Help me give my students the tools to develop self-regulation, collaboration, and social skills.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. McKey's classroom raised $983
This project is fully funded
My Students
The students consider themselves a classroom family and work hard to recognize when love and support is needed by others. Our group is working together to meet individual social, emotional, and learning needs and meeting goals set as a class.
Seventy-seven percent of the students at our school are considered economically disadvantaged.
One hundred percent of the students that attend SECC are enrolled in our free breakfast and lunch program. As a result, we create a school culture that welcomes all students and families to participate in a variety of activities to help build a safe community. We strive to provide additional support and offer families accessibility to needed resources.
This sense of community safety makes students excited to come to school every day. We even have our classes divided into neighborhoods. My students and I are located in the Forest Friends neighborhood. Our dedication to creating a school wide community is helping us to teach our students how to work together, be kind and considerate, follow directions, develop relationships, self-regulate, and be engaged learners.
My Project
Calm down areas are a great way for pre-kindergarten students to learn self-regulation, how to make good choices, social skills, and self-awareness. Additionally, calm down areas provide tools that can be used to maintain self-regulation once it has been achieved. Weighted companions allow students to experience the sensation of hugs which helps release endorphins which lowers stress. Companions also allow students the opportunity to talk through their issues without fear of judgement or recourse.
I have also noticed that our dramatic play center is an opportunity for students to practice self-awareness, social skills, collaboration, and self-regulation.
By providing a variety of dramatic play toys, the students get to choose scenarios that will advance their individual physical, emotional, and academic learning. At this young age, students learn the most through play. By providing materials that support appropriate learning, the students are given time to truly engage in what they enjoy most.
The items that I have selected for my project will allow me to set up a more complex dramatic play area in my classroom. Due to the pandemic, many of the students have not had an opportunity to learn social and emotional skills before entering the classroom. This has led to the need for multiple calm down areas in the classroom. As we try to teach and encourage self-regulation, making good choices, social skills, and self-awareness, we lack some of the tools the students need during self-reflection. The additional tools I have selected will allow multiple students to take the opportunity to regulate their emotions at the time of their need.
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
Vet Center Pretend Pet Hospital Playset - Wooden Animal Interactive Medical Checkup Set with Toy Cat, X-Ray Cards, Stethoscope & Veterinarian Medical Accessories, Fun Doctor Role Play Gift for Kids
• Amazon Business
$119.99
1
$119.99
ShadeMAGIC Fluorescent Light Covers for Classroom Office - Light Filter Pack of (2); Eliminate Harsh Glare That Causing Eyestrain and Head Strain. Office & Classroom Decorations. Light Diffusers (2)
• Amazon Business
$21.99
4
$87.96
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater - Sturdy Wooden Construction
• Amazon Business
$85.99
1
$85.99
FDP SoftScape 15 inch Round Bean Floor Cushions with Handles; Flexible Seating for Home, Daycare, Preschool, Classroom, Yoga and Meditation, 4 inch Height (4-Piece) - Contemporary
• Amazon Business
$64.12
1
$64.12
hand2mind PAWZ The Calming Pup, Learn Deep Breathing Patterns, Social Emotional Learning, Sensory Toys for Sensory Play, Mindfulness for Kids, Anxiety Relief for Kids, Kids Night Light (Set of 1)
• Amazon Business
$21.99
2
$43.98
Playlearn Cuddle Ball Knot Pillow - Sensory Pillow – Plush Toy Hugging Pillow – Calming Stress Relief Toy for Kids – 10 Inch - Grey
• Amazon Business
$39.99
1
$39.99
BARMY Weighted Lap Pad for Kids (24”x24”, 5lbs, 7 Colors) Weighted Lap Blanket with Removable, Washable Cover, Sensory Lap Pad for Child, Toddler, Dogs, 100% Cotton Inner Weighted Blanket, Red
• Amazon Business
$39.49
1
$39.49
BARMY Weighted Lap Pad for Kids (24”x24”, 5lbs, 7 Colors) Weighted Lap Blanket with Removable, Washable Cover, Sensory Lap Pad for Child, Toddler, Dogs, 100% Cotton Inner Weighted Blanket, Blue
• Amazon Business
$39.49
1
$39.49
4E's Novelty 3 Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere Toy (3 Pack) Expanding Stress Relief Breathing Ball Toys for Kids & Adults - for Anxiety, Yoga, Deep Breathing, ADHD - Neon Blue, Pink, & Green
• Amazon Business
$24.96
1
$24.96
Melissa & Doug Barn Buddies Hand Puppets, Set of 6 (Cow, Sheep, Horse, Duck, Chicken, Pig)
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Just Play Disney Frozen 2 Olaf Weighted 14.5-inch Plush Stuffed Toy for Kids, Snowman, White, Approximately 2-pounds, Ages 3 Up
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
hand2mind Mindful Maze Boards, 3 Double Sided Breathing Boards with Finger Paths, Mindfulness for Kids, Social Emotional Learning, Sensory Board, Anxiety Relief Items, Occupational Therapy Toys
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Superhero Capes Set and Wristbands Kids Costumes Halloween Christmas Cosplay Dress Up Gift for Boys Girls(5PCS)
• Amazon Business
$21.95
1
$21.95
Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets, Set of 6 (Elephant, Tiger, Parrot, Giraffe, Monkey, Zebra)
• Amazon Business
$20.49
1
$20.49
Superhero Capes Set and Wristbands Kids Costumes Halloween Christmas Cosplay Dress Up Gift for Boys Girls(4PCS)
• Amazon Business
$18.95
1
$18.95
Disney Princess Moana 14-Inch Weighted Plush Pua, Approximately 2 Pounds, Stuffed Animal, Pig, by Just Play
• Amazon Business
$18.60
1
$18.60
Melissa & Doug Palace Pals Hand Puppets (Set of 4) - Prince, Princess, Knight, and Dragon
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
Melissa & Doug Jolly Helpers Hand Puppets (Set of 4) - Construction Worker, Doctor, Police Officer, and Firefighter
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
Lemostaar 3 Set Water Beads Stress Relief Squeezing Balls for Kids and Adults: Best Calming Tool to Relieve Anxiety, Vent Mood and Improve Focus, Soft Novelty Hand Grip Pressure Ball
• Amazon Business
$10.99
1
$10.99
Materials cost
$733.90
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$59.81
3rd party payment processing fee
$11.01
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$834.72
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$147.30
Total project goal
$982.02
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$982.02
1 Donor
-$982.02
Donations toward project cost
-$834.72
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. McKey and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
