Links
Toddler Heavy-Duty Hardwood Easel