Focus, Chillax, and Calm Your Senses.

Funded Sep 11, 2023

Thank you! My students and I are beyond words in gratitude for your generous donation to continue our mission in supporting our unique students. Your belief in our cause means everything to us and our students will be able to work in an environment where they will have the opportunity to express themselves and show their creative abilities. The items donated will help students develop skills and strategies for coping emotionally and socially in assisting them in having productive days.

The resources are set up in the sensory section of the classroom. When the students previewed the items, they were ecstatic and they couldn't wait to use them. One student stated, "Christmas came early." There have been numerous times that the items have been used anywhere from de-escalation/centering object, calm down/change of focus, socializing and inventing. There was an occasion when a student was struggling in regaining his composure during a melt down and another one of my students asked him if he wanted to go build with the LEGOs. Both students began walking towards the room without speaking a word and once they began building their silence spoke louder than words. A lesson that we work on is to have the students choose a person(s) they want to work with and create their own design and the option is for them to share (verbal or written) their masterpiece. This activity helps the students socialize while creating and showcasing their giftedness. I would like to share that some of the description of their creations have been accepted as classroom grades in the general education setting when the students share (verbal or written) their designs.

Our students need assistance with their educational stages as each of them individually are in their own progress. When the students utilize Lego's to assist them socially or emotionally they are also being able to demonstrate their logic and processes (cause and effect).”

With gratitude,

Ms. Rodriguez