This December, our teachers, donors, and partners will be coming together in a big way to make sure students are thriving at school. Right now, teachers have posted 77,000 ideas for things they need for their students. We dug into our data and pulled out the top 5 most-funded resources on DonorsChoose.org so far this season. Here are a few of your favorite things!
‘Tis the Season for Books
Okay, okay. Every season is book season. This month’s most popular titles include S.E. Hinton’s classic The Outsiders, Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan, and Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give. (The movie adaptation of the latter just hit theaters, but teachers have been in on the secret for quite some time.) Of all the enriching books teachers are putting in their students hands, these three rose to the top.
See all book projects
Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Engineers
Some projects allow educators to teach science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on way. For example, activity kits like Engineer-a-Coaster have been hugely popular this fall. Here's just one example project from the hundreds funded. Is there a better way to learn the laws of physics as a kid than building your own rollercoaster? (That was rhetorical. There is not.)
See all STEM projects
The 21st Century Essential
There continues to be a dire need for technology in classrooms, and laptops are at the top of the list this season. Teachers are using laptops for every reason under the sun: to teach coding, differentiate instruction in large classes, augment other lessons, and provide exposure for students who have no technology at home.
See all technology projects
Toothbrushes and Other Warmth & Care Items
As we approach the holidays, teachers and donors think even more about how to help students come to school healthy, confident, and ready to learn. When it comes to crucial personal care items, toothbrushes are the most-requested. As the weather becomes cold in many states, we are also seeing an uptick in the number of projects requesting coats and hats.
See all warmth & care projects
That New Notebook Smell
This time of year, the classroom supply closet can start to run low. Many teachers are returning to DonorsChoose.org to replenish basic yet indispensable items like pens, pencils, and paper. The most-requested basic school supply this fall are sturdy, old-fashioned Composition Notebooks. Nothing beats opening a fresh, new notebook — except filling it up!
See all projects for basic supplies
