In November, NEF awarded an Express Grant titled "Building Communication Through Play" from Maplebrook Elementary teacher Hannah Conger and social worker Laura Loehmann. This grant funded the purchase of developmentally appropriate toys that help students foster connections, build language skills, develop communication skills and create shared enjoyment.
"Through NEF's support and purchasing of developmentally-appropriate toys and activities, students have been able to more actively participate in therapy sessions in both one-on-one sessions as well as sessions with peers," Conger told NEF. "These materials have supported turn-taking skills, joint attention skills, the development of emergent pretend play schemes, and most importantly supported developing shared joy between students and staff."
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