I want my students to eat and drink well in order to lose excess weight and maintain good health. This is very challenging for my special needs students since many of them have slow metabolisms that are part and parcel of their disability.
I am a special education teacher at an OTC school, namely a school that is an occupational training center for the special needs population it services.
Our curriculum is geared to preparing the young adults entrusted in our care to become effective, functioning members of society. We do functional and vocational training on site and out of school as well.
My classroom is comprised of 15 young adults with intellectual and developmental delays, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental disorder and the like. Even though they have limited abilities, they are fully cognizant of the things that occur in their sphere, and enjoy the day to day activities that their normal counterparts would. I gear my instruction towards functional skills that will assist them in their quest to become independent and to contribute to society in a significant way.
My Project
Unfortunately, the rate of obesity has risen a great amount over the past decades. That coupled with the fact that many of my students are heavy because of their slow metabolism that comes with their disability, my students need to be encouraged to eat and drink well in order to keep their weight down. I taught my students the concept of eating healthfully and drinking water as their prime source of hydration. My students are fully cognizant of the fact that they are overweight and need to lose weight.
Therefore, I am requesting funding for a water cooler to be kept in the classroom where the students will have easy access to it. Additionally, I am requesting funding for personal water bottles (not disposable ones) for each of my students. This will encourage the go green friendliness to our environment. They will thus be able to fill up their water bottles throughout the day.
Having access to filtered water will encourage my students to drink water instead of other drinks (such as, soda, apple juice, orange juice) which are full of sugar and unhealthy.
My school has a Program where the students are encouraged to walk the track in the school yard for exercise. By giving my students real water bottles they will be able to take it with them when walking the track and doing exercise.
Who knows? We might help them become the slim Jims they aught to be?
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
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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. Miriam Alter and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.