Wayne Township Education Foundation
News Details
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April 2026
In Heather Peacock’s first-grade classroom, learning doesn’t stop when the books close—it simply takes a different form. Thanks to grant support from the Wayne Township Education Foundation and DonorsChoose, her “Imaginative Play” project is giving students something just as valuable as academic instruction: time and space to explore, create, and connect through play.
For Mrs. Peacock, imaginative play is more than just fun. It’s a purposeful opportunity for students to engage with materials that spark creativity and storytelling.
“Our students spend so much time focusing on academics,” Mrs. Peacock says. “Having time to play imaginatively allows their brains a chance to rest and absorb learning.”
Her McClelland Elementary classroom is now filled with hands-on props like playdough, magnetic blocks, veterinarian and dentist kits, cleaning sets, rock and dinosaur digs, and an assortment of figures and stuffed animals. Each item invites students to step into a world of their own making—whether they’re caring for animals, building structures, or acting out everyday experiences.
Mrs. Peacock says it’s not uncommon for students to incorporate newly learned concepts into their play, reinforcing skills in a natural and meaningful way. Imaginative play gives them a chance to practice social-emotional skills from the school's Second Steps curriculum—like cooperation, communication, and problem-solving—in real time.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Peacock hopes her students carry these experiences with them beyond her classroom and well into the future.
“I hope that my students remember having a chance to play in first grade,” she says, “as well as using the experience to model for their younger siblings and family members the importance of play.”
ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.