Our Cozy Corner...a Place to Relax, Re-energize, and Refocus
My students need access to alternative seating options and sensory supports that will allow them to relax, refocus and return to instruction ready to learn.
Our first grade classroom is an inclusion classroom. This means it is co-taught by a general education and special education teacher. Our class includes students with various learning needs including autism, development delays, learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities.
We are always challenging ourselves to learn more about our students and find ways to motivate them through their interests.
This past year, Barbie dolls, breakout boxes, dance breaks, kittens, and karaoke all made their way into our everyday instruction.
Every day in our classroom is a new adventure! We love to have fun, dress up, and laugh together. We've transformed our classroom into a zoo, a bakery, and even an airplane! We are always looking for unique ways to teach content that keeps students engaged and actively participating in their education. Our favorite thing is when a student tells us that they just "played" all day. They didn't even realize all the learning we were doing!
My Project
Each of us needs a break to relax, re-energize, and refocus in our day. As adults, we typically do this without even noticing. Our students, on the other hand, often need assistance in how to regulate their feelings and take a break to refocus themselves on their on educational task.
We have set out to create a quiet space where students can meet a variety of their sensory needs and prepare their minds and bodies for learning.
In our experience, our students have greatly benefited from taking a break to participate in sensory activities. In the past, these breaks have taken place outside of the classroom, which creates a loss of instructional time and at times, one teacher leaving the classroom. Our goal is to create an additional space within the classroom where students can visit and quickly return to instruction.
We want this to truly be a space that belongs to our children. We have opted to remove our teacher desks from the classroom to make room for the Cozy Corner. The visual timer will allow students to use the space independently. We have intentionally found items for both sensory seeking students and those who need calming strategies. The ball and bungee chairs provide options for seating in the Cozy Corner while also providing sensory input for students who need to bounce. The feelings books we reviewed not only tell about feelings such as anger and sadness but also how to handle those feelings appropriately, giving strategies for students to help them regulate their emotions. We also have students who need to retreat from over-stimulation. The body sock provides calming compression and a place to feel safe.
Thank you for helping provide a place for our students to help them succeed!
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Deluxe 50 Piece Set
• Amazon Business
$45.45
1
$45.45
BeanBob Bean Bag Chair (Flaming Red), 2.5ft - Bedroom Sitting Sack for Kids w/Super Soft Foam Filling
• Amazon Business
$44.90
1
$44.90
Sivan Health and Fitness Kids Exercise Yoga Mat with Carry Strap - for, Yoga & Pilates, Great for Kid Athletes, Dancers, Gymnasts, Tummy Time etc, 1/2-Inch Extra Thick, NBR Comfort Foam (Teal)
• Amazon Business
$20.99
2
$41.98
BODY SOX MEDIUM AGES 6-8 YRS
• School Specialty
$34.07
1
$34.07
Learning Resources LER6900 Time Tracker Visual Timer & Clock, Blue
• Amazon Business
$31.99
1
$31.99
Snug Kids Earmuffs/Best Hearing Protectors – Adjustable Headband Ear Defenders For Children and Adults (Original Blue)
• Amazon Business
$14.75
2
$29.50
Playskool Play Favorites Sit 'n Spin Toy, Ages 18 months and up (Amazon Exclusive)
• Amazon Business
WALIKI TOYS Children's Chair Ball with Feet, Alternative Classroom Seating (Inflatable Balance Ball Chair With Stability Legs for School, Pump Included, 18"/45CM, Blue)
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
YOGI FUN Kids Yoga Cards Kit with Illustrations, Rhyming Poems, Birthday Activity and 2 DIY Dice
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
National Geographic Play Sand - 2 LBS of Sand with Castle Molds and Tray (Red) - A Kinetic Sensory Activity
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Water Gel Beads MarvelBeads Non-Toxic Rainbow Mix (1 Pound Bulk) for Orbeez Spa Refill, Kids Sensory Toys and Décor (16 ounces)
• Amazon Business
$10.99
1
$10.99
Neliblu Wacky Tracks Snap and Click Fidget Toys for Sensory Kids - Snake Puzzles, Assorted Colors, (Pack of 4)
• Amazon Business
$8.17
1
$8.17
Liquid Motion Bubbler for Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity, Desk Top, Assorted Colors
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
When I Feel Worried (The Way I Feel Books)
• Amazon Business
$6.64
1
$6.64
When I Feel Scared (Way I Feel Books)
• Amazon Business
$5.59
1
$5.59
When I Feel Angry (The Way I Feel Books)
• Amazon Business
$5.59
1
$5.59
When I Feel Sad (The Way I Feel Books)
• Amazon Business
$5.31
1
$5.31
Materials cost
$436.75
Vendor shipping charges
$3.41
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.55
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$476.71
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$84.13
Total project goal
$560.84
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$560.84
3 Donors
-$510.84
Donations toward project cost
-$434.21
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$76.63
match offer
-$50.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$42.50
Match offer 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 Dr. McDonald and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
