My students need a variety of chewy tubes and sensory toys to help them focus and remain safe!
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Block's classroom raised $265
This project is fully funded
My Students
I want my students to have their best chance at learning, independence and life in general. Due to their severe oral motor sensory needs they are having a hard time and sometimes endanger themselves by putting non-edible items in their mouth.
My class consists of 6 children with autism who are age 8-13.
My students are all non-verbal and have a wide range of academic and sensory needs. It is really scary to me that in the process of getting these needs met the children will engage in serious and dangerous behavior. In my class there are at least 4 students who are constantly seeking oral motor feedback. They will put anything in their mouth. They have consumed a huge amount of non-edible items and continue to seek feedback even when it is from something that can be life threatening! Some of these items have included pencil points, puzzle pieces, diaper fill, styrofoam, markers, paper, and a variety of items from the trash. I watch them so carefully but they are really fast. I have one student who at this point cannot have a pencil because he bit off and swallowed the eraser and metal at the end and had to go the hospital! I want to teach my students but even more then that I want them to be safe and healthy.
My Project
The student I mentioned above was recently given an oral motor toy by his occupational therapist. He will sit and chew on it all day. To my amazement, once he had this toy in his mouth he became more able to do his work. He is now answering questions and participating appropriately in group and individual lessons. When I tried to get similar toys for the rest of my class I was told there was no budget. Toys that are meant for chewing are personal items and cannot be shared. I would love to get similar items for every kid and see how much progress we can make without the constant search for oral feedback.
I am asking for several oral motor toys that my students can use during the school day to keep them focused on their work and prevent them from eating things that are dangerous to their health.
With these toys I truly believe that my students will make gains in all areas of learning. Please help me to teach these kids and keep them safe!
More than three‑quarters of 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
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