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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Espinoza from Chicago, IL is requesting flexible seating through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Ms. Espinoza's classroom raised $2,025

Empowering Self-Regulation: A Sensory Tool Library

Help me give my students sensory tools such as weighted blankets, flexible seating, sandtrays, visual timers, etc to help them focus in their classrooms.

Classroom photo
Ms. Espinoza profile photo
Ms. Espinoza Cardenas Elementary School - South
Chicago, IL Grades 6-8

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate 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

As a school social worker, I'm dedicated to helping our students develop vital self-regulation skills. While our work together in my office is crucial, the true test of these skills happens in the classroom. To truly support our young learners from pre-K all the way through 8th grade, we need to bridge this gap.

That's why I'm excited to create a Sensory Tool Library!

This library will be a dedicated collection of sensory items that students can check out and use directly in their classrooms. Imagine a student feeling overwhelmed or antsy during a lesson, and instead of struggling, they can quietly grab a fidget toy or a weighted lap pad that helps them focus and stay engaged.

These tools aren't just distractions; they are scientifically backed resources that help students manage their energy levels, improve focus, and reduce anxiety, allowing them to be more present and successful in their learning environment. By providing accessible sensory tools, we can empower our students to independently apply the self-regulation strategies they learn, fostering a more inclusive and productive classroom for everyone.

With your support, we can equip our students with the tools they need to thrive, not just in my office, but throughout their entire school day.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than half of students from low‑income households

500 students impacted 14 donors
Ms. Espinoza Cardenas Elementary School - South Grades 6-8

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Chicago, IL View local requests

