I’m teaming up with some blogging friends, Jennifer from Simply Kinder and Emily from Education to the Core to bring you a load of back to school tips.
It has been many years since I began as a new teacher, and in my first year I had so much to learn.
One of those things I would have loved more information on is how much money I would spend on getting started and how I could have save a bit along the way.
I also learned that I should of prepared more prior to starting my new position on Kindergarten. It took me many years to develop organizational systems for my classrooms.
Were you the same way? Are you looking for ideas to help get your classroom organized?
This might be a not be a tip but I think it might make you laugh!
The tips below are for new teachers, BUT they also apply to experienced teachers, take a look for yourself!
One of our Facebook fans asked: “I am curious, how much money do teachers invest for their first year teaching (either prior to or during)? When do teachers get started (during the summer) with planning and preparing for the upcoming year?”
Here are some tips our Facebook fans shared (see post here) to help new teachers make a smoother transition.
1. Be prepared to spend money. Most of our Facebook fans mentioned that they spend between $200-$1,000 per year.
2. Join Scholastic to get discounted books. Try their Teacher Express store by clicking the image below.
3. Visit yard sales and second-hand stores to find discounted books and games. You can search Craig’s List or your local paper for the ones in your area.
4. Visit discount stores like The Dollar Store or The Dollar Tree for storage containers, games, craft, stationery and even furniture.
Try Dollar tree’s online store here.
5. Save your receipts for taxation purposes. You might like to use the new app; Expensify to scan your receipts. Here’s a link to their website. Here’s a link to their FREE app.
6. Ask your school if they have a budget for teachers to purchase consumables and or resources for the classroom.
7. Find a veteran teacher that is willing to help you. You might be able to borrow items.
8. Decide on a theme or even a color theme and shop for those items.
9. Look for sales online and in catalogs.
10. Shop on Teachers Pay Teachers, there are so many resources that are bundled to help you save.
11. Register for and request material through donorschoose.org it will save you tons of money.
12. If you are ordering things online, allow extra time.
13. Try and get into your classroom as soon as you can. If you set up as much as you can early, you will see what you else you need.
14. Use Pinterest to collect ideas. It will be your best friend! Make a board for different aspects of your classroom and curriculum.
15. Collaborate with your team as much as possible before and during the year.
16. Even if you don’t have your class list, you can set up folders and group plans.
17. Search eBay for books, teaching supplies and even teaching resources.
18. Print everything at school, use school supplies when possible.
19. Get into the classroom during the break and sort through what has been left in your classroom. This will give you a better idea as to what you will need.
20. Use parents as your support. Think of things they can bring in. Be sure to check with admin first though.
21. Spend money on things you know will get lots of use and last a long time (printer, laminator, card stock, books).
22. Look out for the Back to School Sales.
23. Stock up on laminating sheets and try to buy them wholesale or on sale.
24. Write a welcome letter to gift to your students. It’s a great transition into the year.
Serenade to Second has a letter she uses each year. She adds this to a welcome bag. What a fantastic idea to welcome your new students.
Click on the image to read more.
25. Only purchase what you need.
26. Invest in your wardrobe too!
27. Look for swap sights were you can trade with other teachers. You might be able to find some on Facebook after a search.
28. Invest in a quality laminator, don’t buy the cheap ones, they break!
29. Purchase the basic necessities like; a bulletin board for calendar time, alphabet (letters) number line name plates, posters, magnetic letters and containers.
30. After you have cleaned your room, make a floor plan to see what will fit and how the plan shapes your program. This will then help you write your shopping list.
Here are some back to school resources to help you get organized and save!
If you have any tips that could help a new teacher out, please leave them in the comments below.
If you would like to visit Clever Classroom on Facebook for more ideas, or to send me a message, click the image below.
To see even more back to school tips, see Emily’s blog post: ”Best Back to School Tips for Real Teachers”
or Jennifer’s post: Back to School Tips.
You might also like these back to school resources.
Social Skills Mini Flippy Books
Classroom Manners and Expectations Posters – Social Skills
Making and Writing Fall Sentences for Kindergarten {vocab cards & sentence work}
Thank you for dropping by.
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I find that covering bulletin boards with fabric instead of paper is a life saver. It doesn't rip and can be washed and used again year after year.
Coley, That is a great idea. I have seen sheets used to cover bulletin boards. Once I get a few more ideas, I will add your awesome idea to the blog post. Thanks for dropping by.
Emma
Before you buy anything for your room, invest in a high quality pair of shoes!
Sheets are amazing for fabric you get a lot more while spending a lot less. Look at Big Lots during back to school season they have a lot of cheap amazing things. Also go on passionforsavings.com during back to school season. They put up all the deals so you can compare before you go.
Your list was spot on and helpful! I have come to know many of these tips throughout the years. I wish someone gave me this list my first year it would have made things so much easier! Ill be sure to share and encourage new teachers with your helpful tips!