{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Freeburg Primary Center","outOfStateSupporters":20.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":10154801,"letterContent":"The new social-emotional books in my preschool classroom introduce a variety of foundational skills that support young children's overall development. These texts help children learn how to identify and name their emotions, such as feeling frustrated, excited, or nervous, while also building self-regulation strategies for managing those feelings. Many of the stories highlight empathy and perspective-taking, encouraging children to understand how others might feel in different situations. They also introduce important social skills like sharing, taking turns, problem-solving, and resolving conflicts, all through relatable characters and simple, meaningful storylines that connect to children's everyday experiences.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is an interactive and engaging experience that goes beyond simply listening to a story. During read-alouds, students gather together and actively participate by making predictions, answering questions, and discussing how characters are feeling and why. I often pause while reading to model thinking aloud, ask open-ended questions, and connect the story to real-life situations in our classroom. We revisit books multiple times, which helps reinforce vocabulary and deepen understanding. I also incorporate movement, facial expressions, and tone of voice to bring the stories to life, making reading both meaningful and developmentally appropriate for preschool learners.\r\n\r\nSeveral students are especially drawn to these new books, particularly those who are beginning to navigate big emotions or social challenges. Some children are eager to share their own experiences during discussions, especially when a story relates to friendship or conflict, while others show their engagement by requesting the same books repeatedly or acting out scenes during playtime. I have noticed that quieter students are becoming more involved by pointing out how characters feel or using new emotional vocabulary they have learned. Overall, these books are not only capturing students' interest but also helping them build confidence in expressing themselves and connecting with others.","fullyFundedDate":1773877108867,"projectUrl":"project/little-books-big-feelings/10154801/","projectTitle":"Little Books, Big Feelings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":10030584,"letterContent":"Our students have been enthusiastically using the Peek-a-Boo Caterpillar Climbing Structure as part of our daily movement and play-based learning routines. One especially meaningful moment occurred during a small group activity where we encouraged children to take turns climbing through the caterpillar and cheering on their peers. This simple experience quickly turned into a powerful opportunity to build social-emotional skills, as students practiced patience, cooperation, and encouraging language. \r\nWhen the students first saw the caterpillar, their excitement was immediate and contagious. Many of them were eager to explore it right away: crawling through, climbing over, and even incorporating it into imaginative play. Some children pretended it was a tunnel, a hiding spot, or even part of a \"bug adventure.\" For a few of our more hesitant learners, it provided a gentle and inviting way to take safe risks, and we saw their confidence grow as they became more comfortable engaging with the structure over time.\r\nThanks to this resource, we are now able to take our learning a step further by intentionally integrating movement into academic and social-emotional lessons. Our next steps include creating structured movement stations where children can rotate through activities that target specific skills such as turn-taking, following directions, and problem-solving. We also plan to connect the caterpillar to literacy by incorporating storytelling and themed activities (such as insect units), allowing students to act out stories and build comprehension through movement. This resource continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting the whole child: physically, socially, and emotionally. We are so grateful for the opportunity it provides our classroom each day.","fullyFundedDate":1771521646577,"projectUrl":"project/climb-crawl-and-explore-with-our-peek-/10030584/","projectTitle":"Climb, Crawl, and Explore with Our Peek-A-Boo Caterpillar","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":10098255,"letterContent":"Our students have been very excited to use the Gym Dandy Teeter Totters during outdoor play and movement time. One special moment happened when a small group of children worked together to take turns on the teeter totter while practicing balance and cooperation. We talked about how their bodies move up and down and how working together helps keep the teeter totter moving smoothly. The children counted as they went up and down, which turned the activity into a fun way to practice early math skills like counting and turn-taking. It also created opportunities for social learning as they encouraged their friends and waited patiently for their turns.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new teeter totters, they were thrilled. Many of them ran over with big smiles and immediately began asking if they could try them. Some children had never used a teeter totter before, so it was exciting to watch them explore how it worked and discover the feeling of balancing with a partner. The equipment quickly became a favorite during outdoor playtime.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students include continuing to use the teeter totters as part of our movement and learning activities. We are incorporating them into lessons about balance, teamwork, and body awareness. As we work on counting and cooperative play, the children will practice taking turns, communicating with friends, and supporting each other while they play. These experiences help strengthen both their physical development and their social-emotional skills, making learning active, engaging, and fun.","fullyFundedDate":1771526888278,"projectUrl":"project/up-down-and-learning-all-around/10098255/","projectTitle":"Up, Down, and Learning All Around","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":10083954,"letterContent":"Providing tissues, Clorox wipes, Lysol spray, and hand sanitizer has already made a meaningful difference in our preschool classroom by helping us maintain a clean, healthy environment where children can focus on learning and play. As an Early Childhood Teacher, I see every day how quickly germs can spread when little hands are exploring, building, creating, and working closely together. Because of these new resources, we are able to sanitize tables between activities, clean manipulatives like sorting bears and linking cubes after math centers, and encourage consistent hand hygiene throughout the day. This has helped reduce illness and minimize interruptions to learning.