Past projects 4
Supporting Young Students Diagnosed with Autism
Funded Sep 7, 2024I can't thank you enough for your generosity and the amazing resources you've provided to our classroom. The new materials have truly made a difference in the way my students engage with learning, and I'm excited to share some of the incredible impacts.
When the students first saw the new materials, their eyes lit up! The Lakeshore Calming Colors® Premium Beanbag Seats, for example, were a big hit. The moment they saw the soft, sky-blue beanbags, they instantly knew they'd have a comfortable space to relax or focus during our lessons. These beanbags have become a haven for students who need a little break, and it's been incredible to see how the calming colors have helped them center themselves before diving back into work.
Students have also been using Magnetic Tiles to create structures and designs, which has sparked their imagination in unexpected ways. These open-ended toys have helped reinforce concepts of engineering and spatial reasoning in a fun, hands-on way.
The Kids Trampoline has been amazing. For some of my students, having a physical outlet to release energy has improved focus and behavior in the classroom. The trampoline has become a favorite between lessons, and I've noticed that students who need a movement break come back to their desks ready to tackle their work with renewed focus.
As we continue our projects, the next steps will include diving deeper into sensory activities and mindfulness exercises using the Sensory Sack, Squish & Squeeze Sensory Beads, and the Fat Brain Toys Mini Squigz. These tools are allowing my students to explore calming techniques and improve fine motor skills in a creative, stress-free way. We'll also be incorporating some of the sensory toys like Spinning Light Up Toys to enhance our learning environments and help students regulate themselves throughout the day.
The Dry Erase Boards and EXPO Markers are already a classroom staple for quick interactive activities, and my students are using them to brainstorm ideas, practice their writing, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
I cannot overstate how much your donations have empowered my students. These tools have helped us foster an inclusive, engaging, and dynamic learning environment. We're able to celebrate creativity, promote well-being, and keep our classroom as a space where every student feels supported and inspired.
Thank you so much for your continued support. I can't wait to see how these resources continue to shape my students' educational journeys. You've made an impact that will last far beyond this school year!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Yablonsky
Helping Special Needs Students With High Sensory Needs
Funded Sep 24, 2024Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students now have access to sensory tools that are truly making a difference in their classroom experience. The Schylling NeeDoh Sensory Fidget Toy and Sensory Chew Necklaces have been especially important for students who struggle with focus or managing their emotions. These simple tools give them a way to calm their minds and refocus, allowing them to be more present and engaged in their learning.
The Theraputty has been a gentle way for students to relax and develop fine motor skills during quiet moments, while the Silly Shapes Sensory Mats have become a favorite during brain breaks. They love using the mats to create different patterns and textures, and it's been a beautiful way to help them recharge during more intense learning times.
The Sensory Chew Necklaces have also been a game-changer, giving students a discreet way to manage sensory needs, stay focused, and reduce anxiety during lessons. The act of chewing helps them maintain calm and stay engaged without disruption. For many students, it's become an empowering tool that allows them to take charge of their sensory input and succeed in class.
The Inbeby Sensory Mats have become a fantastic tool for collaboration, as students work together to explore textures and solve tactile puzzles. It's been amazing to watch them connect, communicate, and build skills while using these tools in creative ways.
Looking ahead, these resources will continue to play a vital role in our classroom, supporting my students' growth both academically and emotionally. Your contribution has given them the tools they need to succeed, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact it's already having on their lives.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Yablonsky
Students in Dire Need of Basic Supplies
Funded Sep 27, 2024Thank you so much for your generous contributions! Your donations have made a significant difference in our classroom, and I'm thrilled to share how they are helping our students thrive.
How are we using the new materials?
The Honey-Can-Do Adjustable Height Rolling Clothes Racks have become essential tools for creating a calm and focused environment. We're using them as dividers to create individual spaces for students, helping reduce distractions. These dividers allow students to work in a quiet, less stimulating area, which is especially important for those who may be more sensitive to sensory overload. By creating these small, contained spaces, each student can focus more effectively on their tasks without feeling overwhelmed by the classroom's hustle and bustle.
The BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum has been a huge help in keeping the classroom clean and organized. Quick clean-ups during sensory activities or after art projects are easier and faster, ensuring that our environment stays clutter-free, which is crucial for students who benefit from a tidy, predictable space. It also allows students to participate in cleaning routines, fostering a sense of responsibility and routine.
The plastic storage bins have been used to organize sensory tools, communication devices, and other classroom materials. By keeping everything in clearly labeled bins, we help students find and access what they need with ease, reducing frustration and promoting more independent work. The stackable nature of these bins also maximizes our limited space, making it easier to keep everything organized and accessible for both staff and students.
The Golden Grahams Lucky Charms Breakfast Cereal Treat Bars have been a simple but effective way to provide students with a comforting snack during breaks. Many of our students respond well to structured snack times, and these treats help them stay calm and regulated during transitions. Snack time also offers a valuable opportunity for social interaction, even for those who may have communication challenges, as it creates a shared experience where communication can happen in different ways.
The Swiffer PowerMop Kit helps us maintain a clean and comfortable classroom environment. It's easy to use for quick floor clean-ups, which is especially important for our sensory-sensitive students who benefit from a clean and safe space. By maintaining a tidy environment, we ensure the classroom is a space where students feel more secure and ready to focus on their learning.
Finally, the Amazon Elements Baby Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Wipes have been vital in maintaining hygiene, especially after meals, sensory activities, or when helping students with personal care. Keeping everything sanitized is key to reducing any discomfort or distraction for our students, especially those who may have heightened sensitivities to textures and smells.
What's next for the students?
The new materials will continue to support our students' learning and development in meaningful ways. As we move forward, the Honey-Can-Do Rolling Clothes Racks will be used more to create individualized workstations for students during group activities, minimizing distractions and helping them stay on task. We'll also be using the storage bins to support sensory-based learning, with students accessing specific tools that help them regulate and engage in focused work.
In the coming weeks, we plan to incorporate more structured and sensory-friendly art projects. The dividers will allow us to set up workstations where students can explore materials without feeling overwhelmed by others. The rolling racks will also display their artwork in a way that highlights each student's effort and creates a sense of pride in their work.
Once again, thank you for your incredible support! Your donations have made our classroom a more organized, focused, and supportive space, and we're already seeing the benefits. My students are thriving with the resources you've provided, and we look forward to continuing to help them grow in a setting that meets their unique needs.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Yablonsky
This classroom project was brought to life by Unilever and 2 other donors.Inclusion Matters: Raising Awareness for Autism
Funded Oct 24, 2024Thank you so much to AllState for support my classroom and helping to promote inclusion throughout our school. It is so important to raise awareness for Autism and all other developmental disabilities to promote acceptance!
I am looking forward to sharing how this project will help my classroom and school!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Yablonsky
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation.