Imagine if playtime was work for you. Imagine being so isolated, that the only thing that could bring you out of your "shell" and into the social world was daily exposure to SUPER fun social opportunities at recess. This is exactly what I hope will happen with this proposal.
I am an elementary school special education teacher and teach many students with autism.
Autism is a developmental disability that primarily affects the development of language and social skills, thus often times isolating individuals with this disability. At my school, I attempt to heal the isolating affects of autism by placing my students into general education settings where they are surrounded by their peers, and exposed to general education curriculum. In order to keep my students with autism engaged with their peers in class, we often use high interest items and activities in the learning process. These high interest activities for students with autism are often times just as high interest for their "typically developing peers". So, we try to incorporate their peers to help us bring these children out of their autism-induced isolation, and into the social world!
My Project
One way we bring students of all abilities together on my campus is by creating novel and extremely fun activities on the playground. In the past we have used bubbles, crawl tunnels, giant exercise balls, tumbling mats, scooters, Frisbees, etc. The list could go on forever. Due to the giant impact our social program has on our students, it unfortunately takes its toll on our toys.
Our tunnel is about to break, and our giant ball is about to pop. To keep this program running, we need new materials to bring out to the playground to ensure the social growth for our students with autism. In order to keep things new, fresh, and in working order, I have requested a set of ploy-pg gradeballs in a variety of sizes and supertube. These materials will help make recess and PE times more accessible to all students on campus.
By donating to this project, you will not only impact the lives of students with autism, but you will be helping these students become more social, and ultimately more productive members of our society.
By encouraging students with special needs to achieve like their non-disabled peers, we not only create equal opportunity, but also encourage kids of all abilities to develop lifelong friendships. What could be more satisfying and rewarding?
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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 Mr. Elder and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.