I am a special education teacher at an OTC school, namely a school that is an occupational training center for the special needs population it services. Our curriculum is geared to preparing the young adults entrusted in our care to become effective, functioning members of society via functional and vocational training. My classroom is comprised of 6 young adults on the autism spectrum. They continue to have ongoing delays with expressive/receptive language, social communication skills, cognitive skills and behavioral challenges, regardless of their developmental level.
Children with autism can experience either an overload of sensory input or be sensory seeking.
Both of these can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety or stress, which is why it's important to involve sensory breaks and activities in these children's schedules. A sensory break is a designated portion of time that may allow a child to deescalate from the sensory stimulation of the classroom setting. Sensory breaks also are beneficial for students that benefit from additional movement opportunities to help with focus, attention, and learning. There is no cookie cutter student with autism; each one has their own needs. By expanding the sensory opportunities in my classroom, I am enabling them all to learn and succeed.
With the coming months of summer ahead, I would like to enrich their lives with summer sensory activities. These students will be attending summer school. What better way to explore summer with fun and engaging sensory opportunities that they won’t get anywhere else!
Therefore, I am requesting funding for additional sensory activities to enhance my students’ summer school experience. In this way, the students are exposed to varied sensory modalities that best fit their needs. I look forward to my students’ success once their sensory needs are met!
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
Storex Letter Size Flat Storage Tray – Organizer Bin with Non-Snap Lid for Classroom, Office and Home, Assorted Colors, Pack of 5 (62534U05C)
• Amazon Business
$36.63
1
$36.63
Bubble Machine Durable Automatic Bubble Blower, 10000+ Bubbles Per Minute Bubbles for Kids Toddlers Bubble Maker Operated by Plugin or Batteries Bubble Toys for Indoor Outdoor Birthday Party
• Amazon Business
$35.95
1
$35.95
Kids Musical Instruments, 31Pcs 18 Types Wooden Percussion Instruments Tambourine Xylophone Toys for Kids Children, Preschool Education Early Learning Musical Toy for Boys and Girls
• Amazon Business
$30.99
1
$30.99
Amazon Brand - Presto! Flex-a-Size Paper Towels, 158 Sheet Huge Roll, 12 Rolls (2 Packs of 6), Equivalent to 38 Regular Rolls, White
• Amazon Business
$28.28
1
$28.28
Ayeboovi Toss and Catch Ball Set Beach Toys Outdoor Games Outdoor Toys Yard Games Boys Toys Gifts for Kids Ball and Catch Game with 4 Paddles and 4 Balls [Upgraded Version]
• Amazon Business
$25.98
1
$25.98
oojami 30 Pack Big Bubble Wands - 14 inches Assortment of Colors Ideal for Party Favors Birthday School Easter Graduation, Bubble Theme Party Value Pack
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Sandtastik Sparkling White Play Sand, 25 lb (11.3 kg) - Fill Sandboxes, Sand Trays, Sensory Tables, Water Tables! Scoop, Mold & Pour This Premium Non-Toxic Sand
• Amazon Business
$24.83
1
$24.83
31 PCS Outdoor Carnival Games, 3 in 1 Bean Bag Ring Toss Games for Kids Birthday Party, Plastic Soft Cones Yard Lawn Game for Family Party Easter Kid's Gift
• Amazon Business
$22.79
1
$22.79
Toddlers Baby Music Shake Ball Toy- VANLINNY Bumble Ball for Babies,Dancing Bumpy & Interactive Sounds Crawl Ball Toy, Best Bouncing Sensory Learning Ball Gift Toys for 3+ 4 5 Year Old Boys&Girls.
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
【8 Pack】Reusable Water Balloons for Kids Adults Outdoor Activities, Kids Pool Beach Bath Toys, Magnetic Self-Sealing Water Bomb for Summer Games
• Amazon Business
$19.90
1
$19.90
Patient Aid Two Handled Patient Transfer Handling Belt, Walking Gait Belt with Quick Release Buckle, Medical Nursing Safety Transfer Assist Device - Elderly, Disabled, Pediatrics and Physical Therapy
• Amazon Business
$8.95
2
$17.90
Lulu Home Bubble Concentrated Solution, 1 L/ 33.8 OZ Bubble Refill Solution Up to 2.5 Gallon for Kids Halloween Party Bubble Machine, Giant Bubble Wand, Bubble Gun Blower
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
Tater Toss! Toss That Tater - Electronic Plush Musical Potato Passing Game for Kids - Great for Birthday Parties & Families
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
Energizer MAX C Batteries, Premium Alkaline C Cell Batteries (8 Battery Count)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
B. toys by Battat Baby Ball – Sensory Light-Up Baby Toy – Grab n’ Glow™ – Textured Ball with Holes – Glowing Lights & Rattle – Infants, Babies – 0 Months +
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Ocean Sea Animal, 52 Pack Assorted Mini Vinyl Plastic Animal Toy Set, Funcorn Toys Realistic Under The Sea Life Figure Bath Toy for Child Educational Party Cake Cupcake Topper,Valentines Day Gift
• Amazon Business
$12.95
1
$12.95
Cra-Z-Art 48 Piece Washable Triangle Sidewalk Chalk Set
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
BUNMO Super Sensory Stretchy Strings 6pk | Calming & Textured Monkey Stretch Noodles | Sensory Toys for Autistic Children | Stress Relief & Anxiety Toys for Kids | Hours of Fun for Kids
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Materials cost
$378.12
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.67
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$413.79
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$73.02
Total project goal
$486.81
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$486.81
11 Donors
-$469.16
Donations toward project cost
-$413.79
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. Miriam Alter and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.