My students need sensory breaks throughout the day, with a trampoline and wood building blocks, to help with self-regulation, emotional, and cognitive skills.
Imagine what it would be like if you had to sit in a chair all day without any movement breaks. Children with autism have a difficult time self-regulating and knowing what to do with their bodies at any given time. Providing these students with sensory integration breaks and activities is vital.
I teach children with moderate to severe autism in a self-contained setting.
The students range in age from 9-11 and I currently have 2 girls and 5 boys in my class. Their communication skills vary, ranging from functional language skills to non-verbal. I teach in an arts infused elementary school so in addition to teaching functional life skills to my students, they also take drama, music, dance, and art. Some of my students are able to attend general education classes with their peers, but I also have peers come to my class several times a week to participate in age appropriate social activities with my students.Our day is broken up into large, small, and individual instruction with sensory activities built in throughout the day.
My Project
It is known that children with autism have a variety of sensory needs. Providing sensory integration using a variety of materials and activities has been shown to relieve anxiety, provide self-regulation and awareness in space, and to improve cognitive abilities. Transitions are often difficult for my students so I try to provide sensory activities for them to do, such as 5 bounces on the therapy ball, before moving to a new activity. My students have worn out the majority of our sensory items due to daily wear and tear so we are hoping to re-build our inventory and even provide new and different items for the class. A few minutes playing with sand can significantly calm a student with autism. A few jumps on the trampoline can help a student sit longer at the next activity. Using their hands to manipulate objects helps with fine motor and writing skills. All of these items can have a significant impact on diminishing stereo-typical behaviors and improve learning.
I feel that these items will help my students with the many sensory needs they have.
The items I am requesting will last many years and will benefit all of the students who enter my classroom in the future. Because of funding cuts in our district, I have not been able to provide my students with many of the sensory items they need in order to properly maintain their level of sensory needs.
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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. Meiring and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.