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stood out was during our recent literacy and math centers. The children were measuring their feet with cubes and paper clips and then rotating to a name-writing station. Between groups, we were able to quickly wipe down materials and tables, making the transitions smooth and safe. The students have become active participants in keeping our classroom clean. They are proud to use hand sanitizer before snack and after centers, and they remind one another to grab a tissue or wash hands when needed. When they first saw the new supplies, they were excited and curious. Several students noticed the large containers of wipes and asked what they were for, which led to a great conversation about germs, staying healthy, and taking care of our classroom community.\r\n\r\nOur donors truly gave us more than supplies they gave us peace of mind. Knowing we have what we need to maintain a healthy space allows us to focus fully on learning goals like letter recognition, rhyming, and number recognition.","fullyFundedDate":1771521848194,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-classrooms-ready-learners/10083954/","projectTitle":"Healthy Classrooms, Ready Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":10076781,"letterContent":"Our preschoolers were absolutely thrilled when the new movement materials arrived! As an Early Childhood Teacher who is intentionally working to integrate more purposeful movement into learning, these resources have already made a big impact in our classroom. When the students first saw the jump ropes, ring flyers, playground balls, scoop-and-toss sets, and balancing stilts, their eyes lit up with excitement. They immediately began asking if they could try everything at once! We took time to introduce each item safely and talk about how to use the materials responsibly, which helped build anticipation and self-regulation skills.\r\n\r\nOur students' reactions were full of joy, laughter, and determination. Some children who are typically hesitant to try new things showed incredible perseverance while practicing on the stilts. Others worked together to create games with the ring flyers, strengthening both their gross motor and social skills. \r\n\r\nThe next steps in our classroom include building structured movement circuits that align with our literacy and math goals. We are planning a \"Letter and Movement Path\" where students will jump rope to the beat of letter sounds, toss balls to uppercase and lowercase matches, and balance along a path while identifying rhyming words. By continuing to connect movement with academics, we are strengthening the body-brain connection and creating an inclusive environment where all learners can thrive.\r\nWe are so grateful to our donors for making this possible. These materials are not just playground equipment—they are tools that support cognitive development, sensory regulation, social-emotional growth, and joyful learning every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1771521249716,"projectUrl":"project/moving-balancing-and-building-big-musc/10076781/","projectTitle":"Moving, Balancing, and Building Big Muscles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":10076670,"letterContent":"We are using our new resources daily during small group instruction, math centers, and independent exploration time. The lacing beads are helping students strengthen fine motor skills while also creating patterns and sorting by color and shape. The sorting bears and pattern cards are being used to practice counting, one-to-one correspondence, classifying, and building simple to complex patterns. The large tape measure has been incorporated into hands-on measurement activities where students compare lengths of classroom objects and even measure each other's height. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to explore, ask questions, and begin using the new tools. Many students were especially drawn to the colorful bears. The hands-on nature of these materials sparked curiosity and encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and meaningful conversations about math concepts.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to build on these foundational skills by increasing the complexity of patterns, introducing simple graphing activities with the sorting bears, and expanding measurement lessons to include non-standard and standard units. Thanks to this generous support, our students are developing confidence in math while building essential skills that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1771031407269,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-learning/10076670/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9994510,"letterContent":"Our students have been using the weather stampers, seasonal stampers, double-sided sponge stampers, and decorative edge scissors during a variety of art and learning activities that support creativity, fine motor development, and early academic concepts. One special classroom moment occurred during a weather-themed art project, where children used weather stampers to create pictures representing sunny, rainy, and snowy days. They then talked about the weather shown in their artwork, connecting their creations to real-life observations and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nWhen the students were first introduced to the materials, they were excited and eager to explore. Many were immediately drawn to the different shapes and textures of the stampers, while others were fascinated by the decorative edge scissors. The children showed pride in their work, carefully stamping patterns, choosing colors, and experimenting with cutting techniques. The materials encouraged creativity while also strengthening hand muscles, coordination, and control.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students will continue using these materials in upcoming lessons focused on seasons, patterns, and storytelling through art. Next steps include incorporating the stampers into literacy activities, such as illustrating stories, and using the decorative scissors during guided small-group projects to build independence and confidence. Your generosity has made it possible for our students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that support both creativity and skill development.","fullyFundedDate":1768437237378,"projectUrl":"project/stamp-snip-fun/9994510/","projectTitle":"Stamp & Snip Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9958723,"letterContent":"Our students have been actively using the coffee filters, paper plates, and cotton balls in a variety of open-ended art experiences that support creativity, fine motor development, and self-expression. One favorite classroom moment was when the children used coffee filters and droppers to explore color mixing with watercolor paints. They were excited to watch the colors spread and blend, sparking conversations about colors, patterns, and cause-and-effect. Cotton balls and paper plates have also been used to create textured art projects, allowing children to experiment with different materials while strengthening hand-eye coordination.