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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. VanGorder from Wasilla, AK is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. VanGorder is requesting

A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words

My students need language rich picture books, watercolors and supplies to engage in writing with enthusiasm and confidence, using a crayon resist, watercolor technique.

  • $922 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

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Help Mrs. VanGorder

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Mrs. VanGorder for her next project!

My Students

I have the privilege of teaching 60 fifth graders who come to school everyday ready to learn. You can see the excitement in their eyes as they look to the agenda to see what we are doing for the day. Over half of our kids qualify for free lunch. I teach at a Title I school in Wasilla, Alaska. For many of my kids, this is a safe place to learn, play, eat, and visit with friends, and adults. They love to ask "why." I am amazed each week when students study their spelling words, and how often they are not familiar with the meanings of the words. They unfortunately don't get out of their hometown much.

Our kids have a lot to say but they struggle to put their words in writing, and thus they stare at their blank paper, not knowing where to start.

They attempt to use good word choices and descriptive words, however, if they aren't shown a picture or have me describe it, they encounter challenges trying to use descriptive writing.

My Project

The Picturing Writing-Fostering Literacy Through Art program uses mini-lessons to teach literacy skills to students with diverse learning styles. Many of my students have had limited life experiences to see and write about. This approach uses an art-based literacy model. Research has proven that this program improves literacy achievement with a wide range of learners.

When students create pictures before they write, it supports their literacy learning and learning of reading as well as writing.

Through writer workshops, and artist workshops, students will be able to paint a picture and create a story using essential literacy skills. They learn to use descriptive writing through whole class brainstorming. A third grader described writing as much easier, when you have the details in front of you.

The materials will open the door to visual literacy by utilizing picture books by authors and illustrators that use rich language of pictures to make meaning. The post it pads will be used to post colorful language word walls, captured by the students during whole class brainstorming in theme related lists. The crayons and watercolors will provide rich, crayon resist paintings that are a simple, appealing art process. Crayons and watercolors create a opulent translucent quality that will encourage imaginative language. Once students discover their own talents as writers I am confident they will gain a passion for creating their own stories.

Mrs. VanGorder Meadow Lakes Elementary School Grades 3-5

More about Mrs. VanGorder

Wasilla, AK View local requests

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

40 students impacted 7donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
00305-1009: Prang Watercolor Pans - Oval, Assorted, Set of 16 colors • Blick Art Materials $6.54 60 $392.40
Post-it Self-Stick Easel Pad, 25 x 30.5 Inches, 30-Sheet Pad (2 Pack) • Amazon Business $30.12 1 $30.12
Emperor Penguins Up Close (Zoom in on Animals!) • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
RoseArt Ind. Crayon Sharpener • Amazon Business $9.97 1 $9.97
Golden Harvest, Ball Mason Jar Glass Salt and Pepper Shakers (Clear, Set of 2) • Amazon Business $8.47 1 $8.47
Cottontail at Clover Crescent (Smithsonian's backyard) • Amazon Business $7.96 1 $7.96
Otter on His Own: The Story of a Sea Otter (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection) • Amazon Business $7.95 1 $7.95
Wings in the Water: The Story of a Manta Ray • Amazon Business $6.20 1 $6.20
Gray Squirrel at Pacific Avenue (Smithsonian's Backyard) • Amazon Business $5.99 1 $5.99
Crayola Bulk Crayons Large Size, Black - Pack of 12 • Amazon Business $5.99 1 $5.99
Sanford Sharpie Flip Chart Bullet Tip Markers (22480PP) • Amazon Business $5.99 1 $5.99
Gray Wolf Pup (Smithsonian Wild Heritage Collection) • Amazon Business $5.61 1 $5.61
Raccoon at Clear Creek Road (Smithsonian's Backyard; Miniature Edition) • Amazon Business $5.37 1 $5.37
Ladybug at Orchard Avenue - a Smithsonian's Backyard Book • Amazon Business $4.56 1 $4.56
Sockeye's Journey Home: The Story of a Pacific Salmon - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book (Mini book) • Amazon Business $4.16 1 $4.16
Otter on his Own: The Story of the Sea Otter - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book • Amazon Business $4.08 1 $4.08
Crayola Crayons-White 12/Pkg • Amazon Business $2.00 2 $4.00
Manatee Winter - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book (Mini book) • Amazon Business $4.00 1 $4.00
Seal Pup Grows Up: The Story of a Harbor Seal - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book (Mini book) • Amazon Business $4.00 1 $4.00
Penguin's Family: The Story of a Humboldt Penguin - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book • Amazon Business $3.98 1 $3.98
Pelican's Catch - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book • Amazon Business $3.95 1 $3.95
Dolphin's First Day: The Story of a Bottlenose Dolphin - a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book (Mini book) • Amazon Business $3.90 1 $3.90
Groundhog at Evergreen Road - a Smithsonian's Backyard Book • Amazon Business $3.59 1 $3.59

Materials cost

$542.23

Vendor shipping charges

 $194.52

Sales tax

 $8.13

3rd party payment processing fee

$8.13

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$783.01

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$138.18

Total project goal

$921.19

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $921.19

6 Donors

-$711.19

Donations toward project cost

-$604.51

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$106.68

match offer

-$210.00

Match offer toward project cost

-$178.50

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$31.50

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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. VanGorder and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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