Need Classroom Math Games? Explore Funding Through DonorsChoose
Math games turn practice into play, but classroom sets add up quickly. DonorsChoose is one option worth exploring.
What is DonorsChoose?
DonorsChoose is a nonprofit website where public school teachers post classroom project requests and donors choose which ones to support. It's free for teachers. You pick your materials, explain how students will use them, and supporters give any amount toward your goal.
Who can use it?
DonorsChoose is open to Eligible public-school, public-charter-school, and Head Start educators who work directly with students. You need to work directly with students and plan your own lessons. Classroom teachers, librarians, and counselors can qualify. Administrators, paraprofessionals, and student teachers generally can't. Check the official eligibility requirements before you start.
How does it work?
Create your project. Search the catalog for your materials, then write a short essay about how students will benefit. Volunteer screeners review it, and projects typically go live within about 3-5 days.
Seek donations. Your project can stay posted for up to four months. Share your project link with your community. Funding isn't guaranteed.
Receive materials. Once your project is fully funded, DonorsChoose orders everything and ships it to your school. After your materials arrive, you’ll complete DonorsChoose’s thank-you requirements and follow its photo-permission guidelines.
What could a math-game project look like?
Ten Fish (making ten and number sense). A primary teacher with 24 students requests 8 decks, one for every three students. The essay explains that small groups will use ten-frame cards to find combinations that make ten. Students get repeated, low-pressure practice with number relationships and the foundational skill of making ten.
Absolute Zero (integers). A middle school teacher with 27 students requests 9 decks, again one for every three students. Students combine positive and negative integer cards to reach zero. They practice adding integers and talking through their strategy with a partner.
How to share your project
Creating your DonorsChoose project is only the first step. Sharing your project link helps donors find it. Whatever you share, explain the student benefit: more chances to practice making ten or adding integers through play.
Use approved school channels. Ask whether you can share in a school newsletter, PTA/PTO update, or school social-media post.
Share with personal contacts. Say what students will practice and include your project link.
Reach community supporters. Ask local businesses or community groups to donate or share.
Post a brief progress update. Thank your supporters and explain what additional donations would help provide.
Where should teachers start?
Visit www.gamesbyabsolutezero.com/schools for game details, suggested quantities, and ordering instructions. Both games are available at business pricing through Amazon Business, which is part of the DonorsChoose catalog, so you can search for them while building your project. Then create your DonorsChoose project and share your link.
