Happy Bunch Learners

Funded Dec 30, 2014

The day we came back to school from Winter Break, I told my students of your generosity and the materials that we would be receiving. I showed them the catalog pictures of what I had asked for. They were super excited! Almost every day, they would come in the classroom and ask me if today was the day we were going to receive the materials. I kept them on the loop of the process. Then one day, the secretary in our office called in my class saying she had sent the delivery person to bring in boxes for my class. All their faces lighted up! It was funny how even some had the "drop-jaw" expression on their faces. They were impressed to see the large boxes laying against the walls. I assured them that I was going to set all up once they left and they will see all the new materials the next morning. Needless to say, I felt like I was opening Christmas presents. My husband came in that afternoon to help me put the teacher table together, and help me move furniture around to arrange the new items. The next morning it was like Christmas morning for my students and also for the parents dropping off their children at my door. When the bell rang, I knew they would not be able to concentrate in any other thing but exploring the new materials, so we did. I showed them in small groups at a time how to sit at the listening center, play the CD player, and proper use of headphones. I was delighted to see their complete engagement with the materials and activities. Another small group went to the library center picked up books from the bookshelf and sat down to read. The carpet was a hit! With its bright colors and numbers, students were hopping through the numbers and counting out loud.

Since that day, my students have enjoyed the listening center, bookshelf, area rug, and teacher table. They have provided comfort and an inviting feeling in our daily time together. We sit and dance on the carpet during story time and music. It has ample space, and it is comfortable for all of us. The children also enjoy using it when building structures in the block area. The listening center has been one of my favorite! The order included two boxes filled with phonics and letter sounds materials. I didn't have to spent time creating materials because it came with nice and sturdy ready-to-use materials to put at the listening center. The materials are skills taught in kindergarten. It allows them to practice independently. My students have learned the skills faster and with ease because the activities are interactive. They are leveled and provide scaffolding of other skills. The library looks very inviting and organized. The books are displayed at children's eye level. They can easily be reached and easily put back. The teacher table has also been perfect! It is perfect in size and width to work in small group of up to seven students. There I can teach in a smaller setting and target specific skills to enhance student learning gains.

Once again, I am truly appreciative of your kind donations. Thank you for granting me my wish.

To the Donorschoose.org Team: I want to send a big warm Thank You for your professionalism and support during the funding of this project.

To the Lima Family, my chosen family: I feel blessed to have you in my life! Thank you for being wonderful and supportive whenever I have asked.

To the "Special Anonymous Donor": Eternally grateful for your kind donation, and for believing in my vision. Thank you for granting this project to come through and in providing my students with a safe, inviting, engaging, and properly-equipped classroom. Your donation will be a continuous blessing for many years to come! My wish is for you to continue to be a blessing and for it to come back to you ten fold.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Cantin