My students have severe disabilities that include autism, down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Because of their disabilities, they lack certain range of motion, balance and coordination. Coping with anxiety and over-stimulation is also something that my students deal with on a daily basis. Despite their struggles, they love to learn and their excitement to be at school is contagious. When faced with their daily struggles, they manage to maintain positive attitudes while still encouraging others to not give up. Being a life skills teacher has it's challenges, but my students have brought me a pure joy that is unmatched.
My Project
My students start each day with 15 minutes of yoga. This has become their favorite part of our morning routine. The morning before school can be stressful for anyone, but especially for a student with autism, down syndrome etc. Starting the day with yoga helps my students to relax and reset. The poses provide blood flow to their brains while preparing their minds for learning. Certain poses like the "hero" pose allows them to choose whether they can be their own hero or their classmate's hero by thinking positive thoughts. This teaches them compassion for others and themselves. Balancing poses not only helps them with their physical therapy goals, but with a sense of accomplishment when they successfully execute a difficult pose. Balancing poses also teach them that it is better to try and fall, then to never try at all. Meditation poses allow them to think about what they are grateful for and to focus on their breathing. Deep breathing is a powerful way to cope with anxiety and over-stimulation. When a student begins to escalate, deep breathing techniques have shown to be successful in de-escalation.
Using a yoga mat, instead of the hard floor, will provide some added comfort, stability and a more enjoyable yoga experience for my students.
Manduka Welcome Premium 5mm Thick Yoga Mat with Alignment Stripe. Reversible, Lightweight with Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga and Pilates, Lavender, 68"
• Amazon Business
$24.73
3
$74.19
Manduka Welcome Premium 5mm Thick Yoga Mat with Alignment Stripe. Reversible, Lightweight with Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga and Pilates, Lavender, 68"
• Amazon Business
$24.73
3
$74.19
Manduka Welcome Premium 5mm Thick Yoga Mat with Alignment Stripe. Reversible, Lightweight with Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga and Pilates, Lavender, 68"
• Amazon Business
$24.73
3
$74.19
Manduka Welcome Premium 5mm Thick Yoga Mat with Alignment Stripe. Reversible, Lightweight with Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga and Pilates, Lavender, 68"
• Amazon Business
$24.73
3
$74.19
Manduka Welcome Premium 5mm Thick Yoga Mat with Alignment Stripe. Reversible, Lightweight with Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga and Pilates, Lavender, 68"
• Amazon Business
$24.73
3
$74.19
Manduka Welcome Premium 5mm Thick Yoga Mat with Alignment Stripe. Reversible, Lightweight with Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga and Pilates, Lavender, 68"
• Amazon Business
$24.73
3
$74.19
Materials cost
$445.14
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.68
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$481.82
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$85.03
Total project goal
$566.85
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$566.85
1 Donor
-$566.85
Donations toward project cost
-$481.82
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. Hanza and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.