{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Brigham Early Learning Center","outOfStateSupporters":22.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10225463,"letterContent":"My preschool students were filled with excitement when they first saw the new materials from our project, \"Every Child Deserves a Strong Start.\" The moment the boxes were opened, students eagerly gathered around to explore the hands-on learning tools, games, and activities. Their smiles, laughter, and curiosity showed just how meaningful these new resources were for them. Since receiving the materials, we have been using them daily during small groups, learning centers, and play-based language activities to strengthen communication, social interaction, fine motor skills, and early literacy concepts.\r\nStudents worked together to sort objects, build with manipulatives, and practice describing and comparing items using new vocabulary words. These hands-on experiences have helped my students stay engaged while building confidence and important developmental skills through play and exploration. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, my students are receiving meaningful learning experiences that help build a strong foundation for future success.","fullyFundedDate":1778294705923,"projectUrl":"project/every-child-deserves-a-strong-start/10225463/","projectTitle":"Every Child Deserves a Strong Start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10222501,"letterContent":"My preschool students were beyond excited when they first saw the new learning materials arrive in our classroom. The moment I introduced the play vending machine, magnetic blocks, sorting games, and fine motor activities, their faces lit up with smiles and excitement. Many students immediately began talking with one another, asking questions, and exploring the materials together. These resources have helped create a classroom environment where learning feels like play, while also building important speech, language, social, and early academic skills. \r\n\r\nOne of our favorite classroom moments happened during a forest animal sorting activity paired with magnetic character figures and building blocks. Students worked together to create animal homes while practicing categories, describing words, and problem-solving skills. I watched students who are usually hesitant to participate \r\nbecome more confident using language to explain their ideas and interact with peers. \r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have access to engaging tools that help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally every single day. Thank you for giving my preschoolers meaningful opportunities to explore, create, and learn with excitement and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1778444292177,"projectUrl":"project/engage-explore-grow-fresh-tools-for-c/10222501/","projectTitle":"Engage, Explore, Grow: Fresh Tools for Curious Preschool Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":1548394,"projectId":10191891,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping our little learners with new activities to help promote their gross motor skills!\r\n\r\nThe seesaw has been a huge hit, and the tricycles were much needed! We now have enough two-seater tricycles that students aren't having to wait extended amounts of time to use them!\r\n\r\nKeeping our kids moving and engaged is one of our top priorities, and because of donors like you, we are able to accomplish this. We sincerely appreciate your support of our classroom and your help with this project!","fullyFundedDate":1776307405933,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-movin/10191891/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Movin'!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hereford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/karahereford"},{"teacherId":10421190,"projectId":10066915,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping bring these engaging speech and language materials to my preschool students! The excitement on their faces when they first saw the new toys and games was incredible. Many of my students immediately began exploring together, using more words, gestures, and social interaction during play than I had seen before. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students use the community helper figures to act out a pretend trip to the doctor's office. They practiced taking turns, asking questions, labeling items, and using new vocabulary while laughing and working together.\r\n\r\nWe are using the feed-the-animal toys during speech groups to target requesting, describing, following directions, and playfully expanding sentences. The sorting and matching activities have become favorites in our literacy centers because students are building vocabulary and categorization skills while also practicing early reading readiness skills. The magnetic blocks have encouraged cooperative play and problem-solving, giving students natural opportunities to communicate with peers and practice social language.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making such a positive impact on my students' confidence and willingness to communicate. As we continue through the school year, we will use these resources to support themed classroom units, story retelling activities, and collaborative play projects that strengthen both language and early literacy skills. Your generosity is helping my students find their voices, connect with others, and experience success through play-based learning. