Past projects 8
Sensory Overload, Where?
Funded Dec 18, 2024I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of my students and myself, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of toys and sensory items to our classroom. Your support has made a world of difference in the lives of my students, and I am thrilled to share how these items have transformed our learning environment.
As you know, our classroom serves children with autism, and we have been facing challenges due to an overpopulated class. However, thanks to your thoughtful contribution, we've been able to offer more individualized support to each child. The sensory items, in particular, have been invaluable in helping my students stay engaged and calm during lessons. For example, one of our students, who typically struggles with focus, has found that using a fidget tool helps him remain attentive during circle time. This has allowed him to participate more fully and engage with his peers in ways we hadn't seen before. Many of the children who tend to be more withdrawn were visibly more comfortable and eager to interact with both the toys and their classmates. It was truly a heartwarming moment.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue using the sensory items in our ongoing projects. One project we're currently working on is a collaborative art project where students use textured materials and toys to create colorful, sensory-rich pieces. It's been wonderful to see them express themselves creatively while utilizing the resources you provided. These activities not only help them develop fine motor skills but also allow them to explore their sensory preferences in a safe and supportive space.
Thank you again for your kindness and support. It's because of caring individuals like you that we're able to continue providing the best learning environment possible for our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
This classroom project was brought to life by Bainum Family Foundation.Autism Needs Sensory
Funded Apr 3, 2023Thank you for the donations to help bring sensory needs to our classroom of students with Autism! Autism causes sensory deficits and people may have sensitivities to sights, sounds, smells, tastes. The items we have received are great ways to help our sensory needs. The pictures attached are from the light-up bubble machine! The students LOVED this and did not want to stop playing with it. The bubbles offer: vision, touch and proprioception, & even sounds. We cannot wait for the rest of the items, our pressure vests and weighted vests, which will help sensory overload. THANK YOU!”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.Lacking Equity in SE DC
Funded Dec 9, 2022Thank you for taking the time to look for projects to help fund our classes. Being able to receive financial support for items that the school or district cannot/do not provide has been a great
There are some items we received that are our students most favorable item, like the interactive, talking book. We have received items to help furnish our brand new program and classroom - as we did not receive the shipment for our class prior to the students beginning. THANK YOU! We have been able to utilize the decorative items (and had some student helpers) to make the classroom feel like home.”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
This classroom project was brought to life by Bainum Family Foundation and 5 other donors.Autism Moves! Help Support Our New Classroom
Funded Nov 15, 2021Coming back in person from the pandemic, and finding out our entire storage closet was infested by rodents was really hard to deal with. After throwing away materials we had for years and items we loved, I cannot say how grateful we are for the quick support of these donated items last fall. We were able to provide our class with new items that they love, like the magna tiles! Which is STILL a huge hit in our class. The students have highlighted their creativity by designing playgrounds with the magna tiles. Other items like the dollhouse or leapfrog books are being able to be used as a part of lessons, as well as for fun! Thank you so much.”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation and 3 other donors.Reading for Autism
Funded Apr 15, 2020Reading for Autism project, featured great tools to help our children with Autism experience reading with engagement and independence. The items donated were specifically to help our reading center in school, which is a little orange nook, filled with pillows and magnetic stickers and felt storyboards. Due to COVID, we have not been in the classroom yet to utilize these items as envisioned. Hopefully us teachers, will be able to watch our students use the leapfrog pens and other incentives to help keep students focused and engaged during reading station.”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
Individualized Special Education Distant Learning Kits
Funded Jun 12, 2020Over the summer I was able to present my students with gifts individualized for their learning. Most students received family engagement kits to help parents facilitate their learning. While our more independent learners received math kits, sensory items for motivation and sensory needs, as well as reading materials. The independent learners are our students who do not have family members that are able to help sit beside them to complete virtual learning effectively. These students received their items by home drop offs. Thank you all for looking out for our special needs community. The last photo was a strawberry picking field trip (sensory, community). This was also our first time being together since the start of COVID!”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
Motivation Drives the Want for Achievement!
Funded Dec 30, 2019Thank you so, so much for funding our project. The students will be excited with all of the great resources we are receiving- right on time for back to school. The motivation to work will definitely be needed during this time. We appreciate you! Please have a great New Year!”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 2 other donors.Love Has No Disability
Funded Jul 30, 2019Thank you so much for contributing to our classroom this year. We have been able to utilize the donations in a great way! We have created engaging lessons like, The Case of The Missing Donuts and Firefighter and Police Comparisons. We have been able to use certain items as prevention strategies to help de-escalate behaviors. Items that have been donated are great sensory uses for all students in our classroom. Our students loved the new look for our Reading Nook in the orange station. The fabric used to decorate this station allowed a warming and comforting vibe for our readers. The contributions also went towards ink for our printers to help create individual schedules and token boards, that is used daily, throughout the day. Thank you once again for helping to create an organized and warm classroom environment.”
With gratitude,
Ms. R
This classroom project was brought to life by Yellow Chair Foundation and 5 other donors.