Help Ms. Kusah's 1st Graders With a Calm Down Center
Help me give my students a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Kusah's classroom raised $434
This project is fully funded
Celebrating 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
In creating a "Calm Down Corner" for dysregulated students, the goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where they can regain emotional balance before returning to the learning environment. Here's how I would use the requested materials to achieve this:
Comfortable seating (cushions, small chairs, soft blankets): These materials provide physical comfort, helping students feel safe and secure.
A cozy, soft spot can help them relax and reduce anxiety. For example, a cushion could be used to encourage students to sit calmly and take deep breaths when they feel overwhelmed.
Visual calm-down tools: These tools help students understand how to regulate their emotions. A breathing chart, for example, would guide students through simple deep-breathing exercises. A mood meter could help them identify and express their current emotional state, which encourages self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Sensory items: Sensory items provide a way for students to redirect nervous energy or focus their attention. For example, a stress ball might be used by a student to help ground themselves and regain focus when they're feeling anxious or frustrated. Fidget toys or textured fabric can also help students stay calm while they work through their emotions.
Noise-cancelling headphones: These materials can help reduce sensory overload for students who are particularly sensitive to noise.
Timer or visual countdown: A timer can help students understand the passage of time, a visual countdown can let students know how long they have to use the Calm Down Corner and encourage them to focus on calming themselves during that time.
By using these materials, the Calm Down Corner can become an effective, welcoming space where students regain control of their emotions, leading to a smoother transition back into the learning environment.
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
Big Comfy Bean Bag Chair: Posh Large Beanbag Chairs with Removable Cover for Kids, Teens and Adults - Polyester Cloth Puff Sack Lounger Furniture for All Ages - 35 Inch - Solid Black
• Amazon Business
$89.99
2
$179.98
Leikes Wooden Labyrinth Game Marble Maze with One Steel Marble,Maze Toy for Kids Youngsters Adults,Wooden Puzzle Maze Brain Teaser Games for Challenges Game Lover,Kids Gift,Table Activity
• Amazon Business
$29.99
1
$29.99
Sensory Wall Sequin Flip Fabric for Kids,0.2" Large Sequins Sensory Graffiti Fabric for Toddlers,Tactile Stimulation,Reversible Glitter Fabric (1 yd, Iridescent + Silver)
• Amazon Business
$21.50
1
$21.50
Feelings and Emotions Cards Toolbox, Calming Strategy Cards for Social Emotional Learning, Learn Coping Skills, Calming Corner Game, Social Skills Cards, Autism Therapy
• Amazon Business
$21.39
1
$21.39
Power Your Fun Arggh Glitter Stress Ball for Adults and Kids - Medium Squishy Stress Ball Fidget Toy, Anti Stress Sensory Ball Squeeze Toy Stress Balls (Blue)
• Amazon Business
$8.99
2
$17.98
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
4 Pcs Marble Maze Mat Sensory Fidget Stress Relief Toys Calming Sensory Mat Anxiety Relief Toys Fidget Sensory Fabric Toys for Teens School Home Reduce Stress (Marble Maze Style,12.99 x 8.66 in)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
whimsyyy Moving Sand Art Liquid Motion Bubbler Flowing Sand Art Picture Desktop Sensory Calming Fidget Toy Voted Best Gift!(Ocean Heart) (Pink)
• Amazon Business
$12.50
1
$12.50
4E's Novelty Expandable Ball, Plastic Sensory Sphere for Kids and Adults
• Amazon Business
$10.49
1
$10.49
Squishy Sensory Toy for Kids - Fidget Calming Toys for Autism/ Anxiety Relief for Adults, Shapes Learning Toy Classroom Must Haves, Unique Stocking Stuffers (Shape)
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Materials cost
$333.80
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.01
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$368.81
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$65.08
Total project goal
$433.89
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$433.89
1 Donor
-$417.72
Donations toward project cost
-$368.81
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 Ms. Kusah and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
