Past projects 13
Sensory Fun the Special Education Classroom for Lunar New Year
Funded Dec 27, 2024I am beyond grateful for your generous contributions to our classroom project! The sensory toys, including squishy toys and galaxy slime, have made a significant difference in the lives of my students, and I'm excited to share how we've been using them.
The squishy toys and galaxy slime have been integrated into our daily sensory breaks and are being used to help my students manage stress and regulate their emotions throughout the day. For example, in a recent classroom activity, we used the galaxy slime as a calming tool during a transition from a high-energy activity to a quiet, focused one. One student, who often struggles with anxiety, was able to use the slime to self-regulate and successfully transition into our next lesson. The squishy toys are also incorporated into our group time, where students can squeeze and manipulate them while participating in discussions or working on group projects. These sensory tools have provided a much-needed outlet for students to release excess energy, stay engaged, and remain calm.
Thank you again for making this project possible. Your generosity has given my students new ways to engage, self-regulate, and stay focused in a safe and supportive environment. We are all so appreciative of your kindness and support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gancio
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Express and one other donor.Let’s Get Organized for Lunar New Year
Funded Dec 27, 2024Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a more organized, efficient, and supportive learning environment for my students with autism. The new resources you helped provide have already had a significant impact, and I can't wait to share how they've made a difference.
When the materials first arrived, my students were immediately excited. They were particularly drawn to the colorful labels and the clear organization of materials. One student said, "It's like everything has a home!" That's been a big part of the success. For students who experience sensory overload or who struggle with maintaining focus, knowing exactly where everything is and how to navigate the classroom has been incredibly calming. The excitement on their faces when they first saw the new organizational charts and workstations was heartwarming. It was clear that the new materials were going to make a big difference in their ability to engage and feel comfortable in the classroom.
Thank you once again for your generosity. Your contributions are not just items for a classroom—they are tools that are helping my students develop important life skills, become more independent, and truly thrive. We couldn't have done it without you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gancio
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Express and one other donor.Board Games for Socialization
Funded Sep 26, 2023Since receiving the new board games for our classroom, my students have been using them to enhance their learning in creative and interactive ways. We recently incorporated the games into a math project, where students used board games to practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The games created a fun and engaging environment that encouraged collaboration and problem-solving while reinforcing important math concepts. Students worked in pairs or small groups, taking turns while practicing their skills. The competitive yet friendly nature of the games also helped them improve their communication and teamwork abilities, making learning feel like a fun and shared experience.
When the students first saw the board games, their excitement was immediate. They eagerly gathered around the new materials, excited to explore the various types of games, many of which they had never played before. They loved the idea of learning through play, and it sparked a new level of enthusiasm for their lessons. Some students even requested to use the games during free time, which I took as a sign that they were enjoying the learning process and seeing the value in this new method.
Looking ahead, my students will continue to use the board games as part of ongoing lessons in different subjects. In the coming weeks, we will integrate the games into vocabulary building and reading comprehension exercises. Students will use word-based games to practice new vocabulary, creating sentences and using the words in context, while others will focus on story-building and critical thinking. These games are not only helping reinforce academic concepts but also building social skills and fostering a love for learning. Thank you for making these resources possible and for contributing to a positive and engaging learning environment!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gancio
This classroom project was brought to life by Bezos Family Foundation and one other donor.