We have a diverse group of fourth graders: different cultures, different languages, and different needs fill our classrooms. Our school is a great community of teachers, students, and families who support each other. Our focus is always what's best for the students. That focus is what drives our instruction -- and why we love teaching. Seeing how much "our kids" grow and develop each year, and knowing that we got to be part of that, motivates us to keep searching for more tools and ways to push them onward.
My Project
Many students need to move and be active in order for them to stay focused, or their behavior often disrupts their learning and the learning of other students. During whole group work, having a student actively moving around and off task not only impacts their learning, it is distracting to others, resulting in more students struggling to focus on the content being taught. If a student is distracted and unfocused during small group activities, the rest of their group is also affected.
Sensory manipulatives help students increase their focus and result in more learning by all students.
Tangles & stress balls provide sensory stimulation to students who need that, which calms anxiety and improves their focus. These, along with other fidget tools, will be available for all students to use when they need.
Research backs this up! According to an article in ADDitudeMag, "John Ratey, M.D., shows that physical activity — even something as small as fidgeting the hands — increases levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the way ADHD medications do. Both chemicals play a key role in sharpening focus and increasing attention." Sensory tools have also been shown to be helpful with students with anxiety and those on the autism spectrum.
Manipulating sensory tools helps many students better concentrate during lessons, complete assignments, and participate in group work. It will also reduce many of the behavior problems connected with inattention - which will improve learning and participation of all students in the class.
Rhode Island Novelty Assorted Squeeze Ball, 25-Piece(Discontinued by manufacturer)
• Amazon Business
$13.48
1
$13.48
E-lishine Tangle Jr Original Sensory Fidget Toy Relieves Stress & Anxiety - Random Colors
• Amazon Business
$6.59
2
$13.18
Nelijoe Stress Ball and Puffer Squeeze Toys, Assortment 12-Pack
• Amazon Business
$12.97
1
$12.97
Spiky Sensory Balls (Pack of 5) - Squeezy and Bouncy Fidget Toys / Sensory Toys - BPA/Phthalate/Latex-Free
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
36 Fun Fidget Pencil Toppers with 1 Super Secret Surprise Sack by USToyKF
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Abilitations 1285349 Hourglass Shaped Fidget Finger Squash It, Multiple Colors (Set of 6 )
• Amazon Business
$11.48
1
$11.48
Tangle Jr. Classic Sensory Fidget Toy, Set of 3, Carnival, Tropical, Light Blue Yellow
• Amazon Business
$9.50
1
$9.50
Sports Festival Bounce Balls Game With Colorful Bouncy Ball Set of 5 Pack Soft Balls
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Fidget Toys (Pack of 12) by Austor - Relieve Stress, Increase Focus for Adults and Children, Sensory Marble and Mesh Fidgets Help with ADHD ADD OCD Autism
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Rhode Island Novelty Puffer Balls (Set of 6)
• Amazon Business
$6.64
1
$6.64
FUN Emoji Face Squeeze Balls- 12 ~ 3'' Stress Relax Emotional Toy Balls ~ Fun Office Holiday Gift ~ Stocking Stuffer ~ Gag Toy
• Amazon Business
$6.62
1
$6.62
Stretchy String Fidget (6 Pack)- Autism sensory toys- Non-toxic, BPA/Phthalate Free-can stretches Over 8 Feet
• Amazon Business
$6.60
1
$6.60
Stretchy Happy Face (12-pack)
• Amazon Business
$4.67
1
$4.67
Materials cost
$127.10
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$11.63
3rd party payment processing fee
$1.91
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$170.64
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$30.11
Total project goal
$200.75
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$200.75
3 Donors
-$196.34
Donations toward project cost
-$170.64
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. Pollak and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
