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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Garman from Algona, IA is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Garman is requesting

Empower Minds: Sparking SEL with Perplexus Balls & Brain Games

Help me give my students Perplexus balls and other brain games to enhance social and emotional learning and social interaction with one another.

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Garman's classroom raised $391

This project is fully funded

My Project

Brain games like Rubik's Cube and puzzle balls are multifaceted tools that bolster various aspects of cognitive development. Through problem-solving challenges and memory exercises, they sharpen cognitive skills by actively engaging different parts of the brain. Brain games cultivate critical thinking by presenting intricate puzzles and scenarios, encouraging students to analyze, evaluate, and strategize. Students collaborating and competing in these games naturally foster social interaction, teamwork, and practical communication skills. Additionally, the immersive nature of brain games offers a reprieve from academic stressors, serving as enjoyable outlets for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Thus, brain games are pivotal in nurturing holistic cognitive development while fostering social bonds and reducing student stress levels.

The main goal of these brain games is to increase social interaction.

These interactions provide opportunities for students to develop essential social skills such as communication, empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution, which are vital for success in both academic and personal realms.

Each one of my students is unique and valuable in their own way. They bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents to the classroom, enriching the learning environment in immeasurable ways. Beyond academics, they exhibit resilience in facing challenges and demonstrate compassion in supporting one another.

Mrs. Garman Algona Middle School Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Algona, IA View local requests

More than a third of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

100 students impacted 7donors

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Rubik's Cube, The Original 3x3 Cube 3D Puzzle Fidget Cube Stress Relief Fidget Toy Brain Teasers Travel Games for Adults and Kids Ages 8+ • Amazon Business $9.99 5 $49.95
SPIN MASTER GAMES Perplexus Portal, 3D Puzzle Ball Maze Fidget Toys Kids Games Travel Games Puzzle Games Fidget Ball with 150 Obstacles, for Adults and Kids Ages 8 and up • Amazon Business $28.10 1 $28.10
Hasbro Gaming Bop It! Extreme Electronic Game for 1 or More Players, Fun Party Interactive Game for Kids Ages 8+, 4 Modes Including One-On-One Mode ( Packaging May Vary ) • Amazon Business $27.99 1 $27.99
Perplexus Beast 3D Gravity Maze Game Brain Teaser Fidget Toy Puzzle Ball | Anxiety Relief Items | Cool Stuff | Sensory Toys for Kids & Adults Ages 9+ • Amazon Business $26.99 1 $26.99
SPIN MASTER GAMES Perplexus, Epic 3D Gravity Maze Game Brain Teaser Fidget Toy Puzzle Ball, for Kids & Adults Ages 10 and Up • Amazon Business $24.99 1 $24.99
Perplexus Revolution Runner Motorized 3D Gravity Maze Game Brain Teaser Puzzle Ball | Anxiety Relief Items | Sensory Toys for Adults & Kids Ages 9+ • Amazon Business $19.49 1 $19.49
Mattel UNO Card Game • Kaplan Early Learning Company $8.96 2 $17.92
Perplexus Rebel 3D Maze Game Brain Teaser Gravity Puzzle Ball | Cool Stuff Adult Toy | Anxiety Relief Items | Sensory Toys for Adults & Kids Ages 8+ • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Montessori Learning Toys Slide Puzzle Color & Shape Matching Brain Teasers Logic Game Preschool Educational Wooden Toys for Kids Boys Girls Age 3 4 5 6 7 Years Old Travel Toys Birthday • Amazon Business $16.19 1 $16.19
CUBIDI® Original Big Rainbow Puzzle Ball I Brain Teasers for Kids Ages 6-10 I for Boys and Girls 6+ Years I Ideal Travel Toy for Children | Fidget Puzzles for Adults • Amazon Business $12.19 1 $12.19
Coogam Wooden Puzzle Pattern Blocks Brain Teasers Game with 60 Challenges, 3D Russian Building Toy Wood Tangram Shape Jigsaw Puzzles Montessori STEM Educational Toys Gift for Kids Adults • Amazon Business $11.98 1 $11.98
CUBIDI® Original Rainbow Puzzle Ball I Brain Teasers for Kids Ages 6-10 I for Boys and Girls 6+ Years, Cool Travel Toy for Children, Fidget Ball, 3D Puzzle Toy • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Hasbro Gaming Bop It! Micro Series Game • Amazon Business $9.84 1 $9.84
Hasbro Gaming Connect 4 Card Game for Kids Ages 6 and Up, 2-4 Players 4-in-A-Row Game • Amazon Business $5.91 1 $5.91

Materials cost

$278.52

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $19.08

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.18

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$331.78

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$58.55

Total project goal

$390.33

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $390.33

6 Donors

-$245.00

Donations toward project cost

-$210.25

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$34.75

match offer

-$142.98

Match offer toward project cost

-$121.53

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$21.45

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$2.35

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Garman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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