"Stations With a Purpose": Igniting Growth Through Communication at Hutchinson Elementary

The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation is proud to spotlight one of our recent grant recipients, Ms. Harrison of Hutchinson Elementary, whose visionary project, Stations With a Purpose, is already making a powerful impact.

With support from the foundation, Ms. Harrison has transformed her classroom into a dynamic, interactive learning environment—where communication is not only taught but lived and practiced in meaningful ways.

What Are 'Stations With a Purpose'?

At its heart, Stations With a Purpose is more than just a teaching method—it's a carefully designed, student-centered approach that fosters foundational communication skills through hands-on engagement. The classroom is divided into rotating stations, each offering a unique activity or challenge that helps students practice key communication skills like expressing needs, making choices, taking turns, and using language to explore the world around them.

Each station is strategically planned to meet students where they are, providing multiple opportunities to engage with content in ways that are both developmentally appropriate and emotionally supportive. Whether it's a role-playing area, a sensory zone, or a turn-taking game, every station serves a specific purpose in supporting communication growth.

Short-Term Goals, Long-Term Impact

Ms. Harrison’s short-term goal is clear: to create engaging, exciting opportunities that spark a love for learning and help each child gain confidence in using their voice. But the broader vision is even more powerful—creating a classroom culture where every student feels safe, valued, and capable of growth. This includes meeting students' basic needs by fostering a calm, comfortable space that encourages trust and readiness to learn.

Why This Matters

For many students, especially those who face communication challenges, traditional classroom methods can fall short. Stations With a Purpose reimagines the learning environment to be more inclusive, interactive, and intentional. Thanks to the funding from the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, Ms. Harrison is giving her students the tools—and the voice—they need to thrive.

We’re honored to support educators like Ms. Harrison, whose creativity and compassion are shaping the future, one purposeful station at a time.

This grant is made possible by the generosity of our donor community!