Help me give my students who are neuro divergent children better sensory options that are more suited to their likings to express themselves.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Smith's classroom raised $646
This project is fully funded
My Project
My classroom serves a diverse group of autistic students from kindergarten- second grade, each with unique strengths, communication styles, and learning needs. The students I work with range from highly verbal to nonverbal, and many require support with fine motor development, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Despite the varying profiles, every child brings joy, curiosity, and potential into our space each day.
One of our primary challenges we face is that our school environment is not adequately equipped with specialized furniture or sensory tools that are essential for helping our students learn comfortably and effectively due to budget cuts.
We lack designated calming areas, adaptive seating, fine motor tools, and sensory equipment, which are critical for students who become overstimulated or struggle to self-regulate.
Some of our students experience sensory sensitivities that make everyday classroom stimuli- like noise, lighting or unexpected transitions- overwhelming. These moments can lead to distress, shutdowns, or behavioral challenges. Despite these barriers, we work diligently to create a structured, nurturing, and inclusive space where each student feels safe and understood.
We incorporate what we can with limited resources to support regulation and engagement. While our environment is not currently optimized with the appropriate tools and furnishings for an autism-support classroom, the heart of our room lies within the relationships, routines and individualized support we provide. With the right materials and resources, our students could more fully access the curriculum and achieve their development and academic goals.
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
Children's Factory Library Trio Cozy Kids Chairs, Toddler Flexible Seating Classroom Furniture for Preschool or Daycare, 3-Pack
• Amazon Business
$204.73
1
$204.73
Akro-Mils Storage Cabinet, 24 Drawer, 20 x 6-1/2 x 16 Inches, Black and Clear - Durability
• School Specialty
$96.67
1
$96.67
Flipside Repositionable Whiteboard Stickable with Dry Erase Marker, 24 x 36 Inches
• School Specialty
$32.62
1
$32.62
hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes, Calming Toys for Kids, Occupational Therapy Toys, Play Therapy, Stress Relief Toy, Comfort Items for Anxiety, Calm Down Corner Supplies (Set of 4)
• Amazon Business
$26.99
1
$26.99
Magnetic Tiles Kids Toys STEM Magnet Toy for Toddler Magnetic Blocks Building Preschool Learning Sensory Montessori Toys for 3+ Year Old Boys and Girls, Safe Creativity Toddler Kids Toy 40PCS
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Social-Emotional Learning Toy Set, Yellow (LER6375)
• Quill.com
$17.99
1
$17.99
80Pcs Party Favors for Kids 4-8, Kawaii Squishies Mochi Squishy Toy Bulk Fidget Sensory Toys Birthday Gifts for Boys Girls Goodie Bag Christmas Stocking Stuffers Treasure Box Classroom Prizes
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Blue Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, for Ages 3 and up
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Squishy Sensory Toys for Kids: Calm Down Sensory Toys for Autistic Children Toddlers Special Needs, Squeeze Stretch Anxiety Relief Autism Toys, Sensory Shapes Learning Toys Classroom Must Haves
• Amazon Business
$9.79
1
$9.79
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Purple Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, for Ages 3 and up
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Green Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, for Ages 3 and up
• Amazon Business
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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 Mr. Smith and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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