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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Vaughn from Modesto, CA is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Vaughn is requesting

STEM Supplies for Creativity and Critical Thinking

Help me give my students the tools they need in order to build curiosity, strengthen their fine motor skills, and create collaboration/communication.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Vaughn's classroom raised $221

This project is fully funded

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

STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—is a great fit for Transitional Kindergarten because it naturally supports how young children learn: through hands-on play, curiosity, and exploration. TK students are eager to ask questions and figure out how things work. STEM taps into that curiosity by encouraging them to observe, build, experiment, and solve problems in fun, age-appropriate ways.

STEM activities, building blocks, kinetic sand, and Play-Doh build early thinking skills by inviting children to predict outcomes, test ideas, and try again when something doesn’t work.

This helps them develop problem-solving abilities and a growth mindset. It also supports language development, as children talk about what they’re doing, ask questions, and collaborate with peers.

Through STEM, children are introduced to early math and science concepts—like counting, sorting, measuring, and observing changes—that lay the foundation for future learning. These activities are not about memorization, but about real-world discovery. Building with blocks, testing what floats, or watching seeds grow are playful ways to develop important skills.

STEM is also inclusive. Children of all backgrounds and abilities can participate and succeed. It creates opportunities for every child to feel confident, creative, and capable.

Most importantly, STEM in TK is fun. It makes learning meaningful and joyful while setting the stage for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Ms. Vaughn Sonoma Elementary School Grades PreK-2

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.

Modesto, 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

20 students impacted 4donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Vaughn is requesting.

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Play-Doh Bulk Pack of 48 Cans, 6 Sets of 8 Modeling Compound Colors, 3oz, Back to School Gifts & Prizes for Students & Classroom, Preschool Toys for Kids, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive) • Amazon Business $26.36 1 $26.36
1100 Piece Building Blocks Classic Building Toys, Creative Bulk Building Bricks Sets Compatible with Legos Baseplate Sets 17 Colors Mixed 147 Shapes for Kids Party Favors Birthday • Amazon Business $21.99 1 $21.99
Juboury 1054Pcs Building Toy Building Blocks Bars Different Shape Educational Construction Engineering Set 3D Puzzle, Interlocking Creative Connecting Kit, Great STEM Toy for Both Boys and Girls • Amazon Business $20.98 1 $20.98
Cutedeer 138 Piece Building Blocks for Kids Toddlers, Classic Big Bricks Set Compatible with All Major Brands, STEM Large Building Toys with Gift Box for All Ages Boys Girls • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Diamond Magnetic Tiles Kids Toys for Toddlers STEM Magnetic Blocks Building Toys Preschool Sensory Montessori Learning Toys for 3+ Year Old Boys Girls Christmas Birthday Gifts Creative Kids Games • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Blue Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, for Ages 3 and up • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Translucent Bugs • Lakeshore Learning Materials $13.99 1 $13.99
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Purple Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, for Ages 3 and up • Amazon Business $8.99 1 $8.99

Materials cost

$141.28

Vendor shipping charges

$0.70

Sales tax

$12.93

3rd party payment processing fee

$2.12

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$187.03

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$33.01

Total project goal

$220.04

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$220.04

3 Donors

-$180.36

Donations toward project cost

-$153.31

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$27.05

match offer

-$39.67

Match offer toward project cost

-$33.72

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$5.95

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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