My students need sensory enhancing equipment in the classroom such as a water table and a sand table. They also need dress-up costumes to engage in pretend play.
I am very fortunate to be the teacher of seven, wonderful, preschool children. They have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and four out of seven cannot express their needs verbally. Because these children have difficulty communicating, they often engage in aggressive behaviors. I wish to give my students an alternative way to manage their frustration through sensory engagement. Throughout the years, teaching special children, I have learned how important it is to know their individual needs and special talents to be able to create appropriate learning programs and facilitate acquisition of skills.
My Project
My students love hands-on activities, such as making crafts and working on science projects!
Initially, most of them feared exploring new materials because they had sensory challenges, which made it difficult for them to investigate their world using their five senses.
With everyday exposure to different materials, they learned to enjoy simple actions, such as touching materials, smelling scents, listening to music, tasting new foods and discerning colors.
My kids also lack social skills and do not know how to play, especially pretend play. I have asked for fire-fighter, chef, doctor, police and mail carrier dress-up costumes as some of the community helpers that the children may encounter outside of school in order for them to enact the activities that these community members carry out. The children will thus learn how to pretend being other people and about the different jobs and careers associated with the costumes.
I like to incorporate a variety of educational strategies to facilitate my students’ learning, as each child is special and has individual talents and needs. My mission is to make learning a fun, profitable and practical experience.
Your kind donations will help me provide my children with daily sensorial adventures that will broaden their knowledge and expand their senses!
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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. Catanzariti and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
