An Oasis for Self Regulation and Mindfulness Strategies
Help me give my students a calming classroom setup that is safe from overstimulation, comfortable seating to refocus, sensory fidget tools and yoga & mindfulness games readily available to promote self regulation skills.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
I work in a Title I school where nearly all students come from low-income households. All of our students receive free breakfast and lunch, and for some students, these are the only full meals they may receive in a day. With low poverty neighborhoods, comes the increased risk of violence, substance abuse, and exposure to domestic abuse for our little ones in their neighborhood and homes. Many of these children have experienced some life circumstances that many adults will never have to face or deal with in their lifetimes. Their neighborhood does not afford them the same opportunities that other children their age may have in other communities. My students are resilient even though they live in a city often saturated in violence and poverty.
Despite the challenges they face, they are still energetic, fun-loving, and eager to learn.
My students are excited to learn and trust in knowing we will provide them with as much love and support as possible. They are passionate, empathetic, and funny little humans!
My Project
As the school counselor, I wear a number of different hats, including whole class lessons, leading small groups, individual counseling, and unfortunately student trauma and crises. I teach social and emotional skills that include responsible decision-making, self-awareness, social awareness, self management, and conflict resolution. More importantly, I am a stable, supportive adult in their lives who is their advocate and their cheerleader.
Because our students are exposed to a variety of life experiences, many of which can be quite traumatic and damaging to a student with little to no emotional support, they are constantly dealing with many different emotions, physically and socially with most lacking proper coping and communication skills.
These characteristics require explicit teaching of social emotional skills in order to promote kindness, empathy, responsibility and coping skills. As the counselor, I am most often the first staff member called to talk down a student experiencing a melt down or overstimulation. Often the classroom, cafeteria, or hallways of the school can seem overwhelming, this year I would like to turn my counselor room into a Tropical Oasis.
Because other areas of the school, can be loud, bright, and overstimulating, I’d like to have a calming, quiet area where students can regroup. Above all, my room will be a safe space for all K-5 students. Having sensory items and fidget tools readily available will promote self regulation and coping skills while the kids are taking a break in my room. The mindfulness items are helpful in teaching students self-regulation techniques on their own. And of course playing games while learning is a great way to build connections, build trust and have fun all at once.
I appreciate any help in creating a calming environment that will build positive interactions, character through social emotional instruction and mindfulness techniques.
Big Joe Bean Bag, 98-Inch (Spicy Lime)
• Amazon Business
$39.99
1
$39.99
Renuvee - Max - Weighted Lap Pad for Kids | 5lb Weighted Blanket for Kids | Weighted Stuffed Animals Sensory | Weighted Lap Blanket | Weighted Stuffed Animals | Weighted Blanket Toddler
• Amazon Business
$39.95
1
$39.95
Big Joe Bean Bag, 98-Inch, Radiant Orchid
• Amazon Business
$39.88
1
$39.88
Yoga 4 Classrooms Activity Card Deck
• Amazon Business
$32.00
1
$32.00
Educational Insights Fluorescent Light Filters (Tranquil Blue), Set of 4
• Amazon Business
$28.09
1
$28.09
Muted Designer Hearing Protection For Infants & Kids - Adjustable Children's Ear Muffs from Toddler to Teen - Flamingo-go
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Delicacy Ocean Wave Projector 12 LED Remote Control Undersea Projector Lamp,7 Color Changing Music Player Night Light Projector for Kids Adults Bedroom Living Room Decoration
• Amazon Business
$24.95
1
$24.95
Social Emotional Games NoWaries S.T.O.R.M. | Best Educational Learning Resources for Kids & Adults | Emotional Awareness, Control, & Vocabulary | Fun for School & Therapy | Pack of 110 Playing Cards
• Amazon Business
$24.95
1
$24.95
Abilitations Teacher's Pet Weighted Lap Dog, Dot, 3-1/2 Pounds
• Amazon Business
$23.04
1
$23.04
Super Z Outlet Liquid Motion Bubbler for Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity, Desk Top, Assorted Colors (4 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Playable Art Ball Pastel 12
• Amazon Business
$19.95
1
$19.95
Mindfulness Therapy Games: Social Skills Game That Teaches Mindfulness for Kids, Teens and Adults | Effective for Self Care, Communication Skills | 40 Cards for Play Therapy
• Amazon Business
$19.94
1
$19.94
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
• Amazon Business
$12.29
1
$12.29
4E's Novelty Expandable Ball Fidget Toy, Great Expanding Sphere Toy for Kids, Hand Catch Breathing Flower Balls, Pack of 1 Colors May Vary, for Stress Relief and Anxiety
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
Materials cost
$358.00
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.37
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$393.37
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$69.42
Total project goal
$462.79
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$462.79
1 Donor
-$462.79
Donations toward project cost
-$393.37
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Sims and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
