Whether you’re fortunate enough to be given a set budget from your school district OR you have to think creatively with items you’ve used before, it’s always a stressful time of year getting your classroom items ready for the new school year.
While we all wish we could have brand new items every single year, realistically that’s not the case nor should it be a negative.
At Miniland we believe in investing in quality items so it lasts you over time and we believe in the power of supporting one another. These are key when planning your materials list.
Here are some tips to make the most of your budget, whether you have $50 or $500 to spend:
- Take Stock: Go over everything you already have and how you can make it usable for the new year. Have some laminated posters? Great! Take a cloth and some gentle cleaning spray to spruce them up, then add some new inviting stickers (from the Dollar Store!) to brighten them up like new. Go through your toys, games and books to see which items are in good shape then give them a gentle cleaning.
- Jump on the SALES: Sign up for discount codes with your email address or follow brand pages for promotions and giveaways. You’ll be able to use the codes with online shopping or enter contests to win free items for your classroom.
- Invest in QUALITY: We recommend investing in quality pieces like dolls and board games that you can reuse again and again for years to come. These are items that you won’t need to purchase every year, but will last every year. It’s tempting to buy things that are very inexpensive and forsake the quality, however, you’ll end up buying those same “cheaper” items every single year which in the end ends up costing you more. By investing in a quality item that might cost a bit more, you’ll be saving more money in the long run.
- Take advantage of FREE Resources: There are so many resources to take advantage of for your classroom. Instead of buying books, why not check books out for your class through your local library? You’ll be able to change your selection often to fit your curriculum and the interests of your students. Utilize FREE online programs and games like Miniland’s Teach & Play to further support a physical toy and enhance your lesson plans.
With practical tips, you can offer your students fun and engaging tools that won’t have to come out of your pocket.
