Create a Warming Caring ESL Classroom With Weighted Stuffed Animals
Help me give my students comforting, weighted stuffed animals to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and create a supportive learning environment as they navigate the challenges of learning a new language.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Reyes's classroom raised $483
This project is fully funded
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
My 9th-grade ESL students are hardworking and determined, but learning a new language can be overwhelming. Many of my students experience stress, anxiety, and homesickness as they adjust to a new school, country, and culture. These emotions can make it difficult to focus, participate, and engage in learning. To support their emotional well-being and academic success, I am requesting weighted stuffed animals for my classroom. Weighted items are known to provide a calming effect, reduce stress, and improve concentration—all of which are essential for students learning in a new language. These stuffed animals will serve multiple purposes:
Reduce Anxiety- Holding a weighted object provides a sense of comfort and stability, helping students feel safe in the classroom.
Improve focus- Sensory tools like these help students stay engaged and on task, especially during independent reading and writing activities.
Create a Supportive Environment – My goal is to make my classroom a space where students feel welcome, secure, and ready to learn.
The weighted stuffed animals will be available for students during class whenever they need a sense of comfort. Whether they are reading independently, working on a challenging writing assignment, or feeling overwhelmed, these tools will help them self-regulate and stay engaged in their learning.
For ESL students, school is not just about academics—it’s about building confidence, adjusting to a new culture, and feeling supported. By providing this small but meaningful resource, I can help them feel more at ease, leading to better focus, higher engagement, and a more positive learning experience.
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
YESGIRL 26.4 inch 5 lbs Cat Weighted Stuffed Animals, Large Weighted Plush Animal, Cute Plush Toy Pillow, Soft Kawaii Plushie Gifts for Adults, Kids, Boys and Girls (Light Gray)
• Amazon Business
$39.99
1
$39.99
Lilly's Love Weighted Stuffed Animal, 5lb | Sensory Weighted Plush for Kids and Adults | Machine Washable Plushies w/Removable Inner | Calming Weighted Stuffed Animals for Anxiety, Dexter The Dog
• Amazon Business
$34.99
1
$34.99
Lilly's Love Weighted Stuffed Animal, 5lb | Sensory Weighted Plush for Kids and Adults | Machine Washable Plushies w/Removable Inner | Calming Weighted Stuffed Animals for Anxiety, Ernie The Elephant
• Amazon Business
$34.99
1
$34.99
Leokawin Weighted Stuffed Animals,10 inch Weighted Cow Stuffed Animals,Cute Cow Plushie Dolls Plush Pillow Birthday Gifts for Kids Boys Girls
• Amazon Business
$14.99
2
$29.98
SQEQE Weighted Panda Plush, Weighted Panda Stuffed Animal for Anxiety, Cute Panda Plushies Soft Panda Bear Pillow Toy Gift for Kids Adults 13.8 Inch, 1.6 lbs
• Amazon Business
$28.99
1
$28.99
CSVBTRF Weighted Stuffed Animals, 2 lb, 23" Seal Plush Gift for Kids - Grey Hug Seal Plush Animals （Grey, 23"
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
Weighted Hammerhead Shark Stuffed Animal for Anxiety – 3 lb, Soft and Fluffy Plush – 16 inch Cozy and Snuggly for Kids and Adults (Blue)
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
ronivia Duck Weighted Stuffed Animals, 17" 3.5 lbs Weighted Duck Plush Toy Large Weighted Plush Animal Pillow Gifts for Boys and Girls
• Amazon Business
$25.99
1
$25.99
Weighted Stuffed Animal for Anxiety | Calming & Comforting 5 Lbs | Weighted Plush Animal Sloth | Anxiety Stuffed Animals for Adults & Kids | Carrying Bag Included | Machine Washable Weighted Plushie
• Amazon Business
$24.95
1
$24.95
meowtastic Pug Weighted Stuffed Animals - 21 Inch 3.5 Pounds Weighted Plush Bulldog Stuffed Animals - Big Stuffed Pug Weighted Plush Pillow - Cute Plush Toys Gifts for Kids & Adults (21" 3.5 lbs)
• Amazon Business
$23.74
1
$23.74
Fiosnow Weighted Stuffed Animals for Adults Dinosaur 3.5lb, 24" Weighted Plush Animals for Kids Throw Pillow Hugging Toys
• Amazon Business
$22.79
1
$22.79
KOPHINYE Red Panda Weighted Stuffed Animal, 17" 2.4lbs Red Panda Plush Weighted Plush for Kids, Weighted Red Panda Huggable Pillow for Boys and Girls, Birthday, Valentine's Day
• Amazon Business
$22.59
1
$22.59
meowtastic Husky Weighted Stuffed Animals - 21 Inch 3.5 Pounds Weighted Plush Huskies Stuffed Animal - Big Stuffed Husky Weighted Plush Pillow - Cute Plush Toys Gifts for Kids & Adults (21" 3.5 lbs)
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Cats vs Pickles - Jumbo - Chesire - 8" Super Soft and Squishy Bean-Filled Weighted Stuffed Animals - Great for Kids, Boys, & Girls - Collect as Desk Pets, Fidget Toys, or Sensory Toys. (V1070)
• Amazon Business
$9.95
1
$9.95
Materials cost
$374.92
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.62
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$410.54
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$72.45
Total project goal
$482.99
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$482.99
3 Donors
-$440.54
Donations toward project cost
-$410.54
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 Mr. Reyes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
