Completed:Help my kids with their Sensory Overload
"I teach special needs students, grades 3-5. They are a wonderful bunch of kids that are amazingly diverse. They learn differently from each other and from other kids. But, they are learning to read, enjoy games, recess and lunch the same as their typical peers.
"I teach special needs students, grades 3-5. They are a wonderful bunch of kids that are amazingly diverse. They learn differently from each other and from other kids. But, they are learning to read, enjoy games, recess and lunch the same as their typical peers.
Several of my students live with autism which causes them to experience movement, light and sounds in varying ways - different from how you and I experience these things. And sometimes these sensory experiences can be downright painful or upsetting.
There are many sensory-feedback strategies, but I have experimented with activities and devices and found a few things that really help my students. What helps these kids cope is to use their gross motor muscles to create action and movement. It is amazing how a few minutes playing on a swivel toy, for instance, can provide a child with fun and, importantly a way to calm themselves. After such "play," they can go back to the work of school and be more successful.
My students need help with managing their sensory needs. They experience movement, light and sounds differently. These activities and tools will help them cope when their senses are overloaded or they have more energy than they can manage alone.
Seeing the world as a child with autism sees it is hard, even for the child's parents or teachers. But we do know strategies that can help them have better, happier experiences. Please support my students in this by helping us purchase these sensory activity tools. You will be helping them every day.
My students need Body Sox, a Spin Toy, and Balance Disk.
See Mrs. K.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jun 30, 2009
Dear Suwardi, KATIE, Kelley, Julie, Amanda, Michael, Kim, Jeff, Judy, kelsey, Mrs. Flowers and Anonymous Donors,
As the dust settles at the end of a really great year I consider your gifts to the classroom and feel so very moved. When I first started teaching I assumed I was in it on my own, that it was up to me alone to make sure the students got all that they needed.I am so grateful this is not true.And, I am so grateful for your support!
The three items you purchased for our classroom are:
·Abilitations Body Sox
·Bilibo Spin Toy
·GymSpin Balance Disk
You might reasonably wonder what on earth these things are.Well, a BodySox is like a cocoon that a child can crawl into.It is stretchy, conforming and provides a gentle hug.You can sit, stand, even walk while inside, all the while enjoying the light pressure it gives.
The Bilibo Spin Toy is small, low-tech spinner.It is shaped a bit like a bowl.You can sit in it, on it or even wear it on your head (see pictures) to look like a green Darth Vader! The GymSpin Balance Disk is larger and allows kids to enjoy a longer self-propelled spin. It provides a great sensory experience, and it is fun!
Thank you again for your generosity.Your gifts have truly made a difference!
With gratitude, Mrs. K.
Mrs. K. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Apr 23, 2009
Dear Suwardi, KATIE, Kelley, Julie, Amanda, Michael, Kim, Jeff, Judy, kelsey, Mrs. Flowers and Anonymous Donors,
Thank you so much for your generous gifts to our classroom! Your donations have made it possible for us to acquire three really helpful sensory management tools: a body sox and two types of spinning devices.
When I first began shopping around for sensory tools I was thinking of my students with autism. However, each of my students has varying sensory challenges and these three items will be helpful, in different ways, to each of my students. And, I just know the kids will have FUN with these - that's pretty important, too!
We look forward to receiving these items and taking lots of pictures of the kids using them. I know you will be seeing lots of smiling faces! And, we can't wait to write you thank-you notes to acknowledge your generosity.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Dayna D. (volunteer)
on Mar 8, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested resources and posted this project.
Scott C. (associate)
on Mar 11, 2009
Suwardi
from Bellevue, WA
gave
on Mar 18, 2009
"Thank you for your generous gift! We look forward to sending you notes and pictures soon!
Warmly,
The kids in Mrs.K's classroom"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Mar 18, 2009
A donor
gave
on Apr 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because your beautiful new school is right in my neighborhood. "
Judy
gave
on Apr 18, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I live in Kirkland and want to support a nearby school. Good luck!"
Jeff
gave
on Apr 19, 2009
Kim
gave
on Apr 19, 2009
Michael
gave
on Apr 19, 2009
A donor
gave
on Apr 19, 2009
kelsey
gave
on Apr 19, 2009
Amanda
gave
on Apr 19, 2009
"I gave to this project because...Children with special needs have a special place in my heart. I am not gifted to help them directly but I admire those who work with special needs children. I hope this helps!"
Julie
gave
on Apr 20, 2009
"I gave to this project because...my daughter, Katie, has suffered with a sensory processing disorder."
Kelley
gave
on Apr 20, 2009
KATIE
gave
on Apr 20, 2009
"We appreciate everything you do for your students!"
Mrs. Flowers
from Antioch, CA
gave
on Apr 20, 2009
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Dayna D. (volunteer)
on Mar 8, 2009
Mrs. Flowers
from Antioch, CA
gave
on Apr 20, 2009
