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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Barr from Pittsburgh, PA is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Barr is requesting

Books, Breaks, and Breathing: A Calm Space for Readers

Help me give my students an organized, supportive materials to help meet their needs!

  • Be the first to donate!
  • $564 still needed thanks to a match offer

expires Sep 07

Every donation to this project is matched 2X!
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Donations doubled!
  • Be the first to donate!
  • $564 still needed thanks to a match offer
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Mrs. Barr Pittsburgh Dilworth Arts & Hum
Pittsburgh, PA Grades 3-5

My Project

Our classroom is a vibrant space where young minds work hard to unlock the secrets of reading. To become truly proficient readers, students need more than just a book; they need targeted comprehension tools that allow them to visualize stories, track their progress, and dive deep into the text. By providing hands-on literacy materials and consistent practice opportunities, we can bridge the gap between simply recognizing words and truly understanding the "why" and "how" behind every story. These resources will empower my students to think critically and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Academic success is impossible if a child does not first feel calm, safe, and emotionally regulated.

Many of our learners face sensory challenges that can make sitting still and focusing a difficult task. By integrating social-emotional tools—like visual timers for transitions, weighted animals for grounding, and various sensory fidgets—we can create a "Zen" environment where every child feels secure. These tools don't just provide comfort; they act as a bridge to academic success by helping students manage their emotions and sustain the focus necessary for complex reading tasks. Your support will help us nurture the whole child, ensuring they are emotionally ready to soar academically.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

40 students impacted
Mrs. Barr Pittsburgh Dilworth Arts & Hum Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Pittsburgh, PA View local requests

Nearly all 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

40 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
4 HUGIMALS: Calming Hugs - 20" Sloth & Koala 4.5 lbs Weighted Stuffed Animals (calm corner, social emotional learning, fidget toys lap, mental health) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $246.00 1 $246.00
$100 Gift Card for Educational Resources on TPT • TPT $100.00 1 $100.00
Reading Comprehension Practice Cards - Gr. 2-3 • Lakeshore Learning Materials $69.99 1 $69.99
Reading Comprehension Practice Cards - Gr. 4-5 • Lakeshore Learning Materials $69.99 1 $69.99
Flutesan 30 Pack Wired Headphones, Adjustable On Ear Headphones with Stereo, Earbuds for Schools, Laptop, Travel, Plane, Tablet(Mixed Colors) • Amazon Business $52.99 1 $52.99
Insignia - 6-Sheet Crosscut Shredder - Black • Best Buy Education $49.99 1 $49.99
Scholastic Cards Decodable Advanced Phonics Concepts, Grades 1-3 - Kids • School Specialty $38.99 1 $38.99
16-Pack Desk Dividers for Students - Durable & Waterproof Plastic Study Carrel Divider, Classroom Folders Teacher Supplies, Easy-to-Clean Plastic Privacy Shield Boards for Student Desks • Amazon Business $38.77 1 $38.77
Really Good Stuff Durable Book and Binder Holder - 5pack, Bright Neon Colors, 5 ?? x 12 ?? x 7 ??, Classroom Organization, Storage Solution, Sturdy and Versatile • Amazon Business $33.87 1 $33.87
hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes, Sensory Toys, Travel Toys, Quiet Fidgets for Classroom, Calm Down Corner Supplies, Anxiety Relief Items for Kids, Toddler Stocking Stuffers, for Kids • Amazon Business $31.03 1 $31.03
Nonfiction Comprehension Quickie Cards • Lakeshore Learning Materials $29.99 1 $29.99
Photo Storage Box 4x6, 18 Inner Photo Case Large Photo Organizer Acid-Free Photo Box Storage Photo Keeper Photo Storage Case, Plastic Craft Storage Box for Photo Stickers Stamps Seeds (9 Colors) • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Magnetic Tape Strips with Adhesive Backing | Strong Adhesive Magnets for Crafts | Flat No-Roll Flexible Sticky Magnet Sheet Stickers for Wall, Whiteboard, Fridge (5 Tape Strips - 6") • Amazon Business $9.99 3 $29.97
White Cardstock Paper 8.5 x 11, 120 Sheets 250g Premium White Card Stock Printer Paper, Heavy Construction Paper for card making, scrapbooking, craft • Amazon Business $19.98 1 $19.98
hand2mind Orange Jumbo Sand Timers, 5 Minute Sand Timer, Hourglass Sand Timer with Soft Rubber End Caps Offers Quiet Pausing, Classroom Sand Timers for Kids, Teeth Brushing and Game Timer (Set of 1) • Amazon Business $17.29 1 $17.29
30 Packs Oversized Dry Erase Pockets Sleeves - 10 Assorted Colors with 2 Binder Rings - Dry Erase Sheets Reusable - 10x14 Ticket Holders - Clear Plastic Sheet Protectors for Classroom Teacher Supplies • Amazon Business $16.45 1 $16.45
Comprehension Skills Gr 3 40 Short • Teachers' School Supply $10.99 1 $10.99
Comprehension Skills Gr 5 40 Short • Teachers' School Supply $10.99 1 $10.99
Crtiin 24 Pieces Reading Guide Strips Overlay Guide Strips for Kids Colored Overlays Bookmarks Line Trackers for Kids Dyslexia Reading Strips Student Tools(Mixed Colors) • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99

Materials cost

$907.26

Vendor shipping charges

 $6.32

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$13.61

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$957.19

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$168.92

Total project goal

$1,126.11

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $1,126.11

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $1,126.11

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. Barr and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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