Posts tagged "educational materials"

Cheap Educational Supplies

Finding quality educational supplies at a discounted price can sometimes be challenging.  I found that when I entered the classroom, I quickly learned how to be resourceful in order to find the educational supplies that helped me be a confident teacher.  In fact, I have come to the conclusion that teaching and learning is all about utilizing RESOURCES!  Whether you are looking for educational supplies, learning materials, or teaching resources, you must first learn where to look.  If you are just beginning your teaching career, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with the amazing resources there are for teachers.  If you have been teaching for awhile, you may have your favorite resources, but may be unaware of great new ones.  What ever your situation may be, it is great to become familiar with different ways to find great teaching materials.

Where can you find great deals on educational supplies?  Well, here are some great tips.

1. Make a list of your needs – Before you begin looking for resources to help you find the educational supplies that you are looking for, determine your needs.
2. Hop on the internet and do some quick searches- It is amazing what you can find with one quick search.  Sites like k12 School Supplies have great discount and closeout sections.
3. Check your local garage sale ads -Teachers move, retire, and switch grades often.  Maybe you can find just what you are looking for.
4. Make a supply wishlist – Oftentimes parents or other community members want to help.  My second year teaching I had a volunteer who worked in my classroom and donated money to help purchase some educational materials.
5. SHARE your resources with other teachers – This is perhaps the most important step.  Make sure that when you find great resources that you share them with others.  Teaching and learning is community activity.  If you find a great deal, pass it on so others can benefit.

So today we at K12 School Supplies are asking you to pass this blog post along .  We would love to continue to help our community of awesome educators grow.  Be sure to check us out  on Facebook and Twitter!  We want to help your go back to school in style and save some money!

Deciding What Teacher Supplies You Need

Buying teacher supplies can add up.  There is no doubt that you can easily spend more than you budget for as you shop for your teacher supplies this year.  You have had all summer to think about how you are going to change your routines, maybe create new centers, and add to your classroom library.  You may have even had an opportunity to read an inspiring professional development book that has given you new ideas.  How do you decide what educational materials you need right now and what ones you could purchase at a later date?  There are so many amazing teacher supplies, but there is no doubt that you have to narrow down your list.

When it comes to choosing the teacher supplies that I purchase at the beginning of the year, I really try to think back to what I was missing the previous year.  Or, I may make a list of the teacher supplies that my teammates have that I would like buy.  For instance, my teammate had a hundreds pocket chart, and I borrowed it many times.  I knew that I liked the pocket chart, so the following year it was one of my first “back to school” purchases.

Here are some questions to ask your self:

• What will help me the most as I begin my new year?
• Is there an item that I have been waiting a long time to buy?
• Would it be beneficial if I asked my teammates to buy a big item together?
• Do the items I want to buy really match my teaching goals?

After you decide what you are going to buy, visit www.k12schoolsupplies.net to find your favorite educational materials.  We strive to provide you with a huge selection of engaging and quality class room supplies, specialty children products, books, and industrial strength toys and furniture.