Grade: Special Education K-5th

Teacher Name: Abrielle Stone

Description and purpose of grant: 

Our school is a proud Leader in Me school, committed to empowering every student to discover their strengths, take ownership of their learning, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. For our students with special needs, achieving this mission requires intentional support that addresses their sensory and motor development.

Many of our students face challenges with self-regulation, focus, and emotional balance due to sensory processing differences. Without access to appropriate sensory supports, these students may struggle to fully engage in the classroom, build leadership skills, or reach their potential.

A sensory room/Motorlab will provide a safe, structured environment where students can practice the Leader in Me habits in meaningful ways—by learning self-regulation (Habit 1: Be Proactive), setting personal goals for calming strategies (Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind), and practicing responsible decision-making when managing emotions (Habit 3: Put First Things First).

This space will help students reset, regulate, and return to the classroom ready to learn, engage with peers, and contribute as leaders within our school community.

Implementation process:

Items you plan to purchase with grant money 

1. BouncyBand Sensory Soft Squeeze Seat  X2 ($578.02)

The BouncyBand Sensory Soft Squeeze Seat is a flexible, therapeutic tool designed to help children regulate their emotions and maintain focus. Shaped like a soft, durable "hug," it gently applies calming pressure as students sit inside, giving them the feeling of a deep-pressure embrace. This type of sensory input is proven to reduce anxiety, improve attention, and help students self-regulate—especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges.

Made with heavy-duty yet comfortable materials, the seat can be used in classrooms, therapy spaces, or sensory rooms. Students can rock, push, or squeeze against it, meeting their sensory needs in a safe and structured way.

By including the BouncyBand Sensory Soft Squeeze Seat in our sensory room, we will provide students with a reliable tool for calming and self-regulation, allowing them to return to learning ready and focused.

2. Skil-Care Crash Pad X1 ($213.23) 

The Crash Pad is a large, cushioned landing zone designed to safely absorb impact and provide students with the deep-pressure input they need to regulate their bodies. Made of durable, high-density foam and a wipe-clean nylon cover, it encourages safe jumping, crashing, or simply lying down for calming comfort.

This tool is especially effective for students with sensory processing challenges who seek movement and heavy-work activities. By using the Crash Pad, students can release excess energy in a safe, structured way while receiving proprioceptive input that promotes self-regulation and focus.

In our sensory room, the Crash Pad will serve as both an outlet for active play and a calming space, helping students return to class with improved readiness to learn and engage.

3. Reversible Sequins Wall Sensory Fun Toy X 1 ($45.45) 

The Reversible Sequins Wall is an interactive sensory panel designed to engage students through touch, sight, and creativity. As students run their hands across the sequins, the surface changes color and texture, offering immediate visual feedback. This repetitive, soothing motion provides tactile stimulation that can reduce stress, increase focus, and encourage self-expression.

For students with sensory processing needs, the sequins wall offers a calming outlet that helps regulate emotions while also fostering fine motor development. It can be used as a quiet, independent activity or as part of a guided sensory break.

In our sensory room, the Reversible Sequins Wall will serve as a visually engaging and calming tool, giving students a constructive way to manage their energy, sharpen focus, and return to the classroom ready to learn.

4. Sensory and weighted plush toys and lap pad  X 5 ($256.42)

Sensory and weighted plush toys, along with weighted lap pads, are calming tools designed to provide deep-pressure input that helps students feel grounded, secure, and focused. The gentle weight mimics the soothing effect of a hug, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation for children with sensory processing challenges, autism, or ADHD.

Plush toys offer both tactile comfort and emotional support, while lap pads can be placed across a student’s lap during class or therapy sessions to improve attention and reduce restlessness. These items are portable, versatile, and easy to integrate into daily routines, making them valuable tools for both classroom and sensory room use.

By including weighted plush toys and lap pads in our program, we will provide students with effective, non-disruptive strategies for self-regulation—helping them manage emotions, stay engaged in learning, and build independence.

