I’m so sorry for mentioning the “B” phrase so close to the end of the school year. It’s hardly fair, is it? But I do have a reason!
I’m wondering what items are already on your shopping list for fall. For example, do you buy new nametags each year? New markers? New letter cutouts? New bulletin board border? New shoes? You know me, I’m a curious bird! And who knows, maybe I’m contemplating summer giveaways for my teaching buddies!
All ears,
Diane
PS: I thought about it, so you will too—no new cars, please! 🙂
Yep. I buy new name tags every year, as well as take-home folders and welcome pencils. I buy new dry erase markers, but I may or may not buy borders and letters. The bulletin board depends on my mood at the time I have to make a decision. Do I want something brand new or one of my tried-and-true welcome back themes? I might find a new outfit for orientation night or the first day, but no new shoes! Comfort is of utmost importance.
A new class deserves new things. Pencils, crayon, markers, folders, name tags and name cards. It makes for a nice new start.
I purchase new nametags each year, but I tend to buy them at the dollar store. They have a wonderful teacher section and the kids adore them. If it gets messed up, no biggie! I put folders on the student list so I have them students supply them. I always purchase a new set of permanent markers for the posters I like to make each year. Finally, I purchase plenty of construction paper.
In second grade we actually make namestags on the computer and include the color graphic used for summary of narrative and narrative (green triangle for the beginning-setting, character and problem; yellow rectangle portrait direction-rising action; and red circle-resolution). It also includes parts of speech, alphabet,ruler,and assorted other helpers.
I do purchase soecial pencils, maybe something new bulletin board wise if I decide to change themes.
and new box of teas!!
I generally buy all the folders as I color code all my subjects in order to teach the important skill of organization. Students are supplied a list by our district and there are always additional (or different) items that I prefer to use so if I can find them at the Back to School sales, I pick up class sets of those. As far as name tags, I do not use those but I like to make my own desk plates that stay on the student desks all year. I have several sites online that I use for the templates as I have a tendency to change themes every other year.
Oh, my! So many things to buy to start a new school year: “Fourth Graders Are #1” pencils, Manuscript/cursive self-adhesive alphabet desk strips, chapter & picture books, book baskets, colored printer paper, brightly-colored library pockets, green & purple gel pens, dry-erase & magic markers, incentive charts, teaching books, and lots of reward stickers.
I have to laugh because I got out of school on Wednesday and today I was looking at some new posters I want to purchase. Always name plates and new prizes for the treasurer chest.
I also have to do my personal shopping for back to school clothes.
With my own money I buy new curriculum and reproducible books, borders, stickers, prizes for my prize bin (that can really add up over the course of a school year)fabric to back my bulletin boards. With my school supply budget I buy name plates, b-day crowns, pencils, pencil grips, folders for unfinished work and for homework, a new pencil sharpner, lots of dry erase markers, construction paper and so on. I love looking though books for new things!!!
In kinder I always get new crayons, pencils, name plates, water color paints, dry erase markers, stuff for the treasure box……I agree that a new batch deserves new things for a new start! Our last day is next Wednesday and I have been thinking about the “B” phrase for about 3 weeks already….ughh..
We finished up on the 14th. I started buying for next year on the 15th. I teach VPK and they each have a supply box with markers, crayons, pencils, scissors and glue which I supply each year. They also each have a journal. They get to take home crayons and markers so these have to be replaced each year. I recycle boxes and scissors. I also recycle name plates. I laminate them and use magic erasers to remove names. These go in my writing center. the kids love writing their friends names.
I’ve already picked my opening theme for next year, south-western/ cowboys. I’ll buy corresponding name tags and bulletin board borders and decorations along with prizes. I save all happy meal prizes and shop yard sales and thrift stores for anything.
I start thinking about the next school year as soon as we finish. I like to look for construction paper, bulletin boards, border, notebooks, crayons, pencils, books for the students to read, folders, new organizational materials…the list goes on and on. I may not buy everything but the search for new things to use is half of the fun!
As a teacher, I am always in teacher mode. I am constantly planning for back to school and the next year before the last year ends!!!
My mom always said that she knew I would be a teacher because my favorite time of the year was buying school supplies! I also am always on the lookout for stickers, suppliments that will go with existing units, etc. Love the dollar stores!!
I know I will be on the look for our next year’s theme–Construction. We work as a team, so that means that every teacher has the same thing. I will definitely be taking advantage of sales throughout the summer.
