Eight Waves has brought back the Bears Who Care program to schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The nonprofit merged with Bears Who Care, a nonprofit Kari Kron Schmitz founded that provides books and teddy bears to ill and disadvantaged children so they have a comforting companion and something to encourage them to read.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, Bears Who Care is a preschool and elementary literacy program, expanding the original vision into schools where students can benefit from books, hands-on learning and community volunteers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since January nonprofit staff and volunteers have visited two schools and supported more than 150 students.<\/p>\n
During the visits, a community guest reader shares a story with students. Afterward, students rotate through four interactive learning stations: art, sensory, STEM discovery and career exploration.<\/p>\n
At the art station, children create artwork inspired by the story, while at the sensory station, children explore hands-on materials connected to the story.<\/p>\n
At the STEM discovery station, students work through simple challenges, helping to build problem-solving skills and early math concepts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the career exploration station, students learn about different jobs and community helpers, allowing them to imagine the various possibilities for their futures.<\/p>\n
At the end of the visit, every student receives a reading care package that includes a teddy bear reading buddy, books they can keep, a reading passport to track reading at home and a hygiene kit.<\/p>\n
Anyone can be involved in Bears Who Care by serving as a guest reader, volunteering at one of the learning stations, sponsoring books or reading care packages or helping bring the program to additional schools.<\/p>\n
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