"Teaching 5- and 6-year-old children with autism and other disorders is difficult, especially when they won't sit down for more than 2 minutes. I teach a special day class for Kindergarten and 1st grade. Many of my students are on the autism spectrum and others have disabilities that make it diffic...
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"Teaching 5- and 6-year-old children with autism and other disorders is difficult, especially when they won't sit down for more than 2 minutes. I teach a special day class for Kindergarten and 1st grade. Many of my students are on the autism spectrum and others have disabilities that make it difficult for them to focus their attention for more than 5 or 10 minutes.
There are many great things to help these children, such as these pads and balls. Unfortunately, they cost a lot of money, especially for a teacher going into my second year and paying to go back to school to complete my special education credential. I already spend a lot of money making visuals and other individual resources for the students to function and learn on a daily basis.
The stability pads will be used primarily as a sensory cushion for the students when they sit in their chairs. The bumps tend to help children with autism, and hopefully it will successfully help them stay in their seats and stay focused so they can learn. They can also be used to stand on for extra balance practice. The balls can be used for exercise and as a chair. All students (not just those with autism) can use these pads and balls and will surely benefit from them.
Your help will help make it possible for these students to learn more academically and socially. It is important to start early (such as in Kindergarten) to learn how to behave appropriately in a classroom or public setting. You can make a huge difference by helping these loving and very special children.
My students need an exercise ball and 10 Disc O' Sits.
See Ms. D.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Dec 16, 2009
Dear Danielle, section214, Patrick, Michelle, Angeli, scott, Heather, M. Chan, HP and Anonymous Donors,
I can't begin to tell you how much of an impact these items have had in my classroom! The kids all love them, and we use the seat cushions multiple times every day. There are some students who will not even sit on a chair without them! They are wonderful for helping my students who need to move a little, or need some sensory stimulation throughout the day. If I did not have these seat cushions, I would still be trying to incorporate as much time for movement as possible, and my students would have a hard time sitting still and learning. Because they can sit still, they are able to get more learning done every day. I just can't believe how much of a difference they have made.
Also, the exercise ball has done wonders for the sensory and Occupational Therapy needs of some of my students. They can sit on the ball, roll around (with supervision), and bounce it appropriately. When I start to see aggressive behavior or some of my students getting a little antsy, I know I can bring out the ball for them to work with for a little break.
All of these items are amazing, and I THANK YOU so much for helping make these items a reality in my classroom. I know they will continue to have an impact in my classroom for years to come!
I have posted some pictures of the students using the items. Many of the parents were alright with the pictures as long as the faces of the children are not shown, and some of the parents did not want to have the pictures posted. As you can see they are widely used by all the children. Also, the seat cushions are not just for sitting on. They are also used as something to touch while sitting.
Thank you again, and have a wonderful holiday season!
With gratitude, Ms. D.
Ms. D. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Oct 10, 2009
Dear Danielle, section214, Patrick, Michelle, Angeli, scott, Heather, M. Chan, HP and Anonymous Donors,
I am so appreciative of
your generosity and willingness to make a difference in my classroom. I
am looking forward to the day the materials arrive and the students get to use
them. I can just see their faces now, and they will certainly be full of
excitement!
Being a teacher in a special education classroom, most of my students are
working on social and behavioral skills (such as sitting at their desk to do
work), that their general education peers often find easy. Based on
evidence from research and observing my own colleagues' classrooms, I am
confident these materials will help my students find their seats (or anywhere
they need to sit) more inviting. This will help them achieve both their
social and academic goals!
I am looking forward to sharing my experience using these materials with other
teachers. I especially want to let general education teachers know about
the materials because they may have similar issues with their students and not
know how to solve them. Once again, thank you very much for your
generosity and for helping teachers like me meet all the needs of the wonderful
children we work with. I am honored to share your kindness with my
students!
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Jennifer P. (volunteer)
on Jun 28, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate)
on Jun 29, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Special Needs education."
Michelle
from California
gave
on Sep 18, 2009
A donor
gave
on Sep 18, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Special Needs education."
Angeli
from California
gave
on Sep 20, 2009
"Thank you very much for all your donations! I hope this project can become a reality and can be used in my classroom as soon as possible! Thanks again!"
The teacher Ms. D.
on Sep 21, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want to support students and teachers in California (North)."
M. Chan
from California
gave
in support of Sales to Charity
on Sep 30, 2009
"I gave to this project because every child in California deserves the opportunity to get the best education possible. Hope this helps! "
"I gave to this project because every child deserves the best educational opportunities. Also, as a Kings fan, a little Karma never hurts. Have a great year, kids!"
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Special Needs education."
scott
from New York
gave
on Oct 9, 2009
"I am also a teacher and I know how challenging the second year can be, especially if you don't have the necessary supplies. I hope you enjoy your items!"
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Jennifer P. (volunteer)
on Jun 28, 2009
Danielle
from Brooklyn, NY
gave
on Oct 10, 2009