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1774963595078,"projectUrl":"project/little-voices-big-words-play-based-spe/10066915/","projectTitle":"Little Voices, Big Words: Play-Based Speech for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garnhart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10421190_orig.png?crop=3024,3024,x0,y977&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769707799297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10421190"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10185552,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new resources, my students have been actively engaged in hands-on, play-based learning every day. One of our favorite classroom moments has been during small group language centers, where students use mini objects and themed games to build vocabulary and practice forming simple sentences. For example, during a farm-themed activity, students matched animals, described them, and practiced phrases like \"I see a cow\" or \"The pig is pink.\" These activities not only support speech and language goals, but also build confidence as students begin to express themselves more independently.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and heartwarming. Their eyes lit up, and they couldn't wait to explore each item. Even students who are typically more hesitant to participate were eager to join in, touch the materials, and try new activities. The engaging, hands-on nature of these resources naturally draws them in and helps create a positive, inclusive learning environment where every child feels successful.","fullyFundedDate":1776533838299,"projectUrl":"project/small-but-mighty-building-big-skills-wi/10185552/","projectTitle":"Small But Mighty: Building Big Skills With Mini Objects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":10397909,"projectId":10195422,"letterContent":"This project has created meaningful new opportunities for preschoolers to build communication skills through movement, play, and outdoor exploration. Using a portable magnetic easel, speech-language therapy has extended beyond the classroom and into the fresh air, giving students a more engaging and flexible environment for learning. The easel has made it easy to bring visuals, stories, vocabulary activities, and interactive lessons outdoors so students can participate in structured speech-language therapy while benefiting from the motivation and regulation that outdoor settings provide.\r\n\r\nMini-objects used in sand tables, water tables, and other sensory play activities have given students hands-on opportunities to practice language in meaningful, play-based contexts. As they dig, scoop, pour, hide, and discover, students build vocabulary, answer WH-questions, describe actions, and practice spatial concepts like in, on, under, and next to. These materials have helped turn sensory play into purposeful language learning while keeping students engaged and excited to communicate.\r\n\r\nBy combining structured therapy tools with outdoor movement and sensory exploration, this project has helped students strengthen early language and literacy skills in ways that feel natural, motivating, and fun. These experiences have supported communication growth, increased participation, and helped students carry new skills into everyday play and classroom routines. Thank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1777045231527,"projectUrl":"project/building-language-and-literacy-in-the-gr/10195422/","projectTitle":"Building Language and Literacy in the Great Outdoors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lutes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397909_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767815720860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397909"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10179574,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate—little eyes lit up as students explored the ocean-themed items, scooped through sensory bins, and carefully examined seashells. One of our favorite moments was during a small-group \"ocean exploration\" activity. Students used the shells to sort by size and texture while practicing new vocabulary like smooth, bumpy, big, and tiny. As they played, they naturally began asking questions, making observations, and even creating simple stories about their \"ocean finds.\" It was incredible to see how quickly play turned into meaningful language and learning.\r\nThe literacy sound-sorting and syllable activities have also been a big hit. Students are clapping syllables, matching beginning sounds, and gaining confidence as they hear and produce new words. The mouth model has been especially helpful for showing how sounds are made, giving students a visual and hands-on way to practice correct speech sound placement. Fidget tools have supported focus and engagement, helping all learners stay involved during activities. Thanks to your support, these hands-on experiences are helping our preschoolers grow into confident communicators and curious learners every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1776111615361,"projectUrl":"project/summer-smiles-learning-styles/10179574/","projectTitle":"Summer Smiles & Learning Styles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10085916,"letterContent":"The Monster Minds in the Making project has made a meaningful impact on my PreK students by turning everyday learning into exciting, hands-on experiences. With the addition of engaging monster-themed materials, books, and interactive tools, students have become more motivated to participate, communicate, and explore. These resources have created a playful environment where learning feels fun, encouraging even my most hesitant learners to join in and take risks.\r\n\r\nI have seen growth in students' ability to answer questions, follow directions, and use new vocabulary, especially during interactive activities with the monster puppet and learning games. These materials have helped build confidence, increase engagement, and support early literacy and STEM skills in a meaningful way. Most importantly, my students are developing a love for learning as their \"monster minds\" continue to grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1774963686340,"projectUrl":"project/monster-minds-in-the-making/10085916/","projectTitle":"Monster Minds in the Making","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":1548394,"projectId":10041620,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of our classroom and our social emotional learning!