My students are the most affectionate and loving children I have ever met. Although they have autism and are unable to express themselves through words, they show love and gratitude in much more meaningful ways. Like the saying goes, "actions speak louder than words" and the actions of my little angels scream LOVE! Each day in my classroom is a new adventure; some days we have our ups and some days we have our downs, but there are always hugs and smiles!
Basically, my students are my biggest inspiration.
Despite the constant struggle of not being able to navigate the world around them and the frustration it brings them, my students manage to find a way to connect with those closest to them. Ironically enough, my students (individuals who thrive on tangibles and logical thinking) have mastered the most illogical, intangible, and difficult part of being human - showing unconditional love!
My Project
My students experience sensory overload on a daily basis; noises are too loud, lights are too bright, fabrics are too itchy. Being unable to properly process the world around them causes them to engage in socially unacceptable behaviors, which hinder their learning.
Through the use of items such as BodySox, deep pressure sensory vests, and noise-canceling headphones, my students will be provided with an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to function in our world.
Instead of aggressively attacking a peer because they were too loud, they can wear their noise-canceling headphones. Rather than running around the room and being unable to sit in a chair, they can wear their deep pressure sensory vest.
Overall, these tools will help my students attend to tasks that can address their deficits. They can learn their letters, numbers, and colors; they can learn how to communicate their wants and needs and develop their fine motor skills.
Nearly all 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. D’Ambrosio and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.