Children with disabilities often struggle with calming their bodies, focusing on their work, and attending to tasks. Our classroom of seven children with special needs need yoga mats to begin our quest for calmness!
Our school is home to about 300 students in a high poverty, inner city neighborhood.
Due to low enrollment and changes within our school district, our school was one step away from being closed last year. Despite the challenges that my students face, they are incredibly resilient. The seven students that learn in my classroom all have low incidence disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome. Their vivacious personalities, zest for life, desire to learn, and boldness are a huge part of our school culture. They do not let developmental delays or poverty get in the way of their learning. I truly LOVE my job as their teacher and cannot imagine teaching a different group of children.
My Project
The National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders recently determined that there is enough research to prove that exercise is an evidence based practice to reaching children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Getting active is such an important way for my students to get their "wiggles out" before work time, to keep their attention, and to teach them to follow directions. Yoga mats will allow my students to learn and follow yoga moves, as well as get settled so that they can focus better throughout the day.
My students do not all have the opportunity to participate in gross motor and exercise activities that their typically developing peers do.
Yoga mats will literally be life changing! Please help us in getting active!
More than three‑quarters 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
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