My students need a sensory diet to help self regulate and maintain their focus in completing their academic tasks throughout the day both in and out of the AS classroom.
People on the Autism spectrum face a unique set of sensory challenges. The high pitch scream of a fluorescent light bulb, the brightness of the lights and the hard immobile seat of a chair can be just enough of a distraction for my students to lose complete focus and be unable to complete a task.
My students are in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade and they are some of the most amazing people I've ever met.
They are smart, funny, and eager to learn. They are also on the autism spectrum. They face stigmas and challenges everyday as they try to make their way in the world. The sensory input that many find so normal in their day can be overwhelming to my students. While most people can appropriately ask for a break when they are feeling frustrated, my students often can't find the words. When the lights are just too bright, and the chair just too hard, and the assignment non-preferred, my students need help to find an appropriate way to self soothe and regulate the input in order to appropriately get through the task assigned.
My Project
The items that I am asking for would help to improve the environment in which my students are learning. Often times my students ask to work with the lights out because the florescent light is too harsh. The light covers would allow us to keep the lights on but would provide a more soothing environment to work in. Sensory balls and fidgets would allow my students appropriate sensory input and help them to focus on assignments. The balls to sit on allow my students to bounce and fidget while still remaining engaged in their academic tasks. The lounge chairs provide space in my room for students to use for breaks when work is completed or for when they are feeling overwhelmed and need a place to cool down. Your donations would provide resources for my classroom and an environment for my students conducive to learning and success.
This project will be so beneficial to my students.
It will help them to block out some of the world that may overload their senses as well as giving them the type of sensory input that allows them to focus and move forward in their academics. Your generosity allows me to provide environmental controls so that we can focus on the academic need of the students and best prepare them for the world after they graduate.
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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 Mrs. Welch and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.