This is an ICT classroom full of diverse experiences, cultures, abilities, learning and loving styles that are coming together to create a classroom family.
The children in this class are 5 or 6 years old. They love to express themselves in a variety of ways and seem to respond most to artistic activities such as art, music and drama. Their favorite subject is writing and they are amazing writers.
Some children in this classroom are struggling with speech issues, sensory issues, autism, ADHD, and emotional disturbances. It is the entire goal of my co-teacher and I to allow these children to understand that the differences in their learning does not hinder their capabilities in our classroom. The unique culture of our classroom allows us to be an even stronger classroom family.
All of our children contribute to our classroom family in a different way and allow each of us to grow and see the world from a brand new perspective. They are our shining stars!
My Project
I have children in my classroom who are succumbing to sensory processing issues and it is affecting their ability to learn. Children who have sensory needs do things that some may not understand like putting things in their mouth, or constantly moving. Other students have high sensitivity to sensory input inside of the classroom which causes them to act out and lose focus. Rather than trying to force children to sit completely still (which they are unable to do due to their special needs) or ignore the environment around them we would like to make accommodations to meet those needs with the materials on this list.
With these aids children will be able to have increased focus during independent work time, opportunities for movement while sitting at a desk, and environmental changes to help calm the environment.
Seat wedges, weighted lap covers, blankets and vests allow for children to be able to feel their body in space and allow them to have more control over their body movements so that they are able to focus on the academic tasks put before them. Noise muffling headphones and light dimmers allow for the sensory extremities in a class of 28 to be reduced for those who have special needs and struggle to cope with loud sounds or bright lights. Bean bag chairs, bouncy seats and desk bicycle pedals allow for children to be able to sit in a desk while still given the opportunity to move, which they need to be able to focus.
These needs have to be met for these children to be able to participate in school. It is my hope to fulfill this need with the materials on this list to allow these children better access to the learning and experiences in this classroom.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Whitmore and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
