Sensory Overload Special Needs Military Preschoolers
My students need sensory exploration manipulatives such as soft pit balls, a motion bubbler and a slide, to increase their ability to successfully interact in the community environment.
Imagine being in a world where every sense is amplified. Wind is too loud, crunchy foods are too crunchy, soft grass is too soft. Everything is overwhelming and frightening. Now imagine you are a three year old who is unable to communicate. This is the world my students live in each day.
My students are military preschool age children diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
Majority of my students are nonverbal, but have so much to offer. They are smart, but are unable to demonstrate their skills due to their disability.
My students are typically in the program for three years before they move on. They are great kids who need and want to learn and play! We strive to make each school day positive and productive for each student, to ensure they feel safe and protected.
We recently created a spacious sensory area in our classroom (as shown in our main picture). I am looking to expand our sensory area and these items will help create a safe and fun environment for my preschoolers!
My Project
With these sensory activities, our students will learn to manipulate their environment without having difficulty processing the many sights, smells and sounds they are faced with each day. These manipulatives will allow our students to learn to tolerate different sensory experiences in the controlled classroom environment. The repeated exposure will allow the students to access their community without demonstrating aversive behaviors.
I am asking for items for our sensory area. These items include: liquid motion bubble maker, sensory tubs, and a lava lamp. We are also asking for a fold up slide and ball pit. The students will be able to spend their free time in the sensory area using these items that will calm them down and get the sensory input they crave.
Please help my special students to access the amazing world around us.
They deserve a chance! These supplies are so important for the students, and we need the community's support to ensure these little preschool students are provided with every opportunity for success.
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