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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Pennes from Rohnert Park, CA is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Pennes is requesting

Independent Play = Independent Learning!

Help me give my students puzzles, books, and small motor toys for self-regulating playtime.

  • $518 goal

This project expired on May 14, 2025.

This project expired on May 14, 2025.

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

Early learners need opportunities to develop problem solving, confidence, small motor skills, and self-regulation skills. Independent play with puzzles, connecting toys, finger puppets, and coloring books encourage intrinsic problem solving through creative exploration of their properties. Developmentally appropriate books and toys support small motor skills and cognitive confidence. Confidence is further promoted as well as self-regulation skills are practiced when students make decisions on their own.

Independent Learning Boxes will develop essential skills needed by early learners!

My TK students are excited and motivated little learners! Providing individual boxes with these materials will offer them daily extended learning opportunities throughout the school year. The boxes will be rotated giving each child time to explore all of the materials. Playing with these puppets, books, and toys will enhance the learning of my TK students.

Mrs. Pennes John Reed Elementary School Grades PreK-2

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mrs. Pennes

Rohnert Park, CA View local requests

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

24 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mrs. Pennes is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Finger Puppet Set | The Original Storytime Learning Aid | 16 Pack | Puppets for Teachers | Parents | Students & Children - Storytelling Reading Prop • Amazon Business $11.99 4 $47.96
10Pcs Finger Puppets Set - Soft Plush Animals Finger Puppet Toys for Kids, Mini Plush Figures Toy Assortment for Boys & Girls, Party Favors for Shows, Playtime, Schools • Amazon Business $7.99 4 $31.96
Suction Cup Fidget Sensory Toys: 48 Pack Suction Cup People Toys Fidget Toy for Autism Autistic ADHD Kids Ages 3+, Creative Travel Toys Idea for Boys Girls • Amazon Business $29.93 1 $29.93
24 Pack Small Coloring Books for Kids Ages 4-8, 2-4 - Bulk Coloring Bundle Classroom Rewards, Prizes, PreK Kindergarten Party Favors with Disney, Nick, More | Mini Activity Books for Boys, Girls • Amazon Business $23.99 1 $23.99
SYNARRY Wooden Alphabet Puzzles for Kids Ages 3-5, ABC Learning for Toddlers Ages 3+, Sight Words Letter Puzzles Montessori Toys Educational STEM for Preschool Boys Girls Kids Gifts • Amazon Business $23.98 1 $23.98
Puzzles for Kids Ages 4-8, 14 Pack Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles 30 Pieces Preschool Educational Learning Toys Set for Toddler Boys and Girls Stocking Stuffers • Amazon Business $19.99 1 $19.99
JUANYUE 500 PCS Building Toy Building Blocks Bars Different Shape Educational Construction Engineering Set 3D Puzzle, Interlocking Creative Connecting Kit, Building Construction Toys A Great STEM Toy • Amazon Business $19.98 1 $19.98
Folk & Fairy Tale Easy Readers Parent Pack: 15 Classic Stories That Are "Just Right" for Young Readers • Amazon Business $16.71 1 $16.71
Kitten Love - Finger Puppet Board Book for Cat Lovers Ages 0-3 (Children's Interactive Finger Puppet Board Book) • Amazon Business $7.43 2 $14.86
Baby Penguin: Finger Puppet Book: (Finger Puppet Book for Toddlers and Babies, Baby Books for First Year, Animal Finger Puppets) (Baby Animal Finger Puppets, 11) • Amazon Business $7.43 2 $14.86
Five Little Monkeys (Finger Puppet Board Book) • Amazon Business $7.43 2 $14.86
Itsy Bitsy Spider (Finger Puppet Board Book) • Amazon Business $7.19 2 $14.38
Puppy Love Finger Puppet Board Book for Little Dog Lovers, Ages 1-4 (Children's Interactive Finger Puppet Board Book) • Amazon Business $6.99 2 $13.98
A Little Unicorn Finger Puppet Board Book, Mythical & Magical Book for Baby Unicorn Lovers Ages 1-4 • Amazon Business $6.69 2 $13.38
Super Z Outlet Mini Grandparents, Mom & Dad, Brother & Sister Family Style Finger Puppets for Children, Shows, Playtime, Schools - 6 Piece (Family 3) • Amazon Business $6.64 2 $13.28
Super Z Outlet Mini Grandparents, Mom & Dad, Brother & Sister Family Style Finger Puppets for Children, Shows, Playtime, Schools - 6 Piece (Family 1) • Amazon Business $6.64 2 $13.28
Super Z Outlet Mini Grandparents, Mom & Dad, Brother & Sister Family Style Finger Puppets for Children, Shows, Playtime, Schools - 6 Piece (Family 3) • Amazon Business $6.64 2 $13.28
Baby Unicorn: Finger Puppet Book • AKJ Education $5.83 2 $11.66
I Spy a Dinosaur's Eye (Scholastic Reader, Level 1) • Amazon Business $5.99 1 $5.99
I Spy an Egg in a Nest (Scholastic Reader, Level 1) • Amazon Business $3.99 1 $3.99
I Spy Funny Teeth (Scholastic Reader, Level 1) • Amazon Business $3.99 1 $3.99
I Spy a School Bus (Scholastic Reader, Level 1) • Amazon Business $3.99 1 $3.99

Materials cost

$370.28

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$33.88

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.55

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$439.71

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$77.60

Total project goal

$517.31

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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