From "Rags" to "Riches"

Funded Apr 1, 2015

My students and I cannot thank you enough for your kind donation to our classroom. When my students first saw the rug and the bean bag chairs in our classroom, they could not contain their excitement. They cheered and jumped up and down. "Finally, a place where we can all sit down together!" "We all have our own square!" Each day when I enter my classroom, with and without my students, I am reminded of your love and support and I am filled with gratitude. Without this incredible donation, I do not think I would be able to successfully teach and learn alongside all 28 of my students.

I call my students to meet me on the rug each day during reading, writing, math, social studies, and class meetings. This time is so special because together we all get to share in talk and class discussion while having our own personal space. We are not squished or sitting on top of each other. We do not struggle to look at the person who is sharing in the discussion. This could not be said of the much smaller rug we had previously, nor would we be able to do this on the hard, uncomfortable tile floor. Along with giving each student a space to call their own, this massive rug also gives our first grade class a space to meet together.

Our bean bag chairs give students a chance to read independently their favorite book in a brighter and cozier environment. Students are also given an opportunity to sit on the bean bag chairs during class instruction as an incentive for their good listening and participation.

Before your generous donation, my students were forced to sit very close together on a rough, dull, brown rug. This made learning uncomfortable, boring, and undesirable for students. Now, students are eager to come to our bright and colorful rug and bean bag chairs to learn. They also constantly ask me if they can complete their work on the rug, read on the bean bag chairs and rug, and work with their group or partner on the rug. You have helped me teach my students who come from unfortunate circumstances that there are good people in this world and also what it means to donate to others. Thank you again on behalf of my students and I for your generous donations. ”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Maldonado