My friend gives me a hard time every year–as soon as school is over I start looking for supplies, ideas, etc for next year. Good to know that I’m not alone. 🙂
Back to school has always been my favorite time of the year. I still to date after 10 years of teaching get butterflies the night before. On the first day of school I plan a “school survival kit” along with a poem to welcome my incoming students and parents. I look for something that is a theme for the year, and go with it. This year will be the theme of independent learning as I am now teaching special education. Each student will be ready to be more organized and ready for every day with post it notes, an agenda, highlighters, a scribble pad, calculator, bookmark, visual schedule and my favorite… a help me sign!
I love back to school! I start planning as soon as we finish the year. I start thinking about 1 or 2 areas that I need to focus on, so I have a summer project. 🙂
Since we are having severe budget cuts and we are not getting our budget this year, I would love to know about free items, anything for the treasure chest, school supplies,and anything that will ease the strain on my own funds!
I have a very limited budget, as well. My kindergartners will come back to a Western theme. I’m always looking out for bargains and freebies!
I get done with one year and I am already thinking about the next year. This will be my third year in Kindergarten. We are going to do a Camping out in Kindergarten theme so any good ideas let me know. I also buy stuff the next day – thinking what/how to do bulletin boards and such. NOw I am cleaning/organizing and deciding what I need in my room for the next year. BOY it takes time.
:o)
I’m switching to 2nd grade from 4th grade for the fall 2010. I plan to use a “bee”/”beehive” theme. I know I’m going to probably need a lot of new stuff-name tags, wall displays, etc. I’m working on the supply list for the students and evaluating what I already have that can be used at this level. I’m also going to be going to thrift stores, dollar stores, and yard sales.
I have been teaching for almost 40 years. I, too, still get excited about the first of school. Even though I have lots of “stuff”, I always see something new that I want to try. My husband and I hit the back to school sales and by tons of crayons, pencils, glue and glue sticks. It seems that the quality of pencils has decreased and the number of children who “eat” them has increased. We go through a couple of thousand pencils each year, mostly out of pocket. Most teachers spend $1000.00 or more out of pocket each year. We are a dedicated profession!
Sounds like I’m with the right group. Like many of you one year can’t end before I start thinking about the next year. I’m glad to know I’m not the only teacher that has this obsession! I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. With budget cuts, I will be looking even harder this summer.
The Cat in the Hat and other Dr. Seuss characters will welcome my kindergarteners to class in August. I also watch for sales on basic school supplies -markers, crayons, storage boxes, and similar items. Since I’m switching from second to kindergarten, I also need more beginning to read books for the classroom library. Maybe at a thrift sale, I’ll find some cute furniture for the book nook.
I am always thinking about how I can use things in my classroom or for my class when I am at a store, reading a magazine, or on the computer. I will pick up things as I see them on sale. I love freebies. I work in a Catholic school and am on a very tight budget. My husband says I don’t know how to just sit and relax because I’m always working on something over the summer.
Of course, back to school pencils, scissors (because they grow dull from year to year), glue, folders..folders..and more folders, cute post-its for commentary, highlighters, and back-to-school activities that are used on the bulletin board.
I am still teaching, as we go to June 29. However, this is the time of year when I can tell if I bought enough (or too much) when I purchased things last August. I, too, like the dollar stores but have found some wonderful buys at office supply stores. Don’t let the limited number in the ad stop you. In the past, if I mentioned that I was a teacher wanting to purchase a class set, the limit was always extended to 25. I have also found some great Back to School things at craft stores and at the surplus stores. Don’t forget to check the coupon sites as well and watch for teacher appreciation days where there is often “Free stuff” for the treasure chest.
I am also doing some early shopping for the beginning of school. I use microsoft word to make my students their labels, which are in cursive, and then covered with wide transparent tape. They usually last through one semester and they get to practice writing their names in cursive.
I always buy new things for each school year. I am always searching Dollar Tree and the $1 section at Target for cheap things to use in the classroom. I don’t need to buy more things, but I love getting ready for the next year! 🙂
This is only my fourth year teaching Pre-K and year after year I hear other teachers comment -“She’ll grow out of it,” …”Give her one more year…” and it’s because I keep buying things for my classroom, and spending lots of money. For September I will surely buy name tags, posters, charts, endless amounts of borders, stickers, idea books, arts and crafts supplies, you name it.