5. Special Supplies Textured Square Floor Liquid Tiles for Kids, Set of 6  X1 ($115.81) 

The Special Supplies Textured Square Floor Liquid Tiles are colorful, interactive floor panels filled with liquid that shifts and flows as students step, press, or push on them. Each tile creates a dynamic, visually stimulating pattern that engages both sight and touch, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity.

For students with sensory processing needs, these tiles provide valuable proprioceptive and visual input that supports balance, coordination, and body awareness. They also promote active play, gross motor development, and sensory regulation in a safe and fun way.

This set of six tiles can be arranged in pathways or activity zones within the sensory room, giving students opportunities for both calming exploration and energetic movement. By incorporating the liquid tiles, we will create a multisensory environment that enhances focus, reduces stress, and fosters active engagement for all learners.

6. Plush Blocks - The Original Premium Plush Building Block X2 ($318.22)

Plush Blocks are oversized, lightweight building blocks made with soft, durable foam and covered in colorful fabric. Unlike traditional hard blocks, these are safe for active play, stacking, and building—making them ideal for children with sensory or motor needs.

They encourage creativity, problem-solving, and cooperative play while also promoting gross motor skills as students lift, move, and arrange the blocks. Because they are soft and forgiving, students can explore building structures without risk of injury, supporting both confidence and safe physical activity.

In the sensory room, Plush Blocks provide opportunities for active movement, teamwork, and imaginative play, while also serving as a constructive outlet for energy. This makes them an engaging tool for both regulation and learning through play.

7.  BCAN 40"/48" Mini Rebounder Trampoline with Bar X1 ($169.93)

The Mini Rebounder Trampoline with Bar is a safe, compact exercise tool that provides students with an engaging way to release energy, build coordination, and strengthen motor skills. The sturdy balance bar offers additional stability, allowing students of all abilities to jump with confidence and control.

For students with sensory processing challenges, the trampoline offers vital vestibular and proprioceptive input—helping them regulate emotions, improve balance, and sharpen focus. It also encourages healthy movement breaks that can reduce restlessness and prepare students to return to classroom learning in a calm, attentive state.

By incorporating the Trampoline into our sensory room, we will provide a structured outlet for physical activity that supports both self-regulation and gross motor development, while aligning with our mission to help every child grow as a learner and leader.

8. APEXUP Yoga & Pilates Ball - Anti Slip Heavy Duty Gym Ball  X1 ($29.17)

The Ball is a durable, anti-slip exercise ball designed to support balance, strength, and flexibility activities. Its heavy-duty construction allows students to safely sit, bounce, or stretch on the ball while engaging their core muscles and improving posture.

For students with sensory processing or motor challenges, the ball provides vestibular and proprioceptive input, which can help regulate energy levels, improve coordination, and enhance focus. The gentle bouncing motion can serve as a calming activity, while balance exercises encourage body awareness and self-control.

In our sensory room, the  Ball will be used for both calming routines and active movement, offering students a versatile tool that promotes regulation, gross motor skills, and readiness to learn.

9.  Sensory lighting (LED Strips X1 and Cloud lights X2) ($142.83)

Sensory lighting creates a calming and engaging atmosphere that supports emotional regulation and focus. The LED strip provides customizable color options and gentle transitions, allowing the room to be adjusted for calming, energizing, or focusing effects depending on student needs. The cloud lights add a soft, ambient glow, transforming the sensory room into a soothing and welcoming environment.

For students with sensory processing challenges, controlled lighting helps reduce overstimulation, lowers anxiety, and provides visual input that encourages relaxation. Lighting effects can also be paired with mindfulness activities, quiet breaks, or leadership reflections aligned with our Leader in Me framework.

By incorporating LED strips and cloud lights into the sensory room, we will give students a safe, comforting space that promotes calmness, readiness to learn, and positive emotional growth.

10.  Learn & Grow Magnetic Wall Decal - Rainbow Design Sheet Magnetic
 Wall Arch for Kids X1 ($72.51)

The Magnetic Wall Decal is a vibrant, rainbow-themed wall panel that allows students to explore learning and play through magnetic activities. Its large surface can hold magnetic letters, numbers, shapes, and interactive pieces, encouraging hands-on engagement while adding a colorful, welcoming design to the sensory environment.

