My students need sensory classroom supplies that both cancel out extra noise or visual stimuli, as well as provide more sensory input through a variety of tactile supports.
Our school is in a rural town consisting of students from different towns. Funding is always difficult and over the last five years towns have voted down the budget and more cuts have been made. Over the last few years, I have spent about $1000 each year getting supplies for my classroom. The district does supply us with $150 each year, but unfortunately, prices increase but our share doesn't.
I use that money to buy pencils, erasers, paper, paint etc.
Since the adoption of the Common Core, each year I am trying to find activities/materials to use that will add to our current programs, which then adds to what I spend out of pocket. Then last year our district started cutting teachers. We went from a three-track school to a two-track school, and my classroom numbers have grown.
We have good kids in our school. Families range from being involved with school to not at all. It is a safe and close community. Our biggest struggle is support for the budget from the sending towns. The community does not have large industry or businesses anymore to help with supporting the town budget so families feel the tax burden.
My Project
Each year, I see more and more students who are sensitive to their visual and auditory surroundings or have a lot of extra energy they just can't contain. The students in my class fall into both categories. They have difficulty integrating into their environment and are constantly in need of support. Addressing the sensory needs of these students has been difficult with limited resources.
I currently have three students who have difficulty with handling too much auditory input and are often covering their ears or asking for a quieter space with less distractions.
My room is limited for space because of twenty-one students, so I am hoping that these requested Dr. Meter noise canceling headphones and study carrels to isolate word space will address the auditory needs of these three. These same students are also in need of the paper and notebooks to help them visually space their writing onto paper.
I also have two students with the opposite needs and require the extra movement to help them sustain attention. Currently, these students have difficulty sitting in chairs, keeping their bodies still for short periods, and are seeking sensory input from their mouth, feet and hands to help them throughout the day. Both students would benefit from the fidget toys and Bouncy Chair Bands when sitting and focus is needed. They are also in need of the oral chew necklaces, since both are currently eating erasers and the tops of markers and pencils as they focus.
The Gaiam Balance Discs will also help these students while sitting either in their seats or on the floor.
Abilitations Integrations Hi-Write ComposiNoteBook - 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 - 160 Pages (80 Double-Sided)
• Amazon Business
$11.23
6
$67.38
Flipside Products 60045 12" x 48" Study Carrel, Color Assortment (Pack of 24)
• Amazon Business
$56.42
1
$56.42
Dr.Meter EM100 Kids Protective Earmuffs with Noise Blocking Children Ear muffs for Sleeping, Studying, Shooting, Babies 27NRR Adjustable Head Band
• Amazon Business
$9.69
5
$48.45
Gaiam 05-61636 Balance Disc, Grey
• Amazon Business
$21.98
2
$43.96
14 Pack Bundle Sensory Toys-Fidget Cube/Bike Chain/Liquid Motion Timer/Rainbow Magic Balls/Twisted Fidget Toys/Mesh And Marble Toy/Soybeans Squeeze Grape Ball/Stretch Toy for ADD ADHD Stress Relax
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Fidget Kick Bouncy Chair Bands (10 Pack) - Education Supplies - SILENTLY Improves Focus For Classroom Students - ADHD ADD SPD OCD Autism and Sensory Tool - Bounce & Stretch Foot Band For Seats
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Chewable Jewelry Large Coil Necklace - Fun Sensory Motor Aid - Speech And Communication Aid - Great For Autism And Sensory-Focused Kids 4 Pack 4 Colors
• Amazon Business
$15.17
1
$15.17
Abilitations Integrations Hi Write Intermediate 2 Paper - 100 Page Pack
• Amazon Business
$12.45
1
$12.45
Chew Necklace (Krypton) by GNAWRISHING - 3-Pack (Red, Blue, Green with Colored Cords) - Perfect for Autistic, ADHD, SPD, Oral Motor Children, Kids, Boys, and Girls (TOUGH, LONG-LASTING)
• Amazon Business
$11.49
1
$11.49
Chew Pencil Toppers (Block) - 2-pack (Blue, Green), Chew Toys for Kids, Children, Boys, and Girls, Chewing Topper for Teething, Autism, Biting, Chewing, Oral Motor by Coolday (Mild, Chewy)
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Baumgartens 89122 00071 Twist and Write Pencil, Assorted Color
• Amazon Business
$7.40
1
$7.40
Materials cost
$314.69
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.72
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$349.41
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$61.66
Total project goal
$411.07
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$411.07
1 Donor
-$411.07
Donations toward project cost
-$349.41
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 Mrs. Bak and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.