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.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Kikawa and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.