Art for Tiny Hands: Sensory Materials for Pre-K Autism Class
My students need sensory-friendly art materials that include glue sticks, rolling pins, dough stampers, brush-on painters, and materials to store them.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Art is often an anxious experience for children with autism. Indeed, my students shrink from gummy play dough or shudder at the idea of paint splattering on their clothes. These materials will accommodate the sensory needs of my students as they explore their creativity.
Our class is an autism-specific preschool environment located in a large, urban district in California.
Situated in a school that serves a predominantly low-income population, our class serves a diverse group of children. Each day, students receive early intervention to help them learn language, communication, social skills, and classroom-readiness skills. A typical day includes circle time, structured teaching, play, and social skills practice. Art is an integral part of the students' day as well; during art time, students explore new sensations, exercise their creativity, and interact with their peers.
My Project
Many children with autism have sensory-integration difficulties, which makes engaging in art very difficult. Indeed, many materials have distinct textures: sticky glue, gooey paint, squishy play dough, and more. The art materials I am requesting--including mess-free glue sticks, gluten-free play dough, dough rollers and stamps, and liquid watercolors--will enable students to access art free from the troubling textures of more traditional art materials.
Imagine the joy children often feel when they create art.
Now imagine a child with strong sensory issues; art is often an overwhelming, anxiety-producing process. Given the right materials, children with sensory-integration difficulties can experience the same joy as their peers. This project will give these children the ability to engage in a valuable preschool experience!
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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Hanawalt and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
