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Ms. Smith-Polderman’s Classroom Edit display name

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I am looking for funding to create a "Relaxation Station" in the back of my classroom for students to have a place to cool down or take a break while I can still supervise them. So many of my students come from disadvantaged homes, have experienced trauma, and come to school stressed. It is my job to take these students, tap into their undeniable potential, and teach them high level math. The combination of stressful environments outside of school and the high expectations that I have for my students can no doubt become overwhelming - and my goal is to provide a safe, relaxing space where students can simply take a break, clear their minds, recuperate, and then get back to work. When students need a break, my hope is to have a "Relaxation Station" where they can go to sit in a comfortable bean bag chair and choose an activity that is relaxing for them such as squeezing a stress ball, doing water art, watching a liquid motion lava lamp, reading inspiring posters, or smelling essential oils. The goal of my project is not only to provide a place for my students to recollect themselves, but also to highlight the importance of self-awareness, improve executive functioning skills, and build self-management skills, all of which my students will need once they graduate from high school and enter the workforce. My hope is that the "Relaxation Station" will support my students' mental health, and in turn, improve their academic achievement.

About my class

I am looking for funding to create a "Relaxation Station" in the back of my classroom for students to have a place to cool down or take a break while I can still supervise them. So many of my students come from disadvantaged homes, have experienced trauma, and come to school stressed. It is my job to take these students, tap into their undeniable potential, and teach them high level math. The combination of stressful environments outside of school and the high expectations that I have for my students can no doubt become overwhelming - and my goal is to provide a safe, relaxing space where students can simply take a break, clear their minds, recuperate, and then get back to work. When students need a break, my hope is to have a "Relaxation Station" where they can go to sit in a comfortable bean bag chair and choose an activity that is relaxing for them such as squeezing a stress ball, doing water art, watching a liquid motion lava lamp, reading inspiring posters, or smelling essential oils. The goal of my project is not only to provide a place for my students to recollect themselves, but also to highlight the importance of self-awareness, improve executive functioning skills, and build self-management skills, all of which my students will need once they graduate from high school and enter the workforce. My hope is that the "Relaxation Station" will support my students' mental health, and in turn, improve their academic achievement.

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About my class

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