They may not walk, and they may not talk. They may have vision loss, and they may have hearing loss. They may even be known as 'delayed.' Don't let them fool you ...
My students are the most awe-inspiring 3-5 year-olds.
They have a constant desire to explore, learn, and grow. They are full of grace and joy, love and laughter. They accept all and exclude none. They strive and succeed at bringing others happiness. They teach as often as they learn. They have multiple and often severe disabilities, but they don't give up.
They do, however, have the ball pit blues! Our current ball pit, has sprung a leak and the patches just won't hold.
My Project
We use our ball pit in a multitude of ways! I taught a student to throw a ball, using the ball pit. I taught another to pull himself to a standing position, in a protected environment, using the ball pit. I even taught a student to sign the word 'ball,' using the ball pit. My students can learn many other motor, communication, and cognitive skills, with the use of this amazing tool.
In addition to education, the ball pit serves as a calming spot. Most of my students have not learned how to self-soothe, and the ball pit provides a deep pressure sensation, similar to a bear hug, which has proven calming effects. Even when not upset, we all need breaks, and a ball pit is the perfect escape!
We have successfully integrated the ball pit into our everyday routine.
It provides fun, safety, and instruction. The leak in our current ball pit has just made it impossible to use. With your donations, my students can continue to work on and master their goals, while maintaining their daily routines, which they thrive on. When they succeed, the pride the students develop in themselves is indescribable. Please donate and change these astonishing lives forever.
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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 Ms. Ellington and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.