Hey there, fellow teachers! Can we take a moment to talk about the Back-to-School season and how it practically screams “time to shop for your classroom”? I don’t know about you, but over the past decade, I’ve spent a small fortune on my classroom. From sprucing up the decor to grabbing awesome flexible seating options for my students, and let’s not forget the essential classroom supplies like labels, cardstock paper, and magnets – I’ve done it all just to survive the classroom.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe that it’s a personal choice for teachers to spend their own hard-earned cash on their classrooms. After all, it’s like our second home, and why not make it cute and comfy? But here’s the thing: teachers shouldn’t have to break the bank, especially new teachers who haven’t even received their first paycheck yet!
So, here’s some exciting news for you new teachers in need of classroom supplies: there are plenty of ways to get your hands on free resources. Yes, you heard me right – FREE! Check out these fantastic options tailored just for you:
1) Donors Choose
Ah, Donors Choose, the superhero of classroom resources for new teachers! It’s one of the most well-known platforms designed to support teachers in getting the supplies they need. Here’s how it works: set up a profile with details about your teaching role and location, create a project describing your students and the resources you require, find the exact items you need while shopping, and then share your project with your friends and family! Often, generous strangers stumble upon your project on DonorsChoose.org and make donations. Once your project is fully funded, Donors Choose purchases the items in your cart and sends them directly to your school. All that’s left to do is have your students send thank you notes and photos of the resources being used to show their appreciation to the donors!
2) Adopt a Classroom
Similar to Donors Choose, Adopt a Classroom is another fantastic resource for new teachers seeking classroom supplies. Set up a profile for your classroom and choose a fundraising goal. As you receive donations from family, friends, or anonymous donors, you can start using the funds for whatever you need! The items are shipped directly to your school, and your donors receive a detailed list of everything you purchased. You can even offer the option for monthly donations, which is an awesome feature!
3) Buy Nothing Groups
Let me introduce you to the Buy Nothing Project, a global movement that aims to create local gift economies within communities. When you join your local Buy Nothing Facebook group, you become part of a special community where members freely give and request complimentary items or services. As a new teacher, you can ask for items and supplies that might be available in the homes of your local community, such as office supplies, organizers, STEAM materials, or even furniture like shelves or fun chairs! Personally, I’ve had the joy of gifting items to other local teachers and finding incredible treasures for my own classroom. In just the past few weeks, I scored several rainy day games, countless clear plastic containers for organizing my shelves, LEGOS, K’Nex toys, and even a prize wheel! I’ve also been able to find some really cool things for my own house and family! To find your local Buy Nothing group, simply search on Facebook. If you don’t have one yet, you can learn how to set one up here.
Watch the below video to learn more!
4) Digital Wish
If you’re looking to bring technology into your classroom, Digital Wish is a fantastic resource to explore. You can create wishlists, apply for grants, organize fundraisers, and even discover creative lesson plans that integrate technology seamlessly.
5) Amazon Wish Lists
Let me share one of the easiest and best ways to receive free items for your classroom – Amazon Wish Lists. Simply create a wishlist of items you need for your classroom, share it with others, and they can purchase and send those items directly to you. It’s a hassle-free way to get support from friends, family, and even your community.
6) Scholastic Book Orders
Calling all book lovers and literacy enthusiasts! Scholastic Book Orders is a treasure trove for new teachers in need of books and other classroom supplies. Here’s how it works: Sign up for a Scholastic account and obtain a classroom code. Share the code with your students’ families and encourage them to order books through Scholastic using the code. Every time a family uses the code to place an order, you earn points that can be redeemed for free books and other classroom resources. It’s a win-win situation – families get great books for their children, and you get to build up your classroom library and stock up on essential supplies. So, spread the word about Scholastic Book Orders and watch those points accumulate! Your students will thank you for the fantastic reading materials.
So there you have it, my dear new teachers! Don’t let the cost of classroom supplies weigh you down. Embrace these fantastic resources and get ready to stock up your classroom without breaking the bank. Happy teaching!
Warmly,
Heather | A Trailblazing Teacher
