If your like me, you couldn't resist buying at least a few things for your classroom before returning. So what did you buy? I FINALLY got a personal laminator on Amazon with a last minute gift card I received An elf magnet that was 50% off at Dollar General. I'll use it in December next school year. 4 storage containers and Valentine's Day treat bags from Dollar Tree today Alphabet stickers
More books for my class library. I just can't resist getting books that I know the kids are interested in reading.
I bought the book My Mouth is a Volcano! because...well...my kids need to learn when to talk. :lol: We are going to start a blurt chart! I also bought toy microphones and bean bags to use with two different Kagan structures from their new Cooperative Learning for Primary book that I bought over Thanksgiving break. (And the fact that I told my DH, "Oh by the way I ordered some plastic microphones and some beanbags for work" and he didn't even bat an eye proves that he is well suited to be a primary teacher's husband! LOL) Other than that, I am really trying to cut back. We are saving money for a potential move this summer that I really hope is happening...! Pink - enjoy the laminator! I bought one this summer. Absolutely the best purchase I've ever made, other than my paper cutter.
I have gotten really good at avoiding buying stuff for my classroom. I've decided I prefer spending my money on myself.
I stocked up on the basics because my students never have supplies by this time of the year: pencils, pens, notebook paper, and highlighters as well as copy paper, tissue, toilet paper and paper towel.
Toilet paper? Our school provides this for us. I revised my behavior plan and instead of a stop light, I traced a guitar and my daughter covered it in felt and we put stars and velcro and they will move up the guitar. I will attempt to post a picture. It didn't work!
Often, there is either no toilet paper in the bathroom or the students destroy it if it is in stock (they throw it in a running sink or toilet) so it may not be restocked for a few days. I keep some in my room so students can tear it off and grab some on their way to the bathroom.
Although not purchased with my own money, I received a grant mid-December. I was able to purchase things with it before the break! One of the things I received was a subscription to an online site. I was able to take the day before we were out to get the students started on the site but I am excited to really dig in once we get back. The other thing was a set of Versatiles to use in my classroom. I am hoping they are in by the time I get back or shortly after I return. I am excited to go back and begin using these new toys!
I bought a stapler. I ordered one in September but my team leader hasn't bothered to send off the order yet so I've been without one all year.
The students have gone through a ridiculous number of staplers. I refuse to get another one for them. I have one for me in my drawer. I just make them put their name on everything. They hate it. I bought a trivia calendar. I usually start the hour with a trivia question.
I had to spend $60 on one student because of a stupid mistake. I got a bunch of books delivered to my classroom with no note. I thought it was a gift from the PTA as they've purchased books for our classrooms in the past following a book sale. So, I wrote my name in all of them and put them in my library. The next day I got a purchase order in my mailbox indicating that they had been purchased by one of my student's parents. I immediately went on Amazon and ordered replacements and rush-shipped them to get them before the break. I'm kind of embarrassed by the whole thing and I didn't tell anyone (except all of you now!)
I'm not gonna lie. I went a little crazy in the after Christmas clearance at Walmart and Target. I love to stock up for my classroom store on those kid gift sets, and stuff not really Christmasy (students earn tickets in my class, to spend like cash). I can't wait to see their shining faces when they see the stuff they have to choose from now! Ha, and they think I spend a fortune on this stuff! More like 75% off!
After lunch today with a teacher friend I stopped by the biggest Half Price Books I've ever seen. I walked away with 10 books for just over $9.00, hooray! I've put my gift cards to use and bought some school clothes for myself. I doubt I'll spend more money on my classroom until February for Valentine's Day.
I got close to $200 in gift cards to Barnes and Noble. I spent half on myself, and the other half on my class library.
I have to add to my purchases. I just bought fifty bucks worth of sticker, erasers, medals, and prizes from Oriental Trading.
I bought clothesline and clothespins to display student work. I also bought stickers, birthday cards and 100 day cards from the dollar bin at Target. Before we go back next week, I will buy some play dough and inside games for the many, many days of indoor play ahead.
I went nuts. New posters, a brand new floor carpet, shelves, etc. Made a huge Scholastic order and some games for the kids. Our classrooms have iPads so a few games were bought. I'm excited about setting up!
Yesterday, I picked up a couple of small carpet remnants. A lot of my students love to sit on the floor when doing their work and this will make it a little warmer.
