Hopkins Public Schools: Tanglen Teacher Awarded Grant For STEM Heart Start Project

Hopkins MN

25 April, 2022

7:21 PM

Description

Press release from Hopkins Public Schools: April 25, 2022 One Hopkins elementary teacher is the recipient of a grant that is bringing positive energy and confidence back into the lives of her students every morning. When Tanglen elementary's Lisa Schmid noticed her students walking into the classroom every morning trying to accomplish a learning activity that was so difficult that they always needed help from the teacher, she knew there had to be a better way to start the day. The experience was leaving students feeling drained before the day even started. That's why she requested a grant that would fund experiments and fun activities for students when they first enter the classroom each day. Schmid was awarded $2,773 from the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Board of Trustees for her STEM Heart Start project. "Heart Start with STEM allows students to start their day with choice, teamwork and feeling positive about school," Schmid said. "This sets students up for a successful day of learning." Research shows that play can improve a child's ability to plan, organize, regulate emotions, and get along with others. Students are now coming into the classroom feeling empowered and excited to start their day. Many of the games and activities are developing math and social skills without them even knowing it. It's also a great way to relieve stress—which has been especially important in a school setting since the pandemic began. This press release was produced by Hopkins Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.