Imagine what it would be like seeing the world through the eyes of a student with Autism. In the book, The Reason I Jump, a boy on the Autism spectrum describes to the world what it is like to think inside his brain. It is a challenge. He sometimes wants to say things that come out the opposite of what he is trying to convey. Now imagine being on the Autism spectrum and having a secondary disability of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Now imagine a class of nine six grade boys all receiving support for one or both of these disorders.
That is my 6th period class. They are spirited and fun, but struggle communicating in appropriate ways and their brains do not always slow down when they want it to. They love to hear me read funny books like the adventures of Fudge in the classic Judy Blume series. Sometimes, they need help relaxing not only their minds, but their bodies as well. At times their bodies need to fidget, and move, in order to feel safe, in order to feel comfort. This constant moving, makes it hard to concentrate and focus.
My Project
The bicycle desks will allow my students an opportunity to channel inappropriate energy in a positive way. It will allow them to focus on the schoolwork at hand. The bicycle desks will also take away from negative comments about their stemming and incontrollable behaviors, and allow them to gain control of their behavior at school. When their behaviors are in check, they can channel their energy to their minds. I believe my students will be able to finish incomplete work in a more relaxed state, and keep their attention on the tasks at hand. Another teacher has had proven success with these materials.
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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. Wilbanks and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.