Comfort & Focus: Weighted Friends for Growing Minds
Help me give my students supportive friends to ease anxious moments so that they can focus batter.
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$534 still needed
expires Jan 18
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3 donors
$534 still needed
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Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Project
Many of my ninth-grade students come to the library seeking a place of calm, comfort, and connection. Weighted stuffed animals have become a beloved part of our space because they provide a soothing presence during what can be a stressful school day. When students use these animals, they are noticeably more relaxed and able to focus, making the library not just a study area but a supportive environment where they feel safe and welcomed.
Your support can give even more students access to a comforting, focus-building resource.
Students often use them as reading or study buddies, which helps them stay on task and improves their concentration. Having a soft, weighted object to hold or lean on provides sensory input that can reduce anxiety and promote focus. This simple addition allows students to engage more deeply with their books and assignments, fostering stronger reading habits and better academic outcomes.
Beyond academics, the animals encourage social interaction and confidence. I’ve seen students place a weighted animal on the table while playing games with friends, which creates a more relaxed, open atmosphere. Some students even become more vocal and outgoing when the animals are present, using them as conversation starters or playful “partners.” These moments build community and help students practice social skills in a low-pressure setting.
Right now, I don’t have enough weighted stuffed animals to meet the demand when full classes visit the library. Additional animals would ensure that every student who wants one can have a comforting companion while reading, studying, or socializing. With your help, we can create a library environment that supports emotional well-being, academic success, and positive peer connections—all through the simple yet powerful tool of weighted stuffed animals.
More than half of 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
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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 Mrs. Maye and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
