Filling the Gaps: Creating an Equity-Centered Classroom
Help me give my students classroom supplies that they use every single day and sensory items that allow them to "move" while remaining engaged in instruction and focused on their tasks.
Many of my students come to class without the basic necessary supplies to be successful, much less to engage in interactive, collaborative lessons. The institution of an electronics ban, which is wonderful, has exacerbated their need to move and fidget while remaining in their seats to be engaged in instruction. The items in my cart fill both needs - using the sticky notes, pens, pencils, and whiteout - the students will have the supplies to complete basic work, collaborative exercises (such as gallery walks and jigsaw activities), and something to fill the void left by the removal of cell phones. The rulers and writing supplies will also allow students to create tangible products, such as literary one-pagers, to demonstrate their mastery of content. These items may seem cheap and insignificant, but in some cases, I've not even been able to find them at the Dollar Store or other discount outlets.
I began using fidgets in my classroom last year and saw great gains in engagement.
The students sit silently and manipulate the fidget while paying attention to my instruction and collaborating with peers. The students do not even ask about their phones. My classroom grades improved, and their required standardized test scores also improved. Students, more than ever, need to move, as many studies note post-COVID students have higher instances of PTSD, ADHD, and ACES due to the isolation and other factors of the pandemic. Research supports fidgeting as a way to help students deal with their sensory needs while still engaging with the academics.
Filling their supply gap to create a classroom where all students are on equal footing and removing the distraction of social media and games positively impacts their overall academic and social well-being.
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
School Smart Retractable Gel Pens with Grip, Black Ink, Pack of 48
• School Specialty
$43.04
1
$43.04
Fun-N-Nuf Waterworld Circle Clip-Over-The-Page Bookmark Set, Plastic, Pack of 40
• School Specialty
$39.52
1
$39.52
School Smart Mechanical Pencils with Eraser, 0.7 mm Tip, No 2 Lead, Assorted Colors, Pack of 50
• School Specialty
$29.99
1
$29.99
BIC Wite-Out Mini Correction Tape, White, Pack of 12
• School Specialty
$28.19
1
$28.19
Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 3 x 3 Inches, Miami Colors, 24 Pads with 70 Sheets
• School Specialty
$27.97
1
$27.97
School Smart Loose Leaf Rings, 1-1/2 Inches, Nickel Plated Steel, Pack of 100
• School Specialty
$23.54
1
$23.54
Fidget Toys Sensory Stone for Kids,Supple Silicone Feel Worry Stone for Autism Kids Calming - Fidget Stress Toys for Students Anxiety Relief (12PCS)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
School Smart Flexible Plastic Ruler, Inches and Metric, 6 Inch Size, Clear, Pack of 12
• School Specialty
$12.97
1
$12.97
CHENGU 16 Pcs Fidget Toys Set Include 8 Six Roller Chain and 8 Key Flippy Chain Stress Reducer Bike Chain Toys Anxiety Relief Bike Chain for Teens Adults ADHD, Add, Autism (Bright)
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Ticonderoga Classic Wood-Cased Pencils, No 2 HB, Sharpened, Yellow, Pack of 30
• School Specialty
$8.47
1
$8.47
Materials cost
$238.67
Vendor shipping charges
$21.37
Sales tax
$18.62
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.58
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$312.24
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$55.10
Total project goal
$367.34
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$367.34
2 Donors
-$327.99
Donations toward project cost
-$312.24
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 Mrs. Wallace and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