At the end of each year, I am thinking about what could I have done to help my students to be more successful. I teach sixth grade at a title one school with little or no budget. I have to come up with ideas and materials that will keep my students interested in what is going on in class. So if you have any ideas, I am open to suggestion.
This will be my second year teaching preschool. Before the year was out, I was already planning for next year. I personally get bored easily with the same scenery so my theme for next year will be puppy dogs. I also plan on changing my circle time paraphernalia. I used a lot of homemade items, it is time to step up into professionalism even in preschool!
I am changing grade levels next year and will be redoing my classroom. I have taught the older elementary grades for years and I will now be teaching a pull out program K-2. I will be looking for things to motivate and challenge these students. Any giveaways for the classroom would be greatly appreciated!!!
Just like the rest of the world, our school has faced some budget cuts for next year. I love project ideas. The kids seem to get so much out of doing, and nothing makes me happier than to see them excited about learning. I am going to redecorate my room this year to support our school. I teach 6th grade and thought a little school spirit would be a nice touch. Our colors are red and black, our logo is “the braves”. Change is always a refreshing way to start a new year. Good luck to everyone.
DITTO to all of the above comments! It feels so good to know that other teachers enjoy getting started on the next school year as soon as the last school year ends as much as I do. I’ve already started making lists of ways to better organize my classroom, supplies to get, working out a new schedule, AND I’ve gone through the new Really Good Stuff catalog and have marked soooooo many items I liked to order but, also, with all the budget cuts we’ve had this year, I’m not sure how I can afford to get them all. For those of you who need new markers, crayons, glue, etc. wait for the WalMart back to school sales. They have GREAT prices on all of that stuff. And…if you haven’t heard before…Staples has a Teacher Appreciation Day I think in most states which is scheduled close to the time that your schools will start back. They usually give away good supplies. Don’t work too hard…enjoy your summer!
Our room is called the Cool Cats. And it hard finding stuff with cats. I will accept any suggestions or ideas on where i can get decor, supplies, or anything. I am in school mode still even though we ended.
Because we study Florida history each year in 4th grade, I decorate with a summer/beach/Florida theme. I put up palm trees made of an umbrella and carpet roll. I put out lawn chair on a blanket with a beach towel over it. I hang flip flops from the ceiling. I find a lot of my items AFTER school is out when the summer theme is in the stores. I watch for these things in Dollar Tree and those lower priced stores.
I buy lots of sale items at Back to School sales in July and August. We use tons of pencils, so I get them when they are cheap.
I just finished my 25th year. I always get excited about a new school year. It keeps my ideas fresh. Last year I did a Learning is an Adventure Theme. I had little tiny creatures from the wild to help set the mood. I did the bracelets and pencils and homework folders for all of my students. I enjoy getting some help to provide a few surprises.
Looks like we all do the same thing. A teacher’s job is NEVER done! I’m always looking for new ideas; had the sports theme this year in my 3rd grade class. I want to do the same next school year, but want to expand on it more. Looking for bulletin board suggestions, new book containers, and supplies for the students (glue, scissors, rulers, journals, etc.).
Kelly, I’m curious as to what you do to make your own name deskplates that stay on the desks all year. I’ve never had luck with that no matter what I buy. Can you share your secret??? Thanks!
I thought I was bad. I start planning for next school year before the current school year is over. I teach Pre-K and my theme this year will be Buzzing into Pre-K. Everything bees. Any ideas please share. I have already hit Wal-mart, K-mart and the different Dollar Trees for any items I think would be useful this year.
This will be my second year to teach and I didnt have any theme my first year because of last minute notice on my job. This year I want to have a Hollywood theme in my room. I will probably make homemade bulletin boards and decorations. I will be looking at lots of construction paper and decorating items. We dont get any classroom money so I have to be thrifty with my money on supplying classroom items.
Count your blessings that you get a break. I’m a preschool teacher at an Army Child Development Center. I work an 8-hour day which is totally in the classroom with the children. I never get a minute to work in my room w/o them present (although we do have a nap time). I eat with them, go outside with them, monitor them in the bathroom (thankfully there is a private bathroom for adults). And yet somehow I’m supposed to provide the same quality of education that you wonderful people do? I have a master’s and work for $16 an hour. What’s wrong with this picture?
I have already order sailor hats for back to school. My theme for the new year will be “sailing into a new year”. I haven’t quite figured everythingg out but by September I’ll have maybe a song or poem that we will use throughout the year to encourage ourselves to work hard and to know that we are in this “sailboat together”.
With money tight I’ll be hitting all the sales too! See you there.
