This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
"Oh, the things you can find if you don't stay behind." -Dr. Seuss.
All I want for my students is to give them every opportunity to grow and learn just like their regular education peers. They can do it. They just need specialized devices and objects to help them connect with others and to learn.
My classroom is filled with interesting, bright, and special children who just need a little more attention than most.
My students are all non-verbal, some are non-ambulatory, and all have significant cognitive disabilities...but to me all these statements are just labels. I do not believe that any of this should limit them from growing and learning. Each student has his own unique personality and each student has the right to get the best education in order to help him grow into a strong and independent person. My students are Intellectually Disabled and they do have a harder time than their regular education peers with doing well in school. But with the right equipment, technology, devices, and objects my students can attend and achieve.
My Project
My project involves devices and aids to foster academic learning, communication, independent functioning, and social skills. Since my students are all non-verbal the use of the communication devices,Talk Blocks and GoTalk One will give them a 'voice'. The devices will be used for my students to answer questions about lessons and personal needs, to interact socially with their peers, and to initiate questions during lessons. My students all have special sensory stimulation needs that inhibit their ability to focus and relax. The sensory items, Weighted Starfish and Spiky Gloves will go a long way towards engendering attention and serenity, which in turn will enable them to grow academically. Gross and fine motor skills are an issue for my students, so getting them to write is hard for them as they cannot easily hold crayons and pencils. By using the Repk Handi-Writer they will be able to write, which will in turn help them with learning and communication.
This project will be a start to making sure I can do my best to do all I can for my students.The main thing this project will do is give students who are usually passed over and underestimated the opportunity to shine.
They will be able to learn and interact with others, they will be given the opportunity to show me what they can do, and they will gain confidence. Imagine being trapped in your head with no way to connect with the people around you...wouldn't you want someone to give you a voice?
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 Ms. Rueth and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.