The first application is designed to solicit funds for a sensory room for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivity. I feel like this is definitely a topic that is specific and one that a wide-range of people can recognize/understand. There is an increasing movement, like at airports, sports arenas, etc., to create safe, calming spaces for individuals who need to decompress from overstimulation. The teacher makes a strong case by detailing the specific materials needed (these are indeed very useful sensory toys and tools) and by emphasizing the fact that her school has seen an increase in the number of students with autism in their population over the past few years. She also highlights the importance of these individuals trying to work with their peers in a general education environment. As a special education teacher, I am happy to see that the proposed sensory space would, seemingly, only be used a supplementary space and not a replacement environment. One potential problem is that at one point this teacher states they currently have a space available for a sensory room, but at another point she stays they do not. This is a bit confusing. As a donor, I would be concerned just how far along this sensory-room project actually is.
The second application is more unique. This teacher is wanting to purchase dolls and similar anthropomorphic-type toys. that her students can identify with. Specifically, she wants to buy toys that show people of different races and abilities. I think her description of her students is a bit extraneous in terms of how it relates to her cause. I would suggest that she should have instead written more about their diversity than about how the students will be moving into a renovated building. Additionally, I think she should have explained more about why having such a diversified array of toys would make such a difference to her students. As someone who has recently received a lot of instruction about diversity and education, I understand why students need to see more “windows” to themselves in play and literature. Other donors, however, may not see why this is necessary.
I chose this third application primarily because it pulled at my heart strings. This teacher makes clear the sorts of demographics at her schools and the unique challenges that these students may face in maintaining their school uniforms and personal hygiene. She also emphasizes that solving these hygienic difficulties means that the students can focus on things they can control: their academic work. I think this is probably the strongest argued of the three proposals that I have chosen.
The second application is more unique. This teacher is wanting to purchase dolls and similar anthropomorphic-type toys. that her students can identify with. Specifically, she wants to buy toys that show people of different races and abilities. I think her description of her students is a bit extraneous in terms of how it relates to her cause. I would suggest that she should have instead written more about their diversity than about how the students will be moving into a renovated building. Additionally, I think she should have explained more about why having such a diversified array of toys would make such a difference to her students. As someone who has recently received a lot of instruction about diversity and education, I understand why students need to see more “windows” to themselves in play and literature. Other donors, however, may not see why this is necessary.
I chose this third application primarily because it pulled at my heart strings. This teacher makes clear the sorts of demographics at her schools and the unique challenges that these students may face in maintaining their school uniforms and personal hygiene. She also emphasizes that solving these hygienic difficulties means that the students can focus on things they can control: their academic work. I think this is probably the strongest argued of the three proposals that I have chosen.