\r\n\r\nWe have been able to utilize hands on tools and strategies that are helpful for our students to help them learn to regulate their emotions with the help of the materials from our project. Students are not hesitant to go to our calming corner now that there are useful tools there for them to use.\r\n\r\nStudents have been excited to learn more about all the different emotions while they are in the calming corner, and they especially love the new sensory tubes!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1769293515631,"projectUrl":"project/breathe-in-breathe-out-regulate-your-e/10041620/","projectTitle":"Breathe In, Breathe Out: Regulate Your Emotions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hereford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/karahereford"},{"teacherId":1548394,"projectId":10032904,"letterContent":"My students have been able to utilize many new manipulatives in our classroom, as well as create some magical new sensory bottles with things created on our 3D printer. We are currently working on a weather study, so we have created lighting bolts, rain drops, and thunder clouds for both our math center and our sensory bottles. We have also been able to create several fidgets for some of our students. We can't thank you enough for your donation to make this project come to life for us! We have really enjoyed getting to make things to use in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1769185017126,"projectUrl":"project/magical-manipulatives-for-pre-k/10032904/","projectTitle":"Magical Manipulatives For Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hereford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/karahereford"},{"teacherId":10421190,"projectId":10071533,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Play, Talk, and Learn: Building Preschool Language & Literacy.\" Because of your generosity, my students are strengthening their language and literacy skills in ways that feel joyful, natural, and engaging. We are using the Magnetic Category Sorting Rods during small group speech time to build vocabulary and practice categorizing, while the Lakeshore Alphabet Cones have quickly become a favorite during our sessions as students explore letters, sounds, and early phonics through play.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. My preschoolers couldn't wait to explore each new activity, and their curiosity led to meaningful conversations right away. Students who are still developing their language skills were especially drawn in, using the hands-on tools to express themselves in new ways. It was incredible to see how quickly they began asking questions, naming objects, and connecting with their peers through shared play experiences.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are building on this momentum by expanding our focus on storytelling, early reading skills, and collaborative learning. Students will continue using these materials to create and retell stories, strengthen letter recognition, and practice organizing their thinking through categorizing activities. These next steps will help deepen their understanding while nurturing their love for learning. Your support has given my students the foundation to grow into confident communicators and enthusiastic early readers. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference!","fullyFundedDate":1770392872821,"projectUrl":"project/play-talk-and-learn-building-preschoo/10071533/","projectTitle":"Play, Talk, and Learn: Building Preschool Language & Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garnhart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10421190_orig.png?crop=3024,3024,x0,y977&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769707799297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10421190"},{"teacherId":10398200,"projectId":10037498,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our preschool classroom. Because of you, my students now have engaging, age-appropriate books and hands-on materials that are strengthening their language and literacy skills every single day. \r\n\r\nDuring therapy time, the students have enjoyed using a flashlight to find the hidden pictures in these new books. The diverse family figurines have enriched our dramatic play center, allowing children to see themselves represented while practicing storytelling and expressive language.\r\n\r\nThe Magna-Tiles and penguin blocks provided hands on activities for winter themed unit. The answer buzzers were beneficial to create classroom stations to reinforce pre-literacy themes. The lamination sleeves are helping me create durable, reusable learning materials that will support instruction all year long. Your support has created meaningful opportunities for communication, creativity, and joy in learning. We are truly grateful for your investment in our youngest learners.","fullyFundedDate":1769023518032,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-read-language-and-literacy-acti/10037498/","projectTitle":"Help Me Read! Language and Literacy Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McClure","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398200"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25339","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":180,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":77.6,"schoolId":25339,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Brigham Early Learning Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Brigham Early Learning Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/brigham-elementary-school/25339"}