Very last minute, I was hired as a second grade teacher at a charter school in Detroit. I'm so excited for the job, but I'm starting from scratch with supplies. Luckily, the school is paying for student supplies and I will try to hit any remaining sales for community supplies. But my classroom library is severely lacking. Besides trying garage sales, where else can I look for inexpensive books?? I also want to get the basics like classroom mailboxes and a sturdy easel. Any ideas? Thanks for the help!
Have you tried Scholastic Book orders? The September flyer offers teachers 3 free books, $20 to spend on books (all you need is a $20 order to get these rewards) and a lot of bonus points, depending on how much money your parents spend. I just use hanging file folders for mailboxes.
If you are already looking at garage sales, try looking on craigslist as well. Often people are giving books away for free or selling them for a small price. In addition, I always check out the bargain and clearance sections of bookstores. We have Half Price Books in my area that is usually pretty reasonable (I'm not sure if it is a nationwide chain) as well. In addition, I've found that Walmart has a pretty good teacher section and their art supply section is usually pretty cheap. You could also check Target, Big Lots, or even the Dollar Store. Good luck!
I got most of my books from Savers. Books are 49 cents or 69 cents each. It's not the greatest deal, really, but there are a lot of good books that people give away there.
Books: Ebay! I have bought lots of 50+ books, and I don't think I spent more than $20.00 on any lot, that's less than .50 a book, and most are in fantastic condition! Also, I was in BJ's yesterday, and they had boxed sets of Magic Treehouse, Junie B. Jones, etc. They were pricier, but also brand new: about $3.00 a book. I am excited to use the Scholastic book orders too, since I am going to be a first year teacher. Classroom Decorations: Some Dollar Trees have an extensive selection of teacher supplies- desk tags, post-its, pencils, borders, computer paper. I also bought all my book bins there. Target and Walmart! Staples is giving away tons of stuff. Where I am teachers can get 25 free folders, eraser packs, and pencil shapeners this week! Also, AC Moore. Mine has a growing teacher supply section. You can print 40 and 50% off coupons from their website and get pocket charts, fadeless paper, and bulletin board sets for half of what they would be at teacher supply stores! Good luck, and congratulations on your new position!
Thrift Stores! Amazon has good used books for cheap. Scholastic has good deals, especially if you want more than one of a certian book.
I've gotten a chunk of my library at thrift stores like Goodwill. I've also had great luck in the clearance sections at Half Price Books (which has a teacher section). Also, see if you can get a monthly teacher's collection from your local public library. I did that last year, and my kids liked it.
Most libraries in my area have "Friends of the Library" books stores inside the library. I visit them regularly and usually find one or two treasures with each visit. Once or twice a year the local libraries hold a gigantic book sale. The prices on these books cant be beat. You need to be ready to pick thru and carry lots! Its fun and I always come away with great books.
