Overcoming Trauma through the Use of Sensory Tools
My students need weighted blankets, weighted lap pads and other sensory tools to assist in successful physiological regulation of overwhelming emotions and energy states.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Worthy's classroom raised $988
This project is fully funded
My Students
The students in the crossroads program at our school are resilient, strong, inventive and so much more. Many of these students have experienced life adversities such as physical and emotional abuse, community violence, attachment disruptions and more which impact them socially, emotionally and behaviorally. These students are working daily to overcome trauma and the stress that impacts their ability to participate in school work effectively and consistently. Our goal is to create a learning environment that is adaptive, flexible and supportive to meet each student's academic and emotional needs.
Many of our students live in communities that are unsafe and unpredictable, and we strive to make school a healthy, safe and supportive environment that fosters growth and success for each child.
When given the opportunity, our students have proven time and time again that they are extremely capable and bright.
My Project
The students in the crossroads program have experienced life adversities and traumas that impact their ability to safely regulate their physiological responses to triggers. Our students work incredibly hard daily to overcome these adversities, to learn ways to keep themselves safe and to access their education.
Having a safe space where students can use regulation tools with staff support will help our students grow socially and emotionally, allowing them to rely less on unhealthy regulation strategies.
These weighted blankets, weighted lap pads and other sensory tools will serve to enhance students' emotional knowledge and fluency and enable them to be more effective students, peers and members of their community. The tools will also provide students the opportunity to learn more about their regulation and self-care needs which supports a healthier transition into adulthood.
Tools such as weighted blankets, weighted lap pads and weighted vests provide proprioceptive input to the body which serves to calm the nervous system. Children who have experienced trauma often have overactive nervous systems and "danger alarms" making them feel chronically unsafe and dysregulated. Having access to weighted blankets and other regulation tools in the classroom and safe rooms at school will assist students in calming their bodies and staying safe when experiencing overwhelming emotional stress or triggers. If students are able to feel safe in their own bodies, they will then be better able to access their education and form healthy social relationships.
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 Ms. Worthy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
