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Mrs. Benson from Carson City, NV is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Vertical Learning

Help me give my students supplies needed to implement vertical learning in a tihinking classroom.

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Benson's classroom raised $305

This project is fully funded

My Project

Vertical learning is a core strategy in the Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics framework by Peter Liljedahl. It involves students working in small groups at vertical whiteboards (typically placed around the classroom) to solve non-routine, rich math problems. This strategy shifts the cognitive load from the teacher to the students, encouraging active thinking, collaboration, and visible problem solving.

In a vertical learning environment, students stand and engage in discussions while writing directly on large whiteboards.

This physical orientation makes thinking visible—not only to group members, but to other groups as well—encouraging idea sharing, productive struggle, and deeper mathematical reasoning. It also increases engagement and reduces passive behaviors commonly associated with seated work.

For Gifted and Talented 5th graders, vertical learning offers several key benefits:

Increased Challenge and Differentiation: These students thrive in environments that allow for complex problem-solving and flexible thinking. Vertical learning fosters high-level discourse, promotes creative approaches, and supports multiple solution paths.

Collaboration and Peer Learning: Students explain their reasoning, critique each other’s thinking, and learn new strategies by observing peers—all of which deepen conceptual understanding.

Productive Struggle and Resilience: Gifted students often benefit from environments that normalize struggle. Vertical work supports a growth mindset, allowing students to revise their thinking publicly without stigma.

To implement vertical learning effectively, specific materials are needed:

Whiteboard Markers: Essential for group work at the boards. Having a variety of colors helps students organize their thinking and distinguish between different ideas or solution steps.

Easels to Hold Large Whiteboards: These allow flexibility in classroom setup, making vertical spaces accessible in any area of the room and easily adjustable for students of different heights.

Erasers: Quick and clean correction tools are important for iterative thinking and trial-and-error problem solving.

These tools will help my 5th graders engage sucessfully in Vertical Learning.

Project tagged as

Carson City, NV
Grades 3-5
Engineering & Technology
Mathematics
Traditional School
Classroom Basics
More than half of students from low‑income households

Mrs. Benson Edith W Fritsch Elementary School Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Carson City, NV 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

100 students impacted 4donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

EXPO Dry Erase Markers (Assorted Colors) - 36 Count with CHISEL Tip • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $45.00 2 $90.00

Pacon Whiteboard Eraser Puffs - Pkg of 5 • Blick Art Materials $10.46 6 $62.76

Nicpro Art Easel for Painting with Bag, Aluminum Metal Tripod Easel Stand for Sign, 6 Pack Black Painting Easels Adjustable Height from17 to 66" for Table-Top/Floor Painting, Display, Poster, Canvas • Amazon Business $62.69 1 $62.69

Materials cost			$215.45
Vendor shipping charges			$9.95
Sales tax			$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee			$3.23
Fulfillment labor & materials			$30.00
Total project cost			$258.63
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$45.64
Total project goal			$304.27
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$304.27
1 Donor			-$152.14
Donations toward project cost			-$129.32
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$22.82
match offer			-$152.13
Match offer toward project cost			-$129.31
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$22.82
Still needed View calculation Hide 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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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. Benson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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This teacher needs your help!

Vertical Learning

This project is fully funded

My Project

Project tagged as

Equity Focus

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Give the most requested basic supplies

Give back to your community

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.