I am a student teacher hoping to be hired for next year. Any ideas on how to go about starting to get some supplies for my room (i.e. other than what parents typically provide)? My funds are limited :unsure:
I'd definitely agree with Caesar - wait until the back to school sales! Wal Mart's are my favorite. I am eagerly awaiting the sales this year. It's amazing how much cheaper glue, markers, crayons, and EVERYTHING gets then. The supplies aren't what cost the most money for me this year (it's my first year) - it was the BOOKS for my classroom library! I've gone from 2 or 3 books (I hadn't started collecting because I didn't know what grade I'd be teaching) to...I don't know...600?...in a year. It was expensive.
I would advise waiting till you have a job. Then you know the age and what is already in the room. You then will be able to buy without purchasing things you have provided or do not need.
I second waiting until you have the job, though I know the itch to go out and shop is strong! xD Come to school about two weeks or more before school starts if you can and clean and inventory your classroom. Think about what you'll need and then look for ways to get it. Luckily, we had science equipment in our room all the way back from the 60s when the school was built, so I've needed very few things, and I find myself still frequently buying things that we already had stashed into a corner somewhere.
Wait until you know what and where you are going to be teaching. Get into your classroom before you start purchasing. And don't do it all at once. When you get hired, make sure you have the things you absolutely need for the start of the year. You can always add to your classroom throughout the year as you recognize more needs.
I was pleasantly surprised to find how much the previous teacher left behind and what the school gave me as kind of a "welcome" package. I will say I ended up buying a bunch of general supplies at Walmart mostly during tax free weekend, but... turns out we have big supply closets where I could have found most of these items for free. So I would echo the waiting until you have a job to know exactly what you need to buy.
I agree, waiting is good, but there are always things that will be needed. I started on books because I knew I was aiming for lower elementary so I knew I couldn't go wrong with picture books for a classroom library! Both jobs I've accepted had very few items left in the classroom! **Target dollar section--check it religiously, they always have classroom things that can be used at any grade level. Pocket charts, white boards, clip boards, storage items, stickers, etc. **Half Price Books (if you have one)--great place to get cheap books to begin a classroom library. **Garage sales (check ads specifically for ones mentioning teacher supplies)--you can find books, bulletin board items, and you can bargin with them! **eBay--I started my book collection through eBay, I bought numerous cheap lots of picture books. **Pinterest--there are tons of great ideas that will help you out. Many things that be made ahead of time with household items or cheap supplies.
:thumb: Agreed! During and after student teaching I bought TONS of stuff, then ended up teaching something completely different than what I had planned! So, due to limited space I donated a bunch of it to a teacher charity for urban schools, sold some and kept what little I had left that was useful - mostly, I kept the children's books I had collected. If I recall, I sold some items on Craigslist and ebay. Maybe look for teacher garage sales on Craigslist. I'm lucky that my school has been very generous and purchased most materials I've requested for my current position, so I also suggest waiting to see where you land and what reimbursement plan or materials they may already have for you first.
I would hold out to buy the majority of things, but if you come across a great deal, get it! I went to school for early childhood and had picked up things all throughout college. And then I was hired for 5th grade.
Target dollar aisle the week of 4th of July. That's typically when the teacher/school stuff comes out. You'd be amazed at what you can find there, especially for elementary.
Summer sales are awesome. You can get a lot of stuff for free or for a penny. Just watch the office supply circulars every week and get there before everything runs out. If you tell them you're a teacher they often have a higher limit for you. Even if you're not hired yet I don't think they check.
I still find it hard to get around the idea that you are expected to provide your classroom resources! Does the mechanic who fixes your car pay for the oil out of his own pocket? Does the fireman who puts out your housefire have to pay for the water he uses?
One person I know had a new teaching shower and her family and friends bought gifts for her at her shower. She had friends that helped put this on for her.
After reading the responses, I have a few more comments and questions. Are you intending to teach elementary or secondary? Teacher needs in those two settings are very different. Most secondary teachers don't need classroom libraries, with some exceptions. I really think that you can't go wrong with stocking up on pencils, erasers, and paper/notebooks. Those things are useful in just about any grade level. They are also usually widely available at penny sales. I also recommend taking some time and money now to start establishing a professional wardrobe.
I really love Classroomdirect.com when I need to buy stuff. It seems so much cheaper. It's not cheaper than the penny sales of course, but many things are significantly cheaper.
Books--ask for books. You will be surprised at how many you can get donated by family, friends, students, and on freecycle. Check out local libraries...they will have book sales where you can get cheap books....BEG family members.
