TeddyTales Microgrant Information

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

  1. Improve Reading Literacy: Increase students’ reading levels and foster a love for books.
  2. Enhance Social-Emotional Learning: Support students’ emotional well-being through the comforting presence of plush bears.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  1. Bears:
    • Each student receives a plush bear to promote comfort and security.
    • Bears utilized in SEL activities, such as storytelling, role-playing, and reflective discussions.
  1. SEL Integration:
    • 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]