As we begin our trip back to school I thought we should give some ideas for saving money in the classroom. This is a post that I am super excited about because I really need some great ideas so let's hear 'em everyone!
My tip: A lot of people are making the milk crate seats. Instead of expensive cute fabric I spent $2 and got a big table cloth that I will use. You can't get a yard of fabric for that!
I read this online, so I can't take credit for it...but at Back to School night/Meet the Teacher have post-it notes on the board with one extra supply you would like to have for the classroom. Invite parents to take one that they can provide for you!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great tip!!
DeleteI love that you shared!!! :)
As I entered my first year of teaching PreK, I entered my new classroom to find that it had NO meeting carpet!! (Some call it a calendar carpet or learning carpet.) I immediately put in a request at www.donorschoose.org and within a couple of month, it was funded!! And, at ZERO cost to me! I've also gotten a complete classroom set of school supplies, and four ipods for my classroom. You can NOT beat donors choose!!
ReplyDeleteJo
Tiny Toes
We ALL need to check that out!
DeleteThank you Tiny Toes!
ASK, and you shall receive!
ReplyDeleteI was known for setting up elaborate activities in my classroom to help my students experience history. I spent hundreds each year to do this, frustrating my husband greatly! :) Finally, a manager at Lowes asked me if I had requested a donation. A what? I could do that?
Each year following, I requested all of my supplies about 30 days prior to each activity. Lowes was WONDERFUL as were a number of other stores in granting my supply requests. All any ever asked for in exchange was a detailed request letter and a letter of thanks following the activity. They posted these letters on their community boards with pictures of the activities I also included!
Michele
www.alessonplanforteachers.blogspot.com/
Who would've thought!!!??? I'm asking next time I'm in Lowes. I've spent so much in that store the manager knows my name lol.
DeleteI love that you shared!! :)
The article I just read talked about asking for supplies from different community members! I didn't know places did things like this but I'm definitely going to check this one out! It also mentioned asking parents to help contribute items.
ReplyDeleteA lot of fire departments give away bags filled with school supplies now too. Thank you for that great tip!
DeleteI love that you shared!! :)
Offer an idea to your school/administration called: Adopt a Class. Parents/Companies/Grandparents adopt your class for the school year and send in a check payable to your school. The check is earmarked for only YOUR classroom for supplies. I just turn in receipts and then I'd get a check for the amount I spent. It is a write off for your parents/companies/grandparents and it helps teachers with classroom expenses. Some years the donors get recognition on the school marque or in the school newsletter. It works great! :-)Robin (Class of Kinders)
ReplyDeleteThis is a SUPER idea! We have a new principal this year so I'm going to suggest this to him. Thank you!!!
DeleteI love that you shared this wonderful idea! :)
Donors Choose is a great source!
ReplyDeleteSome schools also have PTOs that provide teachers with a little money for school supplies. Please note that it's probably very "little", but every bit helps right? :)
I'd also check to see if there are any "free teacher stores" in your area. Some areas have "stores" where teachers can go and shop for free school supplies. I don't have any by me, so I can't give any specific names, but I've read on other blogs about teachers going and getting some great deals from these places!
I want a store like that where I am.
DeleteI love that you shared this!! :)
I agree Donors Choose is a fantastic resource. I've supplied my classrooms with hundreds of books through them! I also received 6 digital cameras from them for a project.
ReplyDeleteCraigslist!! I post requests through Craigslist every year and always receive something . . . pencils, sticky notes, art supplies, books, chairs, beanbag chairs, Legos, plants for students to beautify the property, etc.
Your local grocery stores. If you have a specific event or project, put in a request for a donation 6-8 weeks in advance. They will frequently give a gift card (anywhere from $50-$150) that can go a long way in your classroom!
In some states, each district has a "Teacher Center" that supplies 'extras' . . . laminators, die-cut machines, technology. Many Teacher Centers have money to give away in the form of grants that teachers apply for to fund specific projects or supplies. I've applied two or three times a year and never had a request turned down because so few teachers apply for the money.
Wow! These are some great tips!! Thank you.
DeleteMy tip is.... don't make copies of something kids can draw or write for themselves. Use the copy paper for their own writing and drawing. They can create their own borders, drawings will be prettier than on newsprint, and the copy machine will last longer. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a FANTASTIC tip!
DeleteI love that you shared this great tip! :)
I grabbed a vinyl tablecloth for my milk crate seats as well! They worked great, and were super cheap. The only problem I ran into was if I stapled them too close to the edges, they would start to tear some.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your project!
Jillian
Elements of Elementary
I used duck tape. No tearing. So far they are great.
ReplyDelete