My high school English Language Learners (ELLs) are hardworking, determined students, many of whom are new to the country and learning to read and write in English for the first time. For students with low literacy levels, expressing their ideas through words can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m building a creative literacy project that allows students to tell their stories using art and simple language.
As author Brene Brown said, “Creativity is the way I share my soul with the world.” These materials will give my students that chance—to share who they are, in a way that words alone may not yet allow.
With supplies like watercolor paints, watercolor paper, markers, pencils, and plastic portfolio covers, my students will create personal storybooks, poetry pages, and illustrated vocabulary journals. These materials will give them the tools to:
* Paint a scene from a story they’ve read and describe it in simple English.
* Draw and label vocabulary words with color and meaning.
* Create personal picture books that reflect their culture, dreams, or families.
* Build confidence in using English through visual storytelling.
By combining art with language, we’re unlocking a powerful path to literacy. Students who struggle to express themselves in writing can begin with color, image, and emotion—and then take brave steps into English through captions, dialogue bubbles, and simple narrative lines.
Please consider supporting this project. Your donation will help build confidence, literacy, and self-expression for students who are eager to learn and be heard.
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
120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM White Cold Press Paper Water Color Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Gift Cards(4 x 6 Inch)
• Amazon Business
$14.89
1
$14.89
120 Sheets Watercolor Paper Bulk, 140 lb/300 GSM Cold Press Paper White Water Color Paper Cotton Paper for Kids Child Students Adults Artists Drawing Wedding Gift Cards(5 x 7 Inch)
• Amazon Business
$14.89
1
$14.89
Materials cost
$190.84
Vendor shipping charges
$9.95
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$2.86
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$233.65
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$41.23
Total project goal
$274.88
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$274.88
2 Donors
-$149.94
Donations toward project cost
-$127.45
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$22.49
match offer
-$124.94
Match offer toward project cost
-$106.20
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Mrs. Preston and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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