Most kids don’t want to wake up on time for school, but one group of students at May Howard Elementary has been not just on time, but choosing to show up to school early for the past two months.
“100% of the team came out, they volunteer their mornings,” says Tyler Savage, Speech Language Pathologist at the school.
Maybe it make sense when you hear the reason. These students are members of the school’s robotics team and after finishing in second place at the state robotics competition, the team had a new goal in mind. Now they are building something not for a trophy but to make a difference.
Fourth grade robotics team member Henry says, “we made toys using interactive switches for children with special needs… they are easier to use than pressing the small buttons.”
And the children with special needs are their peers- The team is made up of fourth and fifth graders who were chosen based on essay submissions and teacher feedback.
“The main goal that I want for this for the robotics team kids to really see this as a tough project that they worked on, their perseverance… and giving back to their peers,” says Savage.
By adding switches and buttons, the toys are easier to use than the ones in the store. Each one was specifically tailored not only to the child’s sensory needs, but to their interests.
“The robotics team actually looked at the interests that the families shared and they helped me choose the toys based on their interests”
Throughout the process, local professionals joined the club to teach about circuits, disabilities, and assistive technology.
Beyond the students learning new skills, the benefits of the project extend to the families receiving the toys.
“Pure joy, seeing my daughter happy, something that really motivates her… a toy that really meets her needs and keeps her engaged,” says father, Lee Robbins.
Robbins’ daughter Vera, has cerebral palsy and is one of the students who received a personalized toy.
For most of the students, robotics club has been an opportunity to build and have fun
But for Savage, it’s been an opportunity to instill a deeper lesson-
“They are loving giving back to the school community and really educating people about these kiddos that have differently abled bodies”
And for Robbins, it’s a glimpse into a brighter future-
“To see youth take their talent and their time and their energy to create something for someone else… it gives me hope as a parent”