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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Le from San Mateo, CA is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Ms. Le's classroom raised $278

Building a Thinking Classroom in 1st Grade Math

Help me give my students the materials needed to catalyze mathematical thinking in class

Classroom photo
Ms. Le Sunnybrae Elementary School
San Mateo, CA Grades PreK-2

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

This year, I'm piloting a new math curriculum at SES called Thinking Math, which is based on Peter Liljedahl's groundbreaking research in Building Thinking Classrooms. His studies reveal that traditional classrooms often train students to "student" – going through the motions of learning while actually avoiding real thinking. Students learn to mimic, copy, or simply wait for answers rather than engage in genuine mathematical problem-solving.

THE POWER OF VERTICAL LEARNING

Liljedahl's research shows that when students work standing up at vertical non-permanent surfaces in pairs, something magical happens. They stop "studenting" and start thinking! The vertical surfaces encourage collaboration, make work visible to everyone, and create an environment where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than permanent failures.

WHAT WE NEED

Your donation will help us purchase:

- Whiteboard posters that will allow first graders to stand in pairs to think on vertical non-permanent surfaces

- High-quality dry erase markers

- Marker holders to keep supplies organized and accessible

THE IMPACT

These materials will transform our math time from passive seat-work to active problem-solving. Instead of copying from the board, my first graders will work together, share strategies, and develop deep mathematical understanding. They'll learn that math is about thinking, discussing, and discovering – not just getting the "right" answer.

A FUTURE OF THINKERS

By creating a true thinking classroom, we're not just teaching math – we're developing critical thinking skills that will serve these young learners throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Thank you for helping us build a classroom where thinking thrives!

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than half of students from low‑income households

24 students impacted 1 donor
Ms. Le Sunnybrae Elementary School Grades PreK-2

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

San Mateo, CA View local requests

More than half 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

24 students impacted 1donor

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
GO WRITE GoWrite Dry Erase Poster Board, 22 X 28 Inches, 12 Pt, Premium White, Pack of 25 • School Specialty $117.37 1 $117.37
noonebutyou 2 Pcs Magnetic Marker Holder Wall Mount Marker Caddy Pencil Holder for Dry Erase Whiteboard Fridge, Self Adhesive Marker Pen Holder for Home Office School(Black&SS) • Amazon Business $6.99 6 $41.94
EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers Chisel Tip Assorted Colors Pack of 36 - Ideal for Classrooms Offices & Home Offices • Amazon Business $4.00 4 $16.00

Materials cost

$175.31

Vendor shipping charges

 $11.74

Sales tax

 $16.04

3rd party payment processing fee

$2.63

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$235.72

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$41.60

Total project goal

$277.32

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $277.32

1 Donor

-$277.32

Donations toward project cost

-$235.72

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$41.60

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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Project Activity

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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 Ms. Le and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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