My students need toys to play with and learn from. Preschool children learn through play. These toys will allow for imaginary play which is a huge part of early learning.
My state has been in fiscal crisis for the past 10 years. We are ranked 50th in the nation with regard to teacher pay and student funding. Our class size has increased and budgets have decreased. There literally has been no money allotted to my classroom in 10 years to purchase supplies or replace broken items that wear out. That's where I'm asking for your help.
I teach an AM class of 3-4-year-old special needs students.
My PM class is an inclusive class of 4-year-old students. I have 10 regular ed kids and 5 special ed kids.
My class is their first contact with school. I serve children diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, and mild-moderate birth defects. We work on learning our letters, colors, shapes, and numbers in addition to receiving OT/PT and Speech Therapy. My students always try very hard to achieve to the best of their abilities.
My school is a Title I school with over 72% of our students receiving free/reduced lunch. Several of my students participate in the backpack program and receive free food each weekend.
My Project
Learning through play is a vital contributor to the normal development of a child. Role play is an essential enabler for understanding other people’s perspectives and for thinking creatively. These items will help me accomplish this.
I am requesting role playing toys for my classroom.
Specifically, I am requesting kitchen, store, and shopping items, medical and veterinary supplies and equipment, play sets, and magnetic and Bristol blocks. Since my class has received no funding for 10 years, toy purchases come from me. I need your help to fund some of the bigger items my students need to grow and develop.
The shopping and household items I have requested, will help my children practice real world situations and life experiences; allowing them to gain different perspectives as the customer, the store owner, etc. The Fisher Price play sets will also provide other opportunities for them to engage in imaginary play in situations they may not encounter in real life.
The magnetic blocks and Bristol blocks will be used to replace a current set of blocks that are almost destroyed due to 10 years of use. The students love building with these items as they are just a different way of building.
More than three‑quarters 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
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 Mrs. Bottoms and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.