Help me give my students an interactive, functional and communication friendly starter sensory room equipped with touchscreen tablets for answering communication-based questions using ULS educational curriculum, a crash pad for safe vestibular input, LED lamp and more!
My 'Shining Eagles' are students in three different classrooms for students with special needs in grades K-5. Our ILC-ASD program was just established at our school THIS YEAR. As you can imagine, my students learn differently during therapy sessions and in their classrooms in comparison to their general education peers. This individualized learning requires adaptations to typical curriculum-based lessons and activities. The use of adapted books, sensory equipment, communication devices, etc. are essential for their progression.
My students enjoy interactive learning which also includes completing functional activities.
We are learning to play, communicate, follow directions, engage in group cooking and STEM lessons, solve problems, and so much more. As we work towards learning to be creative and inquisitive, we try to participate in as many hands-on, active, and engaging activities for maximum learning opportunities. Each student is inspirational, as they face constant challenges regarding communication, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and academia. They ultimately have a different view of the world than most. I simply want to give them the best opportunity possible to learn, grow, and function independently on a day to day basis.
My Project
Interactive tablets, motor break equipment, soundproof work areas, physical adaptations, and communication aids are just a few items that would help our new special needs program.
Many children with autism and other developmental disorders have problems with over-sensitivity.
They may have difficulty when the classroom becomes noisy and confusing. Some children cannot tolerate fluorescent lights because they can see flickers like a flashing strobe light. When a child with autism becomes over stimulated, he/she may need to take a break away from the noise in a quiet and sensory friendly location.
Sensory rooms are designed to assist students in organizing, calming, relaxing, and seeking out sensory information that their bodies crave. The goal of a sensory room is to provide a safe place where someone who has sensory seeking needs can become emotionally and physically balanced prior to learning.
When a student is motivated, happy and well balanced; there isn't a better opportunity to work on vocabulary, turn-taking, completing structured and unstructured tasks, and utilizing language. Unfortunately, we currently do not have many adaptations for our students. They deserve the best opportunity to become more independent, learn and cope.
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. A. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.