How many times do you remember as a child being told to "JUST SIT STILL"? For some of us, it was just not possible. In our classroom, we never want brilliant minds to be held back by the sometimes impossible task of sitting still.
Our students are a curious, intelligent bunch who are always asking "what's next?" They are a diverse group, with four different languages spoken as the primary language at home amongst them.
They are eager to share what they know about the world and to absorb what we offer about our own experiences. They will teach me the word for "thank you" in Russian (and giggle with me as I struggle to pronounce it), then listen attentively as I explain the wonder of the bubble nests our pet Betta creates.
Our room is an inclusion class, which supports students with Asperger's and high-functioning Autism in a therapeutic classroom environment that supports all children's' social and emotional development. Students in our class are encouraged not to just become well-developed academically, but also to become well-rounded citizens who are capable of supporting each other as a classroom community.
My Project
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders often have different reactions to sensory input than neurotypical children. This means some of our students crave more intense sensory input (such as movement or certain tactile sensations) and avoid certain other sensory experiences. We include lots of movement to support these needs, but lessons that involve lots of rug or seat time make it difficult for all students to participate when their bodies are telling them they need to MOVE!
To support all of our students in being fully participative members in our learning community, we are asking for Disc-o-Sits that allow students to get the movement they crave while seated at the rug or in their chair with the class. Cushions will expand our learning environment past the edges of the rugs and desks. Backjack chairs provide more body support while at the rug, and the weighted dog, tangle and sensory snake will help calm the body and meet student's sensory needs so their minds are free to learn!
By providing these tools that open our classroom environment, we hope to provide more opportunities for our students to open their minds.
Partners can spread out to share a good book. Students can gather at the rug and share ideas as a community. Students can write uninterrupted at their desks. By giving our students the physical tools they need, they will be able to share more of their knowledge of the world, and we will be able to share more of ours.
More than half 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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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. Wilkinson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
