Ms. Marion's Classroom Edit display name

Sally Ride Elementary A Smart Academy
Los Angeles, CA
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

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Past projects 1

The ReConnection Room: A Peaceful Place for Kids to Regulate
Funded Aug 22, 2018
What a joy it has been to see the ReConnection Room take shape! From meditation sits with the Moody Cow Meditates book to play therapy with the sand tray, my students have been able to explore their inner worlds with brand new tools that we wouldn't have otherwise had access to.
We've been working on building a "peace corner" in every classroom. Now when students come to my office, they call it "one big peace corner!" Parents have already commented on the softer lighting afforded by the light filters and the weighted stuffed animal has been on many a lap- of both children and adults!
I have particularly enjoyed being able to use my new yoga teacher certification to bring movement to my counseling groups. The wiggly, giggly ones are really enjoying being able to learn yoga poses that help them regulate so that they can be ready to learn. I can tell that they feel special and extra motivated when they get to learn how to care for their brand new mats and props.
Thank you for your contribution- it continues to make ripples...”
With gratitude,
Ms. Marion
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 20 other donors.

The ReConnection Room will support our school-wide initiative to bring trauma-informed practices to our school community. Many of my students have histories of trauma, including forced migration, loss/separation, economic oppression, and community violence. This chronic exposure to stress sets the nervous system on high alert, preventing the optimal conditions for learning. In the ReConnection Room, students will be able to take a "resiliency break" and use one of these calming/alerting tools while connecting with a trusted adult. I am starting from scratch- an empty classroom- and first need to create a smaller space so that small children feel contained and safe. Traditional classrooms can be overwhelm the nervous systems of children with toxic or traumatic stress. Items such as filters for the harsh fluorescent lights, adjustable floor lamps, and child-sized furniture, such as the bean bag chairs, provide my students a calming space to regulate. Many students live in close quarters with several people and they rarely have a quite space to themselves. In the ReConnection Room, they can choose from calming tools, such as the weighted stuffed animals, nature music, or rocking chair, or they may need alerting tools, such as some of the yoga cards or fidget toys. With practice, students will learn safe ways to express and cope with feelings so that they can return to the classroom to learn. Items such as the animal timers will help me create structure and limits for use of the room. The books and games requested would help students learn to identify and safely communicate their feelings and needs. I will also host parenting classes in this room, sharing the tools and skills with parents so that they can practice at home.

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Ms. Marion's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Marion's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Past projects 1

The ReConnection Room: A Peaceful Place for Kids to Regulate

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Marion's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Marion's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Past projects 1

The ReConnection Room: A Peaceful Place for Kids to Regulate

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.