We delivered our first Binyamin's Buddy Bench to the Clifton Cheder preschool in August 2021. Today, 125 benches are available to 2,090 children in 90 preschools in the U.S., U.K., Israel and Argentina. And we're just getting started.
Teacher's Guide & Resources
Everything you need to know about introducing a buddy bench to your classroom is explained in our Teacher's Guide (click the arrow below). It includes activities for a welcome party, instructions for decorating the bench, and an illustrated storybook -- 5 Little Buddy Bench Stories -- you can read to your class. To begin, click here to order your free bench. Once we receive your order, you'll get a 5-minute video of a preschool teacher introducing the bench to a class. (Hebrew with English subtitles.)
The bench will be delivered directly to your school, and may need to be assembled. Benches in the U.S. are delivered unassembled; those in the Israel and the U.K. arrive assembled. Introduce the bench to your class, decorate it, and remind your students that if they see classmates on the bench, they should invite them to play. Finally, send photos of the decorated bench, feedback on how your preschoolers are using it, and creative classroom activities to share with other teachers to binyaminchaiproject@gmail.com.
Parent Participation
Binyamin's Buddy Benches are free for schools! This is possible only through generous grants from foundations and businesses, donations, and sponsorships. Through our Buddy-Up! program, parents of preschoolers who have a buddy bench at their school can contribute
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toward a bench for a preschool in Israel. Another option: an entire class can chip-in to buy a bench for a preschool in Israel. We'll send a photo of the decorated bench and forward a thank you card from the preschoolers in Israel.
Teacher Feedback
“Each child did a handprint to represent giving a hand for friendship. We used to teach v'ahavta l’reyacha kamocha and have continued to reinforce the message of inclusion and looking out for children on the bench. The children improved their empathy and learned the importance of cheering up a friend who is sad..--Rochelle Waltzer, Nursery at Menorah Primary School, London
"It is a beautiful bench that has weathered many storms -- figuratively and literally"--Adina Deckelbaum, Preschool Director, Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan
"Overheard the end of a great conversation…It seems that G.O. and J.B. were on the bench…not sure who got there first…I hear J saying ‘so we’ll just be friends!’ And they got up and went to play. I don’t think they were lonely before…but it was a great ending!"--Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan