My students, and the students of our district in rural Central Wisconsin, are often taking on many roles and responsibilities at home. The variance in socioeconomic status lends to many of them caring for siblings before/after school, as well as themselves. I had one student that even contacted his brother's teacher to report that the brother was cheating on his homework! I was so proud of him for taking action on something that he knew was wrong!
My students often work toward building skills to persevere, problem-solve, and prioritize.
Life filters deem these skills to be very important. My students have many aspirations, from being a vet to having a full-time job to pay bills, that motivate them to succeed. Many of them try to balance school and home, just like an adult does, and have developed an innate ability to turn lemons into lemonade. I am so proud of so many of them for their extra responsibilities that go above and beyond a typical teenager, while putting their best foot forward at school!
My Project
We all need a space that we view as safe so we can take a breather if we need one. Many students in our school have challenges with mental health and emotional needs.
These safe space materials will make a difference in the learning of my students by encouraging them to self-advocate, take a break, meet their emotional and/or sensory needs and get back to class.
Having a designated space that is welcoming, with a variety of components to meet needs, encourages students to self-advocate and recognize their own personal needs. We continually work on managing their bodies in school, so when they are in the real world and on their own, they have the skills and knowledge to be successful in the workplace and in life.
This space will allow students to set a timer for their break (if appropriate), have a physical barrier that I can still see through (providing that safe space feel of their own space), provide visual, audio and tactile sensory inputs, and establishes a welcoming, calming ambiance that the students would be delighted to utilize!
When students are able to meet these needs, when the needs arise, they take a short break from the classroom. If students are unable to meet their needs during the day, the needs will wear on them, making success in the classroom very challenging. It truly is amazing what a short break can do for many students; enabling a brain break (prompted by mental health, sensory needs etc.) allows the student to regroup and compose themself again, with a refreshed ambition for success.
DAYLIGHTIR Fairy Window Curtain Lights, USB Remote Control 16 Color Changing String Lights for Bedroom Decor, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Weddings, Birthday, Party, Halloween
• Amazon Business
$16.18
4
$64.72
Educational Insights The Original Fluorescent Light Filters: Tranquil Blue 4-Pack, Fluorescent Light Covers, Easy Install for Classrooms, Office, Hospitals & Home, Teacher Classroom Decor
• Amazon Business
$25.60
2
$51.20
Time Timer 3 inch Visual Timer — 60 Minute Kids Desk Countdown Clock with Dry Erase Activity Card and Desktop App Access — For Kids Classroom, Homeschooling Study Tool, Task Reminder, Home and Kitchen
• Amazon Business
$23.02
1
$23.02
Warmies Microwavable French Lavender Scented Plush Elephant
• Amazon Business
$22.42
1
$22.42
Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine with 20 Non Looping Natural Soothing Sounds and Memory Function 32 Levels of Volume Powered by AC or USB and Sleep Sound Timer Therapy for Baby Kids Adults
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Star Night Light for Kids, Elmchee Universe Night Light Projection Lamp, Christmas Romantic Star Sea Birthday Projector lamp for Bedroom - 3 Sets of Film
• Amazon Business
$17.98
1
$17.98
EDsportshouse Sensory Toys Bundle-Stress Relief Fidget Hand Toys for Kids and Adults,Sensory Fidget and Squeeze Widget for Relaxing Therapy-Perfect for ADHD Anxiety Autism
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
Fluffy Soft Kids Room Rug Baby Nursery Decor, Anti-Skid Large Fuzzy Shag Fur Area Rugs, Modern Indoor Home Living Room Floor Carpet for Children Boys Girls Bedroom Rugs, Light Navy 3 x 5 Feet
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$16.79
1
$16.79
Kenney KN71717 Kendall Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod, 48-86", Brushed Nickel
• Amazon Business
$15.68
1
$15.68
How are You Feeling? Monster Magnets. Perfect for The Refrigerator, File Cabinet, or Other Metal Surfaces. Size - 7.25 x 9 inches.
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Sensory Fidget Stress Relief Toys: LAKIKID Marble Maze Mat- Tactile Sensory Toys for Children & Adults- Ideal Fidget Toys for Sensory Kids- Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Improve Focus, 9" x 6"
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$14.97
1
$14.97
KMUSET Fleece Blanket Throw Size Navy Lightweight Super Soft Cozy Luxury Bed Blanket Microfiber Factory Shop
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$12.99
1
$12.99
Liquid Timer - Sensory Toy for Relaxation, Liquid Motion Bubbler Timer with Floating Color Lava Lamp, 3-Pack Incredibly Effective Calming Stress Relief Hourglass Toy for Kids & Adults, Autism & ADHD
• Amazon Business
$12.76
1
$12.76
Kenney Kendall Standard Decorative Window Curtain Rod, KN71716, 28-48" (71cm-122cm), 5/8" (15.8mm) diameter, Brushed Nickel
• Amazon Business
$10.99
1
$10.99
No. 918 Calypso Sheer Voile Rod Pocket Curtain Panel, 59" x 63", Sky Blue (One Panel)
• Amazon Business
$5.18
2
$10.36
Materials cost
$325.85
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.89
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$360.74
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$63.66
Total project goal
$424.40
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$424.40
5 Donors
-$424.40
Donations toward project cost
-$360.74
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Cernohous and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.