Much Loved Dolls Need to Be Replaced

My Students: I teach pre-K in a Title 1 school in Brooklyn. They may be the youngest in the school, but don't count them out. 4-year-olds are very inquisitive and they are not afraid to sa...

My Project: My students need 12 different baby dolls, a bed, a cradle and bedding for the bed. I am requesting dolls -- both babies and children aged dolls -- to replace the ones in my cl... more»

My Students: I teach pre-K in a Title 1 school in Brooklyn. They may be the youngest in the school, but don't count them out. 4-year-olds are very inquisitive and they are not afraid to say what is on their minds.

My students love the pretend area, especially the girls, although boys are showing more interest coming in and playing "daddy." It is amazing the things that they say when they are in here. Many times they behave as their parents do, and treat the "baby dolls" like their own children. Unfortunately, the majority of the dolls in our classroom has seen a little too much wear and tear. Plus there aren't enough dolls for everyone in the pretend area to share.

In addition to being used in the pretend area, these dolls are read to during reading time. The children take the dolls from the pretend area and read them stories after lunch or during transition times. It has become very natural for them to take a doll and start reading to them on their laps.

My Project: My students need 12 different baby dolls, a bed, a cradle and bedding for the bed. I am requesting dolls -- both babies and children aged dolls -- to replace the ones in my classroom. I know that my students would love the presence of new dolls, both to play with and to read to. It would help provide the exposure of seeing dolls in different colors so they realize that skin color is not just black and white. As the year progresses, the presence of these dolls would help when we discuss and learn about people who are "different" from them, but not really. The Empathy Doll was chosen because it weighs like a baby, feels like a baby and elicits emotions like a baby! This would make playtime even more meaningful. Children will have something solid to interact with, not a floppy doll. It will also help to really feel like mom or dad taking care of a "real" baby. I am also hoping that it will help children share their troubles and joys with these lovable “listening dolls.”

You can make it possible for my students' imagination to thrive and grow, as well as enjoy the pleasures that dolls have to offer. Children will be able to show empathy, compassion, love and learn the value of responsibility in taking care of these children. The baby bed and cradle will provide a life-like place for them to rest their "babies." hide»