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

500 students impacted 14donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Lakeshore Classroom Calming Kit - Social Emotional Learning, Sensory Toys, Calming Corner, Autism • Lakeshore Learning Materials $59.99 2 $119.98
The Calm Caterpillar Calm Corner Kit for Teachers (CCJ1030030101) • Quill.com $96.29 1 $96.29
Flex-Space Washable Comfy Floor Seat - Blue • Lakeshore Learning Materials $69.99 1 $69.99
Yiuhhad Autism Kids Swivel Chair,Spin Sensory Chair,Kids Spinning Chair,Sit Spin Training Body Coordination,Metal Base Non-Slip Small Desk Chair (Blue) • Amazon Business $69.99 1 $69.99
Special Supplies Colored Wavy Circle Balance Beams Stepping Stones for Kids, 8 Pc. Set, Non-Slip Textured Surface and Slip Resistant Floor Rubber Edges, Promote Agility, Strength, Active Play • Amazon Business $59.99 1 $59.99
Special Supplies Bumble Bee Sensory Vibrating Pillow, Pressure Activated for Kids and Adults, Plush Minky Soft with Textured Therapy Stimulation Bumps. Size: 11 by 20 inches • Amazon Business $47.49 1 $47.49
Jerify Light up Toys Spinner Wands LED Flashing Magic Ball Glow Spinner Wands Fun LED Spin Sensory Toys for Boys Girls Birthday Game Party Favor Carnival Prize(10 Pcs,Classic Style) • Amazon Business $44.99 1 $44.99
Senseez Trendables Hooded Vibrating Pillow - Lightweight • School Specialty $41.99 1 $41.99
Light Table for Kids Manipulative | Sand Painting Light Box | Kids Light Table | Light Table Toys | Light Up Table for Kids | Sensory Light Table Accesories |3 Modes,10-Level Dimming18(Orange) • Amazon Business $41.99 1 $41.99
BENOKER Dinosaur Magnetic Blocks,Dino Volcano World Magnet Building Toys, Sensory Montessori Toys for STEM Learning, Toddler Gift for Boys & Girls Age 3-4 4-5 6-8 • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
Daily Emotional Check-In Write & Wipe Boards • Lakeshore Learning Materials $39.99 1 $39.99
Meooeck 2 Pcs Peanut Ball for Kids 39 x 20 and 31 x 15 Peanut Exercise Ball Yoga Balance Stability Sitting Ball Flexible Seating for Therapy, Labor, Birthing Dog Training, Green and Blue, with Pump • Amazon Business $38.99 1 $38.99
BARMY Weighted Lap Pad for Kids (24”x24”, 5lbs) Weighted Lap Blanket with Removable, Washable Cover, Sensory Lap Pad for Child, Teen, Dogs, 100% Cotton Inner Weighted Blanket • Amazon Business $38.79 1 $38.79
BARMY Weighted Lap Pad for Kids (25"x19", 4lb) Dinosaur, Sensory Weighted Stuffed Animals for Kids, Weighted Lap Blanket for Kids, Teen, Removable, Washable Cover • Amazon Business $38.60 1 $38.60
Special Supplies Vibrating Pillow Sensory Pressure Activated for Kids and Adults, 12” x 12” Plush Minky Soft Cover with Textured Therapy Stimulation Bumps, Blue and Green • Amazon Business $37.99 1 $37.99
Special Supplies Vibrating Ball Pillow Sensory Pressure Activated for Kids and Adults, Plush Minky Soft Cover with Textured Therapy Stimulation Bumps, Blue • Amazon Business $37.99 1 $37.99
ACME CO 50 Pcs Baby Suction Toys - Fun Baby Bath Toys, Squigz, Bath Toys for Toddlers, Educational Toddler Sensory Toys, Interactive Play of Building Toys, Montessori Toys Stocking Stuffers for Kids • Amazon Business $35.97 1 $35.97
StrongTek Professional Wooden Balance Board, Rocker Board, Wood Standing Desk Accessory, Balancing Board for Under Desk, Anti Slip Roller, Core Strength, Stability, Office Wobble Boards • Amazon Business $35.59 1 $35.59
ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk, Flexible Seating, Light Green • Amazon Business $34.99 1 $34.99
Juoe 5Pcs Stepping Stones for Kids,Non-Slip Plastic Toddler Balance River Stones for Promoting Children's Coordination Skills Obstacle Courses Sensory Toys for Toddlers Indoor or Outdoor Play • Amazon Business $34.59 1 $34.59
Abilitations Aquarium Gel Lap Pad, 1 Pound, Coral • School Specialty $32.92 1 $32.92
Wiggle Feet Sensory Cushion for Autism and Sensory Support - A Fidget-Friendly Seating Solution • Lakeshore Learning Materials $29.99 1 $29.99
makarci Balance stepping stones for kids, non-slip toddlers sensory toys outdoor or indoor play, promoting motor skills and confidence, Obstacle Course Coordination Toys for children age 3 4 5 6 7+ • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
BENOKER 100PCS Magnetic Blocks-Build Magnetic Blocks Forest World Set for Boys & Girls Age 3-5 6-8, STEM Sensory Toys for Toddlers Gifts • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
TOY Life 64 Pcs Magnetic Blocks for Toddlers Age 3-5 Magnet Blocks Magnetic Building Block for Kids Ages 4-8 Magnet Block for Kids 3-5 Preschool Creative Stem Building Toys • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Lilly's Love Weighted Stuffed Animal, 5lb | Sensory Plush for Kids & Adults | Machine Washable Plushie w/Removable Inner | Calming Weighted Stuffed Animal for Anxiety, Stevie The Sloth • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Bouncyband Sensory Vibrating Unicorn Neck Pillow — Therapeutic 16x12x6” Super Soft Pillow to Drape Over Neck or Rest on Shoulders, Lap, Back, Stomach — Calming Tool for ADHD, Perfect for The Classroom • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Suction Cup Fidget Sensory Toys: 48 Pack Suction Cup People Toys Fidget Toy for Autism Autistic ADHD Kids Ages 3+, Creative Travel Toys Idea for Boys Girls • Amazon Business $29.93 1 $29.93
