Help me give my students a peaceful, calming environment to learn in with materials like wind chimes(for transitioning), lavender, soft lighting, floor pillows and a sensory LED light projector.
"Poverty is like punishment for a crime you didn't commit."-Eli Khamarov.
I teach at a Title I school, where a large percentage of the student body lives at or below the poverty line.
Many of them deal with circumstances that most adults would not be able to deal with, yet they do, all the while they are trying to learn. They are learning the skills they need to be successful in life.
Working with our most vulnerable population, I see this first hand. While at times, it can be frustrating, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you helped a child, living in poverty, gain the tools necessary for success in life, and more importantly changed their vision of what the future can mean for them.
My Project
Ask any educator in a Title I school what the biggest obstacle they face is, and they are going to say, "Trauma". Every day we have little humans, in our classrooms, that are dealing with trauma. Some have been abused, some have lost a parent to violence, drugs, or prison. Many are being raised by someone other than their parents. Many face food insecurity. They come into our classrooms looking not only for education, but for love, consistency and a sense of safety and peace.
Not all wounds are visible.
We don't walk around with a big sign that says, "Handle with care: Someone hurt me.", and neither do our students, but if you know what to look for it becomes quickly evident that it is visible. It's evident in the way they act out, or pull away. It's evident in their exaggerated startle responses, or their lack of a startle response. It's evident in the fact they can't read or memorize math facts because their minds are busy trying to make sense of their lives. We have to meet them where they are, provide what they need and then move on from there. By donating to this project, you will be helping me do just that.
This project will help me create a calming, peaceful environment. A place where they can feel safe, build relationships, and learn to take educational risks. The soft lighting, essential oils and flexible seating, help students relax and become present. Wind chimes, for transitioning from centers, is far more pleasant and less harsh than a screeching timer. It also helps establish procedures and routines, which also provide a sense of trust. Finally the LED light projector, when paired with calming music, can provide an opportunity for mindfulness before moving on to something like Math.
Calming Autism Sensory LED Light Projector Toy Relax Blue Night Music Projection
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 100ml Glass Fragrance Lavender Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with 7 Color LED Lights and Waterless Auto Shut-off 4 Timed Settings For Home Office Yoga Spa Baby
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Style Selections Erskin 17.7-in White Desk Lamp with Rice Paper Shade
• Amazon Business
$19.58
1
$19.58
Lavender Essential Oil by Sun Essentials, 4oz
• Amazon Business
$5.99
3
$17.97
BLESSEDLAND Butterfly Wind Chime-4 Hollow Aluminum Tubes -5 Wind Bells 7 Butterflies-Wind Chime with S Hook for Indoor and Outdoor
• Amazon Business
$16.88
1
$16.88
Materials cost
$173.35
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$2.60
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$205.95
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$36.34
Total project goal
$242.29
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$242.29
1 Donor
-$242.29
Donations toward project cost
-$205.95
Donations 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 Ms. Lake and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
