Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. The percentage of families without access to critical resources is rising, and that includes the ability to provide learning tools at home that boost childrens’ performance in school.
Building a DIY Learning at Home Kit is a great way to ensure families have important educational items to fuel learning from home. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!
Supplies Needed:
• Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
• Please include a minimum of three flash card sets and two other items from the list below.
FLASH CARDS (age/grade indicated on box)
• Letters
• Sight words
• Phonics
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Time/money
• Any flash cards that are math/literacy focused
WORKBOOKS
• Coloring books focused on animals, shapes, colors, letters, etc.
• Workbooks with games, learning exercises, letter tracing
BOOKS
• Children’s books focused on activities, vocabulary, friendship and learning
LEARNING GAMES
• Go Fish, matching games
• Blocks, puzzles
• Stringing beads, glue sticks, play dough
OTHER LITERACY TOOLS/MISC.
• Mini dry erase board with marker
• Small plastic bin to store items in
• Sketch/drawing pad
• Crayons
Please note that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30. Please note that some items may be available at dollar or discount stores.
Considerations for Buying Materials:
• When you shop for materials, please keep in mind that children who receive kits come from a variety of backgrounds and demographics. It’s important to pick materials that celebrate and showcase a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, statuses, and family makeups to ensure children can see themselves and their peers represented in the materials.
• Provide materials in multiple languages. You could create a kit completely in another language or mix two languages into one kit.
• Languages most needed: English, Spanish, Arabic. (If you create kits in languages other than English, please let United Way staff know so that they can match you with an appropriate agency.)
How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag plus a minimum of three flash card sets and two additional items from the above list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or never opened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.
Host a Drive:
• Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location to have online purchases shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together!
Delivery Information:
• Once you sign up (select RESPOND), we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local
nonprofit agencies.
Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer or #LiveUnited and tag us @UnitedWaySEM.
Download DIY Project Guide to share with friends and family!
