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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Black from Birmingham, AL is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Black is requesting

Boosting Children's Mental Health thru Play

Help me give my students fidget toys to help them focus, reduce anxiety, and improve communication.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Black's classroom raised $318

This project is fully funded

My Project

When students come into my office, I would like to have a bowl filled with what they call "toys", but what I call "tools". I know these tools have the power to calm students' minds and change their overall demeanor, thus impacting their behavior. Students think these tools are cool-looking and a lot of fun; however, they are great instruments to use when a student is crying inconsolably or extremely angry.

Fidget toys can be important in a school counselor's office because they can help students focus, reduce anxiety, and improve communication.

For example, the Hoberman Sphere helps students focus on deep breathing. As the sphere opens, the student takes a slow deep breath in, holds breath for a moment, and slowly breathes out as the sphere gently closes. This process of mindful breathing calms the heart rate and the mind. Stress balls are important. Previously, when students are having a rough time, I have given a small stress ball to the student. After a period filled with sadness, anger, or anxiety, it is surprising the calming magic a stress ball can exude from the pocket of a hoodie.

There are several benefits I have noticed from using fidget toys with students.

Fidget toys can help students focus/pay attention to a task. They can also help students with ADHD/ADD or other learning differences. Fidget toys can help students manage anxiety & calm nerves. They can also help students self-soothe by providing a way to engage in predictable, rhythmic motor patterns.

Fidget toys can help students feel more comfortable opening up and communicating with their counselor. Students may be able to communicate more effectively when they are able to "play" with something instead of focusing completely on the counselor. Fidget toys can provide needed sensory input in a less distracting way.

Ms. Black South Hampton K-8 School Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Birmingham, AL View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

100 students impacted 1donor

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Black is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
KLT Mini Stress Balls Bulk - Squishy Toys 24 Pack - Sensory Toys for Autism - Stress Ball Fidget Toys - Anxiety Toys - Party Favor Goodie Bags Stuffer • Amazon Business $16.45 3 $49.35
Hoberman Sphere® • Lakeshore Learning Materials $17.99 2 $35.98
Original Hoberman Sphere Plastic Expandable Toy, Rainbow • Amazon Business $35.09 1 $35.09
24 Packs Mini Pop Fidget Toy Pack Simple Bubble Poping Keychain, Squeeze Stress Relief Sensory Hand Toy, Office Desk Pops Bulk Toys Gradution Student Gifts for Girls Boys Party Favors for Kids • Amazon Business $9.99 3 $29.97
4 Pack Stress Ball for Kids and Adults Slow Rising Balls Sensory Fidget Toy Anxiety Stress Relaxation Squeezing Balls Calming Tool, Vent Mood and Improve Focus, Squishy Ball Hand Grip Pressure Ball • Amazon Business $9.90 3 $29.70
Super Z Outlet Liquid Motion Bubbler for Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity, Desk Top, Assorted Colors (1 Piece) • Amazon Business $7.59 3 $22.77
80 Pcs Squishies, Mini Mochi Squishy Toys for Kids Party Favors, Animal Squishies Squishy Fidget Toys, Goodie Bag Stuffers, Birthday Party Favors, and Gifts Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Kids • Amazon Business $13.95 1 $13.95

Materials cost

$216.81

Vendor shipping charges

 $1.80

Sales tax

 $17.67

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.25

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$269.53

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$47.56

Total project goal

$317.09

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $317.09

1 Donor

-$317.09

Donations toward project cost

-$269.53

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$47.56

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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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. Black and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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