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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Julie Casady from Valencia, CA is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Julie Casady is requesting

Building Language and Literacy for Special Education Students

Help me give my students engaging books and hands-on learning materials that help them understand prepositions, actions, descriptive language, and social communication while building literacy, patience, and a growth mindset through visual, tactile, and multimodal learning.

  • Be the first to donate!
  • $530 still needed

expires Jul 15

  • Be the first to donate!
  • $530 still needed
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Ms. Julie Casady profile photo
Ms. Julie Casady Rio Norte Junior High School
Valencia, CA Grades 6-8

My Project

I work with an incredible group of students who are funny, curious, and always trying to connect with the world around them in their own ways. Some of my students are learning their first words, some use AAC devices or visual supports to communicate, and others are strong readers who still need help understanding and using language socially. What I love most about them is how excited they become when language comes alive through stories and interactive activities. Many of my students learn best when language is paired with something they can see, touch, or act out, which is why the books and materials in this project are so important. The books that teach prepositions and actions will help students understand language concepts like in, on, under, next to, and action words they hear every day but may not fully understand yet. Other books focus on descriptive language, helping students expand their vocabulary so they can describe people, objects, and experiences more clearly. I also selected books that promote growth mindset so students learn that mistakes are part of learning and that persistence matters. In addition, the literacy materials in this project are designed specifically for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, because research shows that all students can develop literacy skills when instruction includes visual supports, repetition, and opportunities to interact with text through multimodal communication. The tactile learning toys will allow students to move objects, match items, and physically demonstrate language concepts while hearing and using the words. Together, these resources will help transform speech therapy sessions into meaningful learning experiences where students can build language, strengthen literacy skills, practice social communication, and gain confidence in their ability to express themselves.

80 students impacted

Ms. Julie Casady will only receive her materials if this project is fully funded by July 15.

Ms. Julie Casady Rio Norte Junior High School Grades 6-8 Valencia, CA View local requests 80 students impacted

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
4 Book Set: Graphic Novels #5 - Underrepresented Social Emotional Learning (paperback 12+) Junior High, Crush, Girl Called Echo, My Bilingual Summer • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $80.00 1 $80.00
Citmage Desk Book Stand Document Holder Heavy Duty Metal Reading Stand Black for Book Magazine Menu iPad Music Score Speech Draft with 6 Adjustable Positions (Upgrade Edition) • Amazon Business $14.99 3 $44.97
Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write • Amazon Business $39.05 1 $39.05
Solobo Toys: Learn & Drop (Montessori inspired toys, tactile learning, practical life) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $35.00 1 $35.00
Literacy-Based Speech and Language Therapy Activities: Successfully Use Storybooks to Reduce Planning Time, Easily Work in Groups, and Target Multiple Communication and Academic Goals • Amazon Business $24.00 1 $24.00
Life Skills Speech and Language Enrichment Activities: English and Spanish Lesson Plans for Children with Significant Impairments • Amazon Business $24.00 1 $24.00
The UPS and Downs of Opposites Interactive Reading Book - Preschool-Early Childhood - Toddler • School Specialty $19.99 1 $19.99
Thought-Spot Growth/Fixed Mindset Card Game: Cultivates Coping & Social Skills; Develops Resilience; Reduces Meltdowns/Stress; Affirmation Cards; Autism-Friendly; Mindfulness; CBT; 108 Cards, Ages 8+ • Amazon Business $18.61 1 $18.61
Solobo Toys: FEELS: A Simple Book About Complex Emotions (social emotion learning board book, calming corner, quiet calm down tools, big feelings) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $16.00 1 $16.00
Chloe's Hearts: Speech & Language Therapy Books: -WH Questions (Who, What, Where), Describing Words, and Friendship & Kindness (Speech and Language Books) • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Bubble Double: Visualizing Social Skills for Connection • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Bruno's Ball: Speech & Language Therapy Books: Positional Concepts (Speech and Language Books) • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Elephant & Piggie: Waiting Is Not Easy! • Amazon Business $12.10 1 $12.10
Can You Drink a Dinosaur?: A Yes/No Book for Young Talkers • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Declarative Language Handbook: Using a Thoughtful Language Style to Help Kids with Social Learning Challenges Feel Competent, Connected, and Understood • Amazon Business $9.29 1 $9.29

Materials cost

$377.97

Vendor shipping charges

 $2.00

Sales tax

 $34.58

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.67

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$450.22

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$79.45

Total project goal

$529.67

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $529.67

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $529.67

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. Julie Casady and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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