I work as a Speech-language pathologist in a high needs, low-income public school. Over 75% of students are from low-income homes. My school has the highest homeless population in the city and 100% of my students qualify for free lunch. In addition, over 70% of my students are considered English language learners.
My students, in particular, are special education students with speech and/or language disorders.
However, I often work inclusively with all students in various classrooms (grades pre-K-6). Students throughout the building know me as “Ms. Brigitte”. I have been popping in and out of their classrooms since preschool or kindergarten as I collaborate, support, and co-teach with other teachers in the building to build literacy and language skills.
Despite the everyday challenges these students face, my students come to school every day, eager to learn and show off their skills. Whether it be a preschooler who finally is able to ask for help, a kindergartener who can proudly answer a question about a story, or a second grader who is able to remember and retell a story for the first time, I love to see my students’ faces light up with pride for their accomplishments!
My Project
I am asking for materials to create sensory bins. Sensory bins are multi-sensory, tactile experiences which help students engage in learning language and make connections with the world around them. The Plastic containers will be filled with the various requested sensory materials such as play sand, water beads, colored rice, play doh etc. The plastic animals (pets, aquatic, dinos, farm, and wildlife animals) will be placed within the sensory bins. Students can then dig for weekly themed vocabulary animals.
Students love the hands-on experience and engaging multiple senses helps students to retain and learn new vocabulary which they may not have a lot of exposure to, especially students from low-income backgrounds.
Through collaboration with classroom teachers, I can build these sensory bins and play experiences that help special education students learn classroom vocabulary using a multi-sensory, play-based approach. I have found this type of learning to be effective for all types of students.
If you donated to this project, you can sign in to leave a comment for Mrs. O'Brien.
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 Mrs. O'Brien and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
