About the program

Along with a diagnosis of a serious illness comes time away from school.  Whether it is only a day here and there or maybe weeks or months at a time, this can be hard for the child and their classmates. We hope that by providing these "monkey kits", it will give children an opportunity to stay involved and in touch with one another.

A big stuffed monkey

The monkey intended to sit in the child's seat whenever they are gone from school.   There is a miniature monkey included that can stay with the child.

Backpack

This a great way to collect all the notes and drawings that the child's classmates have for their fellow classmate.  If the child wants to give items back to their classmates, they can use the monkey's backpack to do that.  The monkey with its backpack can be brought home on the weekends for the child or more frequently if feasible.  It is a great way to keep a sibling involved as they can be the one to bring the monkey to and from school. 

Book

The book, "There's a Monkey In My Chair" was written by a parent specifically for this program. The book explains why there is a monkey in the child's seat and its purpose in the classroom. The book was illustrated by children who have first-hand experience with a program such as this one. It also provides a way for the teacher to explain the monkey to the child's classmates. You can check out the book here.

Journal

This can be kept by the child to write or draw in, or it can also be used by their classmates to write things in for the child.  This is a great way for the classmates to keep the child informed about what is happening at school.

Camera and photo album

This disposable camera can also be used either by the child or the classmates. The photo album provides them with a share these photos and others with each other.

Other items

Each kit also comes with pencils for the child to use. There is also a button included that says "I've got a monkey in my chair" that the child can wear.