My students need a variety of options for gross motor play, exercise, and sensory integration. Each of these provides a different way to move in a safe way in the classroom.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
I work with preschoolers with developmental delays. Our school is a Title I school serving a significant number of low-income families. Additionally, due to our location near a large military base, many of my students have a parent in the military and may experience a high level of stress due to parental separation or frequent relocations. Most of our students lack access to opportunities for developmentally appropriate sensory integration (parks, pools, therapeutic gyms). My school, in particular, primarily serves elementary-aged students and does not have indoor equipment that is age and ability accessible to my students. Many of our students have unique sensory needs and would benefit from sensory and active play to help them focus on other learning activities. Having access to these materials will help us meet their physical and learning needs.
My Project
I serve young children with special needs who need increased opportunities for active play throughout the day. Many of my students are on the Autism Spectrum and/or have Sensory Integration delays. Additionally the majority of my students are coming to school for the first time. I hope to support coordination, motor planning, and sensory integration. Increasing their fitness level will lead to overall improvements in health and attitudes towards fitness. Many of our students need greater opportunities for sensory input in order to help promote their well-being and self-regulation in the classroom. Opportunities for sensory integration will help their overall development, behavior, and ability to concentrate and focus throughout the day. Students who have unique sensory needs will be able to access these throughout the day as well. Balance boards will provide fun ways to develop balance and coordination (and confidence!) Scooters will provide opportunities for finding different ways to use their muscles for locomotion and motor planning. Flexible seating will help us make modifications during activities to keep our young wiggle worms engaged. And gym mates will create a safe space for tumbling. All of the materials will help us practice a variety of skills in the 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 Ms. WATSON and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
