Faithwire
  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • News
  • Politics
  • Coronavirus Updates
  • Faith
  • Opinion
  • Christmas
  • Set Free Course

Teacher’s Innovative Creation Is Helping Special Needs Kids Far Beyond Her Classroom

She's thinking outside the box.
Share Tweet
By Faithwire Staff
Author

February 10, 2017

Elementary school teachers are often known for their crafting prowess, but one special needs educator took her creativity to the next level to help her students with autism.

First-year speech and language pathologist Amy Maplethorpe created a chair to help her autistic students who suffer from sensory issues.

The chairs provide “an alternative texture to improve sensory regulation,” according to a Facebook post by Raymond Ellis Elementary School. Students with autism, Down Syndrome and sensory processing disorder ma benefit from the chair, the school said.

The school’s post, which included instructions on how to make the chair, has since gone viral, with more than 66,000 reactions and 90,000 shares as of Friday.

Maplethorpe used tennis balls, a hot glue gun, Mod Podge and paint to create the chairs, which will service 15 to 20 students, she told ABC News.

Students with autism often have a hard time “processing sensory information,” according to autism advocacy Autism Speaks. Items such as vests, blankets and the tennis ball chair can often help to sooth a student.

Maplethorpe said she was inspired to create the chairs after seeing a similar project on Pinterest.

“I wanted to continue to address the various sensory needs present at Ellis and provide an alternative seating option for the students,” she told ABC News. “I was excited that this chair could be beneficial for my students.”

The chairs are currently stationed in the schools recently created sensory room, said Principal Beth Kiewicz.

“When a child’s sensory needs are met that allows us to move on to their academic needs,” Kiewicz told ABC News. “You have to look at the whole child — socially, emotionally and academically. That’s why we’re here.”

The chairs have already made a different for some of Maplethorpe’s students, making them “more patient” and better able to follow directions, she said.

—

Other Must-Read Stories:

– Pastor Who Claims Georgia Gov’t Fired Him Over His Christian Beliefs Wins Major Victory

– Woman Delivers Unforgettable ‘Prophetic Vision’ to a Young Denzel Washington in 1975 — and the Details Are Pretty Insane

– ‘I Know They Are Going to Die’: Single Dad’s Brave Decision to Foster Terminally Ill Kids Will Inspire You

– CNN Show Pledges to Break Down Scientific Research and Archaeological Findings to Offer ‘New Insight’ on Jesus

Latest

  • Life

    ‘There’s a Kid Inside!’: Bodycam Shows Cops Smashing Windows, Saving Little Boy From Home ‘Fully Engulfed in Flames’

  • culture

    ‘Could Be Disastrous’: Transsexual Activist Pushes Back on Own Movement, Warns of Child Indoctrination and Lies

  • Faith

    Report: Southern Baptist Leaders Ignored Reports of Sexual Abuse, Did Not Remove Accused Pastors

  • culture

    ‘God, Why?’: Pastor Stabbed to Death, Burned in Tragic Murder Rattling Community

  • Life

    Major Magazine Turns Latest Issue Into ‘State-by-State Handbook for Anyone In Need’ of Abortion


Navigation

  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Staff
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to get our newsletter your inbox every day.

Newsletter Signup

Do you want to read
more articles like this?