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were immediately curious and eager to explore. Many recognized the items from everyday life, which helped them feel confident and excited to use them in new ways. The simplicity of the materials encouraged imagination, with children quickly sharing ideas and proudly explaining their creations to teachers and classmates.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students will continue to build on these experiences by using the materials in upcoming art and literacy-based projects. Next steps include incorporating these supplies into seasonal crafts, sensory art activities, and small-group projects that encourage following directions, creativity, and collaboration. Your generosity has provided meaningful learning opportunities and helped create engaging, hands-on experiences that support the growth and development of every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768397808970,"projectUrl":"project/creative-classroom-art-supplies/9958723/","projectTitle":"Creative Classroom Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9961135,"letterContent":"We are using the new musical instruments during whole-group music and movement time, small groups, and choice time. One favorite classroom moment was when the entire class used the egg shakers to follow along to the song \"I Know a Chicken\" by Laurie Berkner. Students practiced keeping the beat, listening for musical cues, and coordinating their movements with the rhythm of the song, which supported both motor development and attention skills. We have also used the wooden frog instruments, Korean traditional hand drum, cymbals with handles, ocean drum, and a variety of wooden percussion instruments to explore concepts such as loud/soft, fast/slow, and different rhythms.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were immediately excited and curious. Many carefully examined the instruments, asked questions about how they worked, and eagerly waited for their turn to play. The variety of sounds and textures captured their interest and encouraged cooperation, turn-taking, and shared enjoyment as they created music together.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue developing rhythm and listening skills by matching instruments to songs, responding to musical cues, and working collaboratively to create simple patterns and classroom sound stories. We will also connect music to social-emotional learning by incorporating instruments into calming routines and transitions. These resources are supporting self-expression, confidence, and joyful, meaningful learning experiences in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768412268603,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-beats/9961135/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Beats","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9963202,"letterContent":"We are using the new storage shelf and bins to organize our housekeeping center, making materials easy for students to see, choose, and put away independently. This has made the center more inviting and has helped students stay engaged in dramatic play for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the organized space, they were excited to explore. They quickly began pretending to cook, set tables, and take on family roles, proudly returning items to the correct bins.\r\n\r\nThe playdough character pieces are being used at our playdough center, where students create characters and stories using their imaginations. These pieces support fine motor development, creativity, and language skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to expand dramatic play themes in the housekeeping center and use the playdough characters to support storytelling and emotional expression as part of our classroom learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766196950736,"projectUrl":"project/helping-little-learners-stay-organized/9963202/","projectTitle":"Helping Little Learners Stay Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9963200,"letterContent":"We are using the new storage shelf and bins to organize our housekeeping center, making materials easy for students to see, choose, and put away independently. This has made the center more inviting and has helped students stay engaged in dramatic play for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the organized space, they were excited to explore. They quickly began pretending to cook, set tables, and take on family roles, proudly returning items to the correct bins.\r\n\r\nThe playdough character pieces are being used at our playdough center, where students create characters and stories using their imaginations. These pieces support fine motor development, creativity, and language skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to expand dramatic play themes in the housekeeping center and use the playdough characters to support storytelling and emotional expression as part of our classroom learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766197265763,"projectUrl":"project/play-pretend-and-learn-life-skills-in/9963200/","projectTitle":"Play, Pretend, and Learn: Life Skills in the Home Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9918383,"letterContent":"We are using the new resources across multiple learning centers to support hands-on, play-based learning. The Three Bear Family Sort, Pattern & Play and Rhyme and Sort Rockets are being used during small-group instruction to build early math, patterning, sorting, and phonological awareness skills. The washable ink pads and dry-erase markers are incorporated into literacy and fine-motor centers, allowing students to practice name writing, letter formation, and drawing while strengthening hand control.\r\n\r\nThe Farm Animals Sand Kit with sensory sand and the instant fake snow have enhanced our sensory table, encouraging imaginative play, descriptive language, and cooperative interactions. When students first saw the new materials, they were excited, curious, and eager to explore. Many immediately began asking questions and sharing ideas, showing high engagement and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nNext steps include expanding patterning and rhyming challenges, using the sensory materials to support vocabulary and storytelling, and integrating writing tools into guided practice and independent work. These resources will continue to support differentiated instruction and meaningful learning experiences for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1764713772812,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-through-play/9918383/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_93852","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":260,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":91,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"16.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.6,"schoolId":93852,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Freeburg Primary Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Freeburg Primary Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/freeburg-community-consolidated-school-district-70/freeburg-primary-center/93852"}