"Calm your body." "Sit down." "Relax, take a deep breath." These are common phrases said (too many times to count) each day in my classroom. Words just aren't cutting it anymore!
Our school is home to about 300 students in a high poverty, inner city neighborhood.
Our school is highly mobile with almost 20% of our students experiencing homelessness. Despite the challenges that our students face, they are incredibly resilient. The students that learn in my classroom all have low incidence disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, and Down Syndrome. Their vivacious personalities, zest for life, and boldness are a huge part of our school culture. They do not let developmental delays or poverty get in the way of their learning. I truly LOVE my job as their teacher and cannot imagine teaching a different group of children.
My Project
We are requesting some items to help my students regulate their sensory needs. We have a wonderful sensory room that my students visit throughout the day to help get their sensory systems in check, but we need more in-class materials. Without these materials, my students are very wiggly, hyper, and often upset because they need sensory input. Weighted vests will help my students receive the deep pressure that many of them need to focus. The block chairs requested have very clear boundaries of where their bodies need to stay. This will help them understand spacial awareness and what it means to keep your body to yourself.
Children with special needs are impacted by so many factors.
The special tools that they need are unfortunately very expensive. Please be a champion for my students and help us get these needed materials. Thank you!
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
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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. Szczecinski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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