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Mrs. Gilmore from Ardmore, OK is requesting art supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Giving Children a Voice Beyond Words

Help me give my students a sand tray area to provide a safe, hands-on way for them to express feelings they may not yet have the words to describe.

  • This project is not currently eligible for funding.
  • $206 goal
Classroom photo
Mrs. Gilmore profile photo
Mrs. Gilmore Lincoln Elementary School
Ardmore, OK Grades 3-5

My Project

Every day, students walk into my school counseling office carrying worries that are much bigger than they are. Some are coping with anxiety, grief, trauma, family changes, or difficult emotions, while others simply struggle to find the words to explain what they're feeling.

As an elementary school counselor serving more than 400 students, I work with children individually, in small groups, and during crisis situations.

Many of my students have experienced adverse childhood experiences, and traditional "talk therapy" isn't always the best way for them to communicate. Children often express themselves through play long before they are able to put their emotions into words.

A sand tray therapy area would provide a safe, calming, and developmentally appropriate way for students to process emotions, solve problems, and tell their stories using miniature figures and sand. Through this hands-on approach, students can explore difficult feelings, build coping skills, and develop emotional regulation in a way that feels natural and non-threatening.

Your support would help create a dedicated sand tray therapy space that includes a sand tray, therapeutic sand, and a variety of miniature figures representing people, families, animals, occupations, buildings, nature, transportation, fantasy, emotions, and everyday life. These materials will be used with students experiencing anxiety, grief, behavioral concerns, social difficulties, trauma, and major life transitions.

This project isn't simply about adding toys to my counseling office. It is about giving children a voice when words are hard to find. Every student deserves a safe place to feel seen, heard, and supported. With your generosity, we can create a therapeutic space where healing begins one small story at a time.

Thank you for investing in the emotional well-being of our students. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on the children who need it most.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

430 students impacted
Mrs. Gilmore Lincoln Elementary School Grades 3-5

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Ardmore, OK 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

430 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
ENSO Zen Garden for Desk, Japanese Bamboo Sand Tray Therapy Kit | Lead-Free Granite Stone, Patented Elemental Design, 1-Inch Deep Bamboo Base, Includes Rake and Brush, Adult and Kids Use • Amazon Business $53.75 1 $53.75
Japanese Zen Garden Kit for Desk | 9.5" Bamboo Sand Tray | 3 Resin Stamp Spheres | Meditation Accessories | 6 Mini Garden Rake | Decor Gifts • Amazon Business $33.99 1 $33.99
ONEST 23 Pieces Wooden Dollhouse Family Set Mini People Figures Dollhouse Dolls Wooden Doll Family Pretend Play Figures Accessories for Pretend Doll House Toy • Amazon Business $24.99 1 $24.99
Melissa & Doug Emergency Vehicle Wooden Play Set with 4 Vehicles, 4 Play Figures • Amazon Business $19.59 1 $19.59

Materials cost

$132.32

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $10.78

3rd party payment processing fee

$1.98

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$175.08

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$30.90

Total project goal

$205.98

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. Gilmore and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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