Posts tagged "Teaching Resources"

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!

Teaching Supplies for New Teachers

Need teaching supplies, but don’t know where to start?  Well, you are not alone.   Many new college grads are anticipating what teaching supplies they will need for their future teaching positions.  It can be an overwhelming feeling to think about setting up a new classroom; however, if you follow these simple steps, you can feel more confident about going into your new job prepared with the teaching supplies you may need.

1. Talk, talk, talk – Share your great news with everyone.   Teachers are everywhere!  Once friends and family know what profession you are entering, they can introduce you to teachers they may know.  These connections may help you land a job or set you up with some basic supplies.

2.  Do your research – There are some wonderful resources for new teachers that provide tips and ideas for starting a career in teaching.  From classroom management to parent communication, books and articles can help you feel more confident about stepping into your first classroom.

3.  Buy basic supplies – You may know exactly what grade you will be teaching, or you may not know anything about your position yet.  These are some basic materials that will be practical anywhere.  Index cards, sticky notes, highlighters, and small dry erase boards.  These are helpful tools in getting your thoughts organized and will no doubt be used in the months to come.

4.  Find a classroom decoration that represents you – Whether you are teaching high school chemistry or kindergarten, find something to post in your room that reflects your true personality.  Classroom decorations are fun!  If you love the ocean, find an ocean poster that you can display as soon as you set foot in your new room.  Kids as well as adults love to learn some personal facts about their instructors.

5.  Resist the urge to buy everything before the year begins -  Shopping for teaching supplies is fun!  But remember, you may be required to teach from a particular curriculum and the school may already have most of the teaching materials you need.  Using supplemental materials is often encouraged; however, you may not know exactly what you need for the unit until you teach it.  So, become familiar with teacher supply stores like http://www.k12schoolsupplies.net and use your sticky notes to jot down those supplies you want to buy throughout the year.