All children can learn! Some just learn differently. My class is a middle school class of moderately disabled special needs students. We are self contained, spending the entire day together while most middle school students switch classes. These 9 students range in age from 12 to 15, but function on a much lower level. Some function as low as three year olds and some function as high as first graders. This class opened last year. We started the school year without any supplies and relied on the donations of fellow teachers and local churches to help us gain supplies. We are still gathering supplies to fit the individual needs of my students. Some of the children have vision, hearing, communication, sensory and motor disabilities along with their mental disabilities.
Each child in my class has an Individualized Education Plan. This means that they have academic, life skills and social skills goals based on the adaptive standard course of study for my state. These goals include reading, math, science and social studies goals. Many of my students have goals dealing with measuring, scooping and filling containers to a specific volume and tracing and writing letters. Due to the economy and a budget freeze, we are unable to order any supplies for our students for the remainder of the school year. Since we are in a middle school, these supplies are not available as they would normally be used by much younger children.
A sand and water table would help the children to accomplish these goals. The children can trace their letters and words in the sand with their fingers, spoons, sticks etc. They can scoop both the sand and the water as well as use the sand and water to fill containers to specific volumes.
The sand and water would also help my students who have sensory issues. Playing on the sand and water can help a child overcome many issues with unfamiliar textures.
You will make it possible for my students to accomplish their academic and social goals in a fun and educational way. In this way, you are helping my statement " All children can learn true.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. F. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.