I am the school psychologist intern at a K-6 elementary in a relatively high-needs area, which means that I have had the pleasure of working with some of our neediest students. This is particularly true when it comes to social-emotional needs.
Some of our wonderful students come to school with some really complicated emotions and some are even coming in from severely traumatic backgrounds.
I've thoughtfully designed my office to be a relaxing space, so when students come to me needing to de-escalate, they have a calming space to do so. But I want to create small spaces like that throughout the school. Though most students do experience negative emotions throughout the day, most do not need to leave the room to work through those emotions.
Our students have some strong coping skills! Some have learned breathing exercises while others have learned through the Zones of Regulation curriculum. But they don't always have the time or space to work through their emotions and use the coping skills that they have. I want to provide the tools for them to have time and space within their own classrooms to calm down or take a break when needed.
My Project
As the school psychologist intern, I hope to give teachers the tools to let their students self-regulate when they are frustrated, upset, or just need a break. Timers will help students to self-direct and take a quick break without missing too much instruction, while sensory toys and fidgets can give them something neutral to put their focus on without distracting other students.
As a school, we want to help students build and practice emotional awareness and self-regulation skills.
We all need a break from time to time, and providing every teacher with the supplies for a calm kit can ensure that every student has the opportunity to practice their own self-regulation skills.
Our lovely district has provided us with funds to *start* these calm kits but what they've offered is simply not enough to make a meaningful space for students to calm down and be ready to learn. That's why I hope you are willing to donate so that we can provide a kit full of tools and supports for calming down and regulating their own emotions within the classroom.
Special Supplies Therapy Putty - Resistive Hand Exercise Therapy Putty Kit, Set of 6 Strengths, 3 Ounces of Each Putty
• Amazon Business
$17.99
4
$71.96
FREDDY'S FIDGET TOYS for Sensory Kids and Adults (pack of 10) Best Classroom Fidgets for School - Marble Fidget Toy Relieves Stress and Increase Focus - Sensory Toys for Autistic Children OCD ADHD ADD
• Amazon Business
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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. Bethany and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.