This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My students are from South Dallas and most are very under privileged and have limited resources, and steady parental guidance and support. This makes them very independent and has hardened them. However over the last year they have grown not only academically, but emotionally, socially and mentally.
I am so proud of my students, they get complimented daily because they have grown to be so well behaved, caring, community minded, kind, eager to learn and overall loving students motivated and ready for their next challenge.
My Project
The Quiet Zone is the foundation of our class room community, this is the super safe place where the student can go to self-calm, and regulate their emotions. They sit on bean bags and breathe, using techniques I have taught them. They also take time to think of ways to approach the situation differently when it occurs again. They have a choice to read a book, hold a stuffed animal for comfort or work on a puzzle. The focus is self-awareness and regulation, they volunteer themselves when they are overwhelmed, sad, and angry or simply need a minute to cool down. They then will wait for their moment to speak with me and express their feelings. This way we can validate how they feel and the student can recognize what causes the various emotions.
This model, especially the Quiet Zone has been quite effective over the last year.
The students in my class are learning and growing academically, scores are improving and the student’s confidence levels have risen; but most importantly they are treating each with respect and kindness. So much so that other teachers and administrators started sending children from other classes to us it is not uncommon to walk into my 1st grade class and see 4th graders, 3rd graders, and 5th graders in our quiet zone or enjoying our community’s calm climate.
In attempt to make the Quiet Zone more inviting and effective, I would like get two iPads, or Kindles, and three new beanbags or small comfortable seating. iPads for writing strategies, book apps and puzzles and would help prevent the loss of pieces and the comfort of the seating is very important to their calming process. Lastly, the stuffed fluffy animals provide comfort through texture and smell, so getting new ones would be beneficial
Big Joe Bean Bag, 98-Inch, Sapphire
• Amazon Business
$39.99
1
$39.99
Big Joe 98-Inch Bean Bag, Limo Black
• Amazon Business
$39.00
1
$39.00
DNA Stress Ball by VITAL TOYS- 3 Pack- Stress Balls for Kids Anxiety- Sensory Toys for Autistic Children- Stress Relief Fidgets for Classroom, Travel & More- Squeeze Ball for Kids & Adults
• Amazon Business
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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 Mr. Culley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.