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I actually don’t buy supplies anymore unless they’re just for me. I send messages home to parents when we’re in need of things like glue sticks, pencils, highlighters etc. If students don’t have their supplies they are SOL and will need to find whatever they need and make their work up another time or take it home for homework. Maybe it’s a little harsh but I just honestly don’t have the money 🤷♀️
If I send things home for homework and add a note that says “(name) has no more pencils and neither do I” it usually comes back the next day completed and the student has a fresh set of pencils.
As a teacher, you have to be creative and frugal to get your classroom prepared each year. It's not right especially when billions have been given to other countries in support of war. We have a war going on in our educational system. We need those billions of dollars, not _____ and ____!
Slowly but surely! Also there are a lot of thrifty ideas out there too. Do not break the bank when you know there will be no recognition. Do it for yourself and the students to have a nice place. That’s the only way I can look at it without going crazy anymore.
As a new teacher, I am still just aghast that we pay for our own supplies. In what world does this make ANY sense? We aren't paid enough to do that as it is. And even if we were, we still shouldn't be paying for our own supplies. Sorry I'm just mad every time I think abou tit
Donors Choose always has my back!
Make sure you get your tax cut!
Not the case at all where I am from. We have plenty of stuff, but I am at Title 1 schools. I limit paying for items, but I give out snacks and stuff.
I agree we have to get creative! I don’t buy any supplies anymore! I have learned that it’s more of a supply management issue! Something I CAN control for MY classroom.
I collect all pencils for class use and my kids keep any extra supplies in a cubby or labeled plastic bag. Pencils are community and I reload all of them on pencils every grading period. I’ve learned if you give them access to their own pencils, most will be gone by the end of the month. If you don’t have a pencil, you get one from the community “raggedy” pencil can. 🤷🏻♀️
My 4th graders keep up with all their supplies in a pencil bag or box, and I only replenish 3-5 pencils each grading period. Kids that don’t come with supplies, I ask the other kids if they’d like to donate one of their extra folders, spirals, etc. and they always do. This has worked for me for over a decade and I never need to ask parents to replenish supplies, even when I was at a title one school.
Also, create a teacher Amazon Wishlist. It takes a little extra effort, but if you ask, you will receive. Most parents are very willing to help, you just have to ask and build that rapport with your parents. Also, you can even do a general post in your neighborhood on Nextdoor. I’ve received some donations for supplies from there too!
It’s crazy what many teachers believe we “need” to do our job, but in reality, we don’t need most of it! Keep it simple and meaningful.