Help support Ms. Smithers' Classroom

Many of my students suffer from the everyday trauma involved with living in poverty and unsafe neighborhoods. They come to school sleep deprived and on edge with worry. Often their toxic stress manifests in the form of tantrums, lashing out in anger, and sadly, in emotional meltdowns that are difficult from which to recover. Brain studies have shown that students in trauma have trouble learning because the brain enters a state of "auto-pilot" which prohibits the intake of information, placing the brain and body in a distressed state of fight, flight, or freeze. This state of mind, if sustained for too long, can hinder brain development and stunt learning. My children need a way to calm their bodies and minds so they are ready to learn at school. My students will use stress relieving fidgets, stress balls, and fun books like The Pout Pout Fish and The Rainbow Fish, and even The Ninja Turtles to forget their stressors. The sound of flowing water from the Tetra Reptofilter will help children relax and get them ready to receive instruction. Children will sit on the plush chairs and read books, watch the motion tubes, or squeeze stress balls as they refresh and reset during stressful moments. Students enjoy reading books to Megan, the turtle, though children are never permitted to touch her. In response, Megan taps the glass of her tiny tank. The Tetra Deluxe Aquatic Turtle kit will give her space to swim and move about. The children will love watching her swim instead of just bumping into the sides of her tiny tank. This area will be our Calming Corner based on the trauma informed care curriculum.

About my class

Many of my students suffer from the everyday trauma involved with living in poverty and unsafe neighborhoods. They come to school sleep deprived and on edge with worry. Often their toxic stress manifests in the form of tantrums, lashing out in anger, and sadly, in emotional meltdowns that are difficult from which to recover. Brain studies have shown that students in trauma have trouble learning because the brain enters a state of "auto-pilot" which prohibits the intake of information, placing the brain and body in a distressed state of fight, flight, or freeze. This state of mind, if sustained for too long, can hinder brain development and stunt learning. My children need a way to calm their bodies and minds so they are ready to learn at school. My students will use stress relieving fidgets, stress balls, and fun books like The Pout Pout Fish and The Rainbow Fish, and even The Ninja Turtles to forget their stressors. The sound of flowing water from the Tetra Reptofilter will help children relax and get them ready to receive instruction. Children will sit on the plush chairs and read books, watch the motion tubes, or squeeze stress balls as they refresh and reset during stressful moments. Students enjoy reading books to Megan, the turtle, though children are never permitted to touch her. In response, Megan taps the glass of her tiny tank. The Tetra Deluxe Aquatic Turtle kit will give her space to swim and move about. The children will love watching her swim instead of just bumping into the sides of her tiny tank. This area will be our Calming Corner based on the trauma informed care curriculum.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Smithers' Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Smithers' classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Smithers' Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Smithers' classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.