AIM grant helps kindergartners
Like all teachers, Stacie Willis spends some of her own money on furnishing her classroom. But when she saw the opportunity to fund some specialized equipment, she decided to write a grant request. Recently, she received a $750 grant from Autism Involves Me for classroom equipment.
As a kindergarten teacher, Willis has all kinds of students, including some that may later be identified as special needs. This year she has one student who already has a special education plan, as well as others who may need one. There are devices and strategies that can help all of her students.
When a kindergartner is overwhelmed by the noise and commotion of a public school classroom, there are ways to help them. For instance, noise-canceling headphones may help a student sit through the rowdy monthly assemblies.
Some students come to kindergarten with more energy than they can use. When Willis finds students can’t sit quietly and listen, she may send them to a special corner where puzzles and books are available so they can work on their own. Or she may give them something they can squeeze and quietly manipulate while they listen.
During the story time, the answer may be a special “scoop chair” that lets students rock, while giving them a protected feeling. Some students like to sit on exercise balls, but Willis wants balls that can’t roll out from under her students, so the grant may buy some that fit into plastic cubes.
Some students benefit from a weighted vest that makes them feel safe.
Willis has students who bring some of their own equipment to her classroom, but not everyone has the means to buy the special equipment or the understanding of what’s needed. The new equipment will benefit everyone in class and students will go on to first grade better prepared.