A Community Effort in Creating Calm Learning Spaces

Written by: Jonathan Oei (Development and Communications Associate)

Children can be easily distracted by sounds, materials, and activity in the classroom.

Sunshine Wu Fisher, our Mental Health Coordinator, adapted this idea from one of our sites where shelf covers were used to minimize visual distractions. Sunshine teamed up with our former board member, Dionne Clabaugh, to bring this creative solution to all our sites. By incorporating shelf covers into classrooms, the organization is intentionally creating calmer, more organized learning environments. Reducing visual clutter helps children focus, strengthens their ability to self-regulate, and supports deeper engagement in activities. Though simple in design, these covers will make a meaningful difference in children’s daily classroom experiences.

The goal of the project is to produce around 150 shelf covers to serve all of our sites and two Family Child Care homes. To bring this project to life, the volunteering program at Izzi and Sunshine sought out volunteers across our organization, reaching out to past volunteers and San Mateo community members welcoming both experienced sewers and those who simply wanted to lend a helping hand. 

This volunteering opportunity took place on two different days, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Always Quilting in San Mateo, CA. Sunshine and Dionne were able to rent out their large back space where volunteers or community members can come and work on various projects. On the first day, volunteers gathered and worked together to prepare, assemble, and sew the covers. By the end of the day, 136 out of 147 pieces of cloth were cut and labeled. From there, 63 pieces were ironed and fitted with Velcro, and 34 were completely sewn and ready for use, marking significant progress toward completing the project.

On the second day, an additional 45 shelf covers were completed during this session and 58 shelf covers just need their hems sewn to be ready for use! At this point, shelf covers for 6 out of the 15 classrooms have been fully completed and are ready for delivery. Sunshine shared that plans are currently being coordinated to complete the remaining classroom covers in the coming weeks.

This project would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of the volunteers and those who helped organize this event. From cutting and labeling fabric to ironing, sewing, and organizing materials, each person contributed their time, skills, and care to ensure the success of this effort. It was inspiring to see staff members, former volunteers, board leadership, and community members come together with a shared purpose.

“We are reminded that meaningful change often begins with small, thoughtful actions.”

As Sunshine continues working toward completing shelf covers for all 15 classrooms and our Family Child Care homes, we are reminded that meaningful change often begins with small, thoughtful actions. These shelf covers represent more than fabric and thread, they reflect our commitment to creating calm, supportive learning environments where children can thrive. We look forward to delivering the remaining covers in the coming weeks and seeing the positive impact unfold across our sites. The organization expresses gratitude to Sunshine Wu Fisher and Dionne Clabaugh for championing this initiative and helping turn a simple idea into a meaningful transformative project for the classrooms. 

Be part of something meaningful! Volunteer with Izzi Early Education and support early education in your community. Visit izziearlyed.org/volunteer-page-1 to get started.