Hand2mind My Feelings Rainbow Fidget Tube, Mindfulness for Kids, Stress Toys, Sensory Play Therapy, Calm Down Classroom, Calming Corner Items, Social Emotional Learning Activities • Amazon Business $14.71 2 $29.42
Posture Magic Massage Ball Set for Myofascial Trigger Point Release & Deep Tissue Massage - Set of 6 - Large Foam/Small Foam/Lacrosse/Peanut/Spiky/Hand Exercise Ball (Blue) • Amazon Business $27.95 1 $27.95
ODOXIA Sensory Mats for Autistic Children | Sensory Tiles for Kids | Sensory Wall Panel | Sensory Mats (Shapes) | Sensory Toys | Sensory Room Equipment | Sensory Disorder Toys for Tactile Play • Amazon Business $24.95 1 $24.95
60 PCS Magnetic Building Tiles Kids Toys STEM Magnetic Blocks Sensory Toys Kids Games Magnet Building Toy for Boys and Girls Aged 3+, Kid Brain Development Preschool Kindergarten Toddler Toy • Amazon Business $22.99 1 $22.99
Bouncyband Fidget Foot Roller • School Specialty $21.97 1 $21.97
Learning Resources Rainbow Visual Timer (LER4368) • Quill.com $21.05 1 $21.05
36 Pcs Blue Chair Bands Fidget for Kids with Fidgety Feet Chair Bands Rubber Band for Elastic Bands Stress Leg Strap Kids Chairs Students ADHD Sensory • Amazon Business $19.99 1 $19.99
BUILD ME Construction Sandbox Toy for Kids With 2 lbs Play Sand, Bulldozer, and Figures - Tractor Sand Playset - Children's 3-5 Boys Farm Set, Indoor Mini Construction Play Set • Amazon Business $19.99 1 $19.99
BENOKER Dinosaur Magnetic Tiles,Animals Magnet Building Blocks Toys Dino World,3D STEM Educational Magnet Tiles for Boys Girls Kids Age 3 4 5 6 7 8 • Amazon Business $19.98 1 $19.98
SENSORY4U Sensory Sack (Medium) Body Sock - Calming Therapy Blanket for Stress Relief, Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, ADD, Sensory Play for Kids - Green Fidget Body Pod Toy • Amazon Business $18.13 1 $18.13
Amazon Basics 11 Piece Moldable Sensory Sand Toy Kit with Castle Molds and Tools, 3lbs Blue Color, for Kids Ages 3 and Up • Amazon Business $17.09 1 $17.09
GiftAmaz Mindful Maze Boards, Calming Toys for Kids, Finger Path Breathing Boards, Calming Corner Items Kids Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness Sensory Cardboard Birthday Toys Box for Kid 3+ • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
GiftAmaz Multi-Sensory Mindful Maze Boards, Textured Sensory Calming Toys for Kid, Finger Path Breathing Board, Calming Corner Items Social Emotional Learning, Mindful Sensory Cardboard Box for Kid 3+ • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
5 Pcs Marble Maze Mat Sensory Fidget Stress Relief Toys,Sensory Mat Anxiety Calming Toys,Tactile Sensory Toys for Kids Adults Teens Autism with Special Needs School Classroom Home Supplies,2 Sizes • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Bouncyband Calming Stretchy Band Fidget Toy (BBASBSMU) • Quill.com $16.82 1 $16.82
Litake Kitty Night Light, USB Rechargeable Silicone Cute Cat Night Light for Kids Baby Children, 7-Color Changing LED Cat Lamp Nursery Nightlights for Kids Bedroom (Celebrity) • Amazon Business $16.59 1 $16.59
Made By Me Explore + Create Dino Galaxy Sensory Bin, Fun Sensory Bins for Toddlers 3+, All-in-One Tactile Sensory Toys & Dino-Mite Sensory Experience • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Made By Me Explore + Create Unicorn Sensory Bin - Sensory Bins for Toddlers - All-in-One Tactile Sensory Toys - Learn Through Play Toys - Unique Fine Motor Toys & Magical Sensory Experience • Amazon Business $14.93 1 $14.93
Visual Timer with Protective Case, 60-Minute Countdown Timer for Kids Autism ADHD Classroom Home Office with, Countdown Clock for Teaching Work Meeting Time Managemen with Green Dinosaur Pattern • Amazon Business $13.49 1 $13.49
Visual Timer with Protective Case, 60-Minute Countdown Timer for Kids Autism ADHD Classroom Home Office, Countdown Clock for Teaching Work Meeting Time Management, Sky Blue with Colorful Disc • Amazon Business $13.49 1 $13.49
Breathing Lamp Guided Visual Meditation Tool for Mindfulness,Anxiety Relief&Calm Your Mind for Stress&Visual Relaxation and Restful Sleep,478 Seconds Breathing Rate Change 3 Colors,Gift for Kids • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99

Materials cost

$1,643.75

Vendor shipping charges

 $22.69

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$24.66

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,721.10

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$303.72

Total project goal

$2,024.82

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $2,024.82

7 Donors

-$1,288.96

Donations toward project cost

-$1,099.37

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$189.59

Matching donations from our partners

-$731.45

Match offers toward project cost

-$621.73

Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$109.72

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$4.42

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Espinoza and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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