Program Overview
TeddyTales aims to enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) and reading literacy among elementary school students by providing teachers with plush bears and SEL curriculum materials.
Apply for the Micro-Grant now.
Objectives
- Improve Reading Literacy: Increase students’ reading levels and foster a love for books.
- Enhance Social-Emotional Learning: Support students’ emotional well-being through the comforting presence of plush bears.
- Empower Teachers: Provide resources for teachers to implement creative and engaging literacy activities.
Eligibility
- Open to elementary school 1st – 3rd grade teachers.
- Submission of a brief application required.
Grant Materials
- Plush bears for each student.
- Curriculum materials focused on social- emotional learning (SEL).
Key Components
- Books:
- Select a range of engaging and diverse books that cater to different reading levels and interests.
- Incorporate books that address SEL themes, such as empathy, kindness, and resilience.
- Incorporate books on grade level.
- Bears:
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- Each student receives a plush bear to promote comfort and security.
- Bears utilized in SEL activities, such as storytelling, role-playing, and reflective discussions.
- SEL Integration:
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- Combine literacy activities with SEL lessons. For example, after reading a story, students can discuss the emotions of characters and relate them to their own experiences.
- Use the bears as “reading buddies” to encourage reading practice and emotional discussions
Sample Activities
- Read-Aloud Sessions: Interactive readings followed by discussions and activities related to the story’s themes.
- Reading Circles: Small groups of students read together with bears creating a supportive environment.
- Reflection Journals: Students write or draw about their feelings and experiences related to the books they read and their interactions with their bears.
- Role-Playing: Students use their bears to act out scenarios from books, exploring different perspectives and emotions.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased student engagement and motivation in reading.
- Improved reading comprehension and literacy skills.
- Enhanced emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills among students.
- Positive teacher feedback regarding SEL and literacy activities.
Program Timeline
- Application Period: August – May
- Grant Award Notification: October
- Implementation Period: November – May
- Final Report Submission: June
Contact Information
For questions and application submission, please contact Carlos Rice.
Email: [email protected]