This tool supports fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills as students manipulate magnets along the rainbow arc. It also promotes creativity, communication, and cooperative play when used in small groups.

In the sensory room, the Magnetic Wall Decal will serve as both a calming, focused activity and an educational tool, helping students regulate through hands-on exploration while reinforcing academic and leadership skills. Its bright rainbow design adds an uplifting, positive atmosphere that aligns with our commitment to creating a space where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

11.Sensory Spinning Chair for Kids with Autism & ADHD, 
Swivel Chair for Indoor/Outdoor Use X1 (44.37) 

The Sensory Spinning Chair is a specially designed seat that allows children to safely spin, rotate, and tilt while remaining fully supported. Its sturdy, ergonomic design gives students the freedom of movement they crave while ensuring balance and stability during use.

For children with sensory processing challenges, spinning provides important vestibular input that helps regulate the nervous system, improve balance, and build body awareness. Controlled spinning can have a calming effect for some students, while energizing and refocusing others—making it a versatile tool for self-regulation.

In our sensory room, the Sensory Spinning Chair will provide students with a safe and structured way to meet their movement needs. This will help them manage emotions, increase attention, and transition back to classroom learning ready to succeed.

12. Subao 3 Pack Light Up Sensory Tubes Anxiety Relief Items X1 ($31.37)

The Light Up Sensory Tubes are interactive, handheld tools designed to provide calming visual and tactile input. Each tube lights up and produces gentle movement when twisted, shaken, or turned, creating a soothing sensory experience that can reduce stress and anxiety.

For students with sensory processing challenges, autism, or ADHD, these tubes offer a simple yet effective way to regulate emotions, redirect restless energy, and improve focus. The combination of light, movement, and sound engages multiple senses, making them especially effective during quiet breaks or calming routines.

In our sensory room, the Light Up Sensory Tubes will serve as portable, individual tools that empower students to self-regulate. They help children transition more smoothly back into the classroom environment, supporting both emotional well-being and learning readiness.

13. OUTREE Sensory Body Sock for Kids X1 ($35.70)

The Sensory Body Sock provides deep pressure input and resistance that help students feel grounded and secure. This type of proprioceptive feedback is especially beneficial for children who experience sensory processing challenges, anxiety, or difficulty with self-regulation. In a sensory room, the body sock gives students a safe way to release energy, calm their bodies, and improve focus, making it easier for them to return to learning activities. It can also support motor skill development, balance, and body awareness through movement and play.

14. Wooden Spinner Seat - Sit and Spin x1 ($117.99) 

The wooden spinner is a  sturdy, low-profile wooden seat that allows students to spin safely in a controlled way. The spinning motion provides vestibular input, which helps students develop balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. The seat is designed to be durable and supportive, offering a fun, engaging activity that also promotes self-regulation.

The Wooden Spinner supports students who need vestibular stimulation to regulate their sensory systems. Spinning activities can help calm students who are overstimulated, or provide alerting input for those who need more energy to engage in learning. In a sensory room, this tool gives students a safe, structured way to meet their sensory needs while building body control and focus.

15. Special Supplies Stepping Stones for Kids, 5 Balance Indoor and 
Outdoor Blocks X1 (38.95)

The stepping stones are a set of five brightly colored, durable stepping stones designed to be arranged in various patterns for balance and coordination activities. Each block has a textured, non-slip surface and is built to withstand indoor or outdoor use, giving students a safe and engaging way to practice gross motor skills.

The stepping stones provide valuable proprioceptive and vestibular input by encouraging students to step, jump, and balance across uneven surfaces. This type of play helps improve balance, coordination, core strength, and motor planning skills. In a sensory room, the stepping stones can be used in obstacle courses or calming movement activities, supporting both physical development and self-regulation in a fun and engaging way.

In the event my grant is not fully funded, this is minimum amount I would need to get started on this project:  $1,500