It seems that the “b” phrase is coming earlier and earlier each school year. I hav been teaching for
17 years and I always ‘need’ new stuff! My husband always says that I spend my salary for the year before the year even starts! I’ve already purchased things for the 2010 school year and have been to my classroom a few times this summer. I, like everyone else, shop the dollar stores, ebay, yard sales, any place that I can find a bargain! Thanks for recognizing the fact that we spend ‘lots’ on ‘stuff’ that we need to have a successful, effective school year!
As a downsized teacher for the last three years I can’t ever plan for the new year except in the most generic terms. I never know if there will be an assignment, or at what grade level. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy looking at the new things, and planning my “someday” classroom again.
Hello. I am a first grade teacher and this will be my fourth year teaching public school. I am so excited for the new school year that I couldn’t sleep last night for thinking about all of the cool activities that I would like to do for next year. I teach in a low income inner city school. I would love some freebies. Although we are provided with basic essentials, I do pay a lot out of pocket for special activities. I love my job and my students.
We haven’t even finished the year yet (2 more weeks to go) and I’m already thinking about what to buy for next year. I always spend my own money to buy the essentials that students never seem to have: pencils, paper, notebooks, etc. This year I’m moving to 6th grade so I may not buy as many of the name plates, stickers, and fun stuff that I’ve always bought. I’m always on the lookout for good strategy games for study hall time.
I always start the new year with a new decoration for our door. I purchase extras of all the items from the student supply list. Something new for our Morning Calendar Bulletin Board and something special for the teacher’s desk. Also pencils or stickers for previous students who stop by to say hello on the first day of school.
After 5 years in the same classroom, I’m doing a big flip-flop in the room arrangement (I’m excited about that).
And yes, I just bought a new car!
I love back to school shopping… all those new supplies to unwrap! I buy name tags, fun colored Expo markers, fun stationary, and clorox wipes every year. This year I have been inspired by a friend (actually saw it today) who has an over the door shoe holder type contraption that she has put all kinds of supplies in to save room in her drawers! It was an awesome idea – so now I am purchasing that as well!
I joined an outfit called “Treasures 4 Teachers” and have found heaven! So many free items to turn into great teaching tools, and for only $5 you can fill up a canvas tote full of recycled items from other teachers, office companies, dental offices and more. I love to shop, and a bargain makes my eyes light up like the old K-mart blue light! This place makes me look like a lighthouse beacon. If you live in Arizona, it’s worth looking into.
I cut a piece of transparent contact paper a bit larger than the name tag and use that to adhere the name tag to the desk. It holds well and is the easiest to remove at the end of the year. I also offer prizes for students who keep their name tags pristine. I get the contact paper through Office Depot. It isn’t Contact brand, but works well and comes in a huge roll. I think I have to look under adhesives to find it online.
Emely
I love the “construction” theme. What are you’re other thoughtd for this theme. I’m not positive of my classroom assignment yet, but decided to go ahead and start planning…
Thanks for the ideas.
I teach Kindergarten,and I buy markers,pencils,folders,notebooks,science journals and special stickers for the first day of school.I tech at a low income school and I also buy school supplies for my students.
We always have a school-wide open house the day before school begins. Most of the classes have treat bags for the children. I’ll be shopping for cool things to put in the treat bags. Our school has had a school-wide theme for the past few years, so we try to let the decoration of the treat bags reflect this.
I teach kindergarten at a Title I school, so I am always looking for ways I can help my parents. I buy markers, crayons and folders to start the year. Throughout the year I buy things to go with the themes I am teaching. This year our school theme is “growing” so I will be looking for anything I can use with that theme. I appreciate all the ideas you publish throughout the year. They really help my students be successful.
I thought I left a response to this one already but I guess not. I wanted a change so I bought everything from new name tags to posters- all Dr. Seuss- back in April so that I could beat the laminating rush. Now I have a summer project other than organizing of cutting out lamination. Now I am on the hunt for new pocket charts and storage carts for the classroom.
I buy all new items at the end of the school year to be ready for the next school year. I do it early so that I am able to get all of the items I need. In the past, I bought in August and teacher planners, nametags, borders, etc. had been so picked over that I couldn’t get what I needed. So, now I plan early. It also gives me time to go through my planner to set up the dates, mark holidays, etc. I like having this done so that when it is time to plan, I can concentrate solely on doing that with my team.
