I have the privilege of teaching a diverse group of students ages 5-7 in a kindergarten classroom. Some students start kindergarten already knowing how to read and write while others are just beginning to learn the alphabet and how to write their names.
I enjoy getting to know each one of my students personally in order to best meet their needs by creating high interest hands on activities and lessons that appeal to a variety of learning styles.
It is such a joy for me to watch my students learn and grow throughout the school year and to reflect on all of the progress they have made!
My Project
It is my goal to set up an Amygdala First Aid Station and create a safe and positive learning climate for all of my students in the classroom. For many students, kindergarten is their first experience in a school or structured group setting. I strive to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of my students.
Unfortunately, many students have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences at a very young age, and they struggle to cope with or control their emotions or adapt in a school setting.
The brain's amygdala is responsible for survival instincts and controlling one's emotions. The brain cannot learn when it is in a stressed state. Studies have proven that if a brain is distracted in a positive way, then a child will be much more likely to calm down quickly after being frustrated or upset. Then, the child's brain will be reset and refocused to continue learning.
Therefore, I would like to create a space in my classroom to help students refocus and reset their amygdalas for learning. When my project is funded, students will have access to materials such as scented markers, coloring pencils, notepads, flexible seating options (a bean bag chair, wobble set, or balance ball), Where's Waldo books, stress balls, padded headphones, water beads, and sensory dough to help them calm down in a safe and positive way. The donations to this project will help my students learn to control and regulate their emotions in a safe and positive way and quickly return to learning!
Please help me set up an Amygdala First Aid Station for my classroom!
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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 Mrs. Baker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
