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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Spiker from Pittsburgh, PA is requesting flexible seating through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Spiker is requesting

Cozy Corners & Calm Minds: SEL Support for First Graders

Help me give my students an area for their emotional well-being. I want to create a SEL space to encourage self-awareness and regulation. I am requesting bean bag chairs and pillows to make it cozy!

  • $853 goal

This project expired on August 23, 2025.

This project expired on August 23, 2025.

My Project

My first-grade classroom is full of bright, curious, and compassionate little learners. They are not only learning how to read and write—they're also learning how to understand themselves, express their feelings, and build healthy relationships with others.

Social Emotional Learning is essential to their growth, and with your help, I can create a calm, caring space where students feel safe to explore their emotions and build lasting social skills.

My students are creative, full of energy, and always eager to learn. For many of them, school is not just a place to learn academics—it’s also a place where they feel heard, seen, and supported. SEL helps them navigate challenges, collaborate with peers, and develop empathy. They come from diverse backgrounds, and each one brings something special to our classroom community.

To support SEL in our classroom, I’m requesting: feelings books and read-alouds, calming corner materials such as fidget tools, soft seating, pillows, and soft lighting. These tools will help my students identify and name their feelings, develop coping skills, and practice kindness and empathy every day.

With these SEL resources, my students will gain the confidence and emotional skills they need to thrive not just in the classroom, but in life. These items will become part of our daily routine—used in morning meetings, conflict resolution, and quiet reflection times. Your support helps build the kind of learning environment where every child can grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

Mrs. Spiker Pittsburgh Sunnyside Elementary School Grades PreK-2

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.

Pittsburgh, PA 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

24 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
Lakeshore Flex-Space Big Beanbag Seat - Green (30"w x 32"h) • Lakeshore Learning Materials $129.00 1 $129.00
Lakeshore Flex-Space Big Beanbag Seat - Orange (30"w x 32"h) • Lakeshore Learning Materials $129.00 1 $129.00
Lakeshore Washable Sensory Pillows • Lakeshore Learning Materials $129.00 1 $129.00
8 Fidget Toy Bundle - Assorted 3D 7" Shark & 7.1" Caterpillar Fidgets (social emotional learning, calming corner fidgets, wiggly fidget toys) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $72.00 1 $72.00
Topotdor Sun Rainbow Round Rug,Colorful Boho Kids Rug Ultra Soft Washable Nursery Rug for Bedroom Perschool Classroom,63" Round • Amazon Business $40.85 1 $40.85
FOLKSMATE LED Floor Lamp, Medusa Multi Head Modern Tall, Rustic Adjustable Gooseneck Reading Standing Light for Living/Kids Room, Bedroom, Black • Amazon Business $39.49 1 $39.49
4 Pop FIDGET Toy Bundle (assorted designs; social emotional learning focus tools, sensory calming corner, mental health, emotional awareness fidgets) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $15.00 2 $30.00
Liquid Motion Bubbler Sensory Toys - 6 Pack Liquid Bubble Timer, Liquid timers for Kids Sensory, Sensory Calming Fidget Toy Autism Community Toys for Kids Adults, Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Kids • Amazon Business $19.99 1 $19.99
My Body Sends a Signal: Helping Kids Recognize Emotions & Express Feelings - Resilient Kids (social emotional learning paperback; calming corner) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $16.00 1 $16.00
Learning Resources Buddy Builders,32 Pieces, Ages 3+, Fine Motor, Hand Eye Coordination Toy, Fine Motor Skills,Social Emotional Learning Toys • Amazon Business $15.99 1 $15.99
The Kids' Book of Friends: How to Make Friends and Be a Friend (The Kids' Books of Social Emotional Learning) • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
It's Okay To Not Be Okay: A Rhyming Read Aloud Story for Children About Feelings of Sadness and Loneliness (Social Emotional Learning Toolbox - Therapists, Educators, and Parents) • Amazon Business $12.91 1 $12.91
Just Now I Feel Angry: A Kids Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Book about Anger and Frustration Feelings Awareness, Self-Management, Mindfulness and ... (Feeling Big Emotions Picture Books) • Amazon Business $10.39 1 $10.39
Big Mo's Toys Liquid Motion Spiral Timer Toy for Sensory Play - Relaxing Bubble Motion Autism ADHD Fidget Toy for Calming, Sensory Visual Relaxation Desk Toy, ONE Piece (Assorted) • Amazon Business $7.95 1 $7.95

Materials cost

$665.56

Vendor shipping charges

 $19.35

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$9.98

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$724.89

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$127.92

Total project goal

$852.81

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 Mrs. Spiker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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