Lisa…I read your comment about the shoe holder that hangs over the door. I also use it but I use mine to hold bulletin board borders. Each pocket can hold several different rolled up borders. I have 2 of those shoe holders hanging up behind the door of my closet. They are great!
I will have my own classroom this year (not a new teacher however) so I am buying nametags, borders, decorations…I love Dollar Tree Dollar stores. I want my classroom to bright and inviting. I teach preschool and this could be some children’s first experience to school. I LOVE my summer, but I’m getting excited to get started!!
I love the first of a new year…sharp crayons, new stuff and most of all new faces. I teach Preschool special education and most of my students are 3 or almost 3 when school starts so lots of super soft tissues are necessary.
I also, love to do a family project for the child to introduce themselves. Because we are a TITLE 1 district I provide ALL the supplies necessary to make a basic one; crayons, black marker, paper, glue and pencil. Families can add anything they want to decorate their piece. Last year I used a train car this year…haven’t decided. The families are instructed to tell about the child:who lives with them, pets, favorite foods, books, movies etc. We share these at school the following week and then hang them up. the students are often seen going to their pics and pointing to things with another child.
Because I provide all materials for this activity it can get expensive so I watch for all materials to go on sale just before school starts.
I start watching for sale things at stores like Walmart and Staples. Staples has a really great sale each week starting in June and if your a teacher you can get 25 of each instead of the normal 5 limit. I get pencils and paper for a penny and boxes of crayons for a quarter. This really helps out parents because I don’t put them on my supply list. I can get most of what they need for about 2 dollars a child. By doing this it helps those parents who cant afford it and those who can will buy more off of the wish list. Which helps me and them in the end.
Reading all of these comments has gotten me even more excited than I was at the prospect of a new school year. I absolutely love planning for it and I keep a journal the whole year long in which I record ideas and make sketches of new bulletin board ideas as well as lists of materials necessary for myself and my students. As a teacher in the public school system of The Bahamas I have never gotten a stipend for classroom preparation. It is always out of pocket and I never feel that the sacrafice is too great. I love my career. I find a wealth of ideas online and I am always “begging” business places for items. 🙂 For the rest of my teacherholics… Happy Planning!!!!
I’ve started preparing for the new school year this week. I teach K4 at a center thats open year round, so Im know knee deep in an extremely busy summer camp Im trying to get my ducks in a row for “back to school” in Aug. This year is the first year in a while that the first day every student will be knew.. only 3 returning students due to late birthdays. so I’m excited I get to start with a whole knew bunch of kids. So Im going over what has worked and what needs to worked on. I’m hitting the teacher supply store replacing a few items I use a lot that have been totally worn out, and drooling over 100’s of items I wish I could buy up but like most it all come out of my pocket. I’m keeping an eye out at Dollar Tree for new items, as well as office supply stores, walmart and Target to start putting back to school stuff out. Ive got my desktags, new calendar, and smaller nametags for cubbies job chart in/ out chart and work folders, lesson plan book, and stickers (cant get through a yr w/o a plenty of them) and few other odds and ends. Will be stocking up on crayons, markers, paper, and things of that nature that get used up and broke. But also folders and notebooks.
I’ve been teaching for the last 5 years and I LOVE IT! I will be teaching 2nd grade this year after teaching a 3/4 split the last two. I have lots of things planned for this year and with the common “tight budget” theme in place, I look for things to reuse all the time. One thing I’ve used over and over since I began teaching is a LARGE piece of neutral colored fabric for at least one of my bulletin boards. I found it at Hobby Lobby and bought a large amount so I could cut it down as necessary. It typically serves its place under my calendar and math board which stays up all year long. Large vinyl table cloths also work for bboard covers. Throughout the year you can find them for seasonal occasions like Halloween/Thanksgiving/Fall, Christmas/Winter, Valentine’s Day/Easter/Spring. You can also cut fabric into strips, laminate, and reuse. I love using fabric because it is easy to take down and wash at the end of the year and doesn’t always fade as quickly as paper. I also reuse the large fruit/veggie cans from the school kitchen for Valentine buckets that the children can paint and decorate. Small cans from my own kitchen get covered with patterned contact paper and can be used for pens, pencils, markers and such for my desk or a center station. Some of my favorite things are contact paper, clear sheet protectors, 3-ring binders in lots of colors, my Brother label maker, printable address labels (return address size, regular size, and shipping labels). They come in super handy for labeling pencil boxes, folders, journals, report card envelopes…anything you want! I could go on and on about this wonderful stuff!