Find Great (Cheap) Teaching Materials and Classroom Supplies

How do you find supplementary teaching materials? Whether you are a full time teacher, sub teacher, youth group leader or a home-schooling parent, you may may find yourself needing extra materials and supplies to enhance your lessons.

If you are employed by a district, you may have access to a curriculum lab or resource center for teachers. This is a great place to locate or create materials. If you are not an employee, you may still be granted access, perhaps for a small fee. Check with your local district.

Paper supply houses, those that service the printing trades, and office supply stores often have interesting papers and other materials that my inspire an original art project or other learning activity. These places also often have close-outs or a bargain corner where you might find pencils, erasers and other small items that can be used for classroom rewards.

College or University bookstores often stocks books aimed at the beginning teacher. This is often a good place for substitute teachers to find helpful books, perhaps because many new teachers start out as subs.

Your local school librarian may  be able to tell you if there are any worn or discarded children's magazines which might otherwise be dumped. Publications like National Geographic World, Ranger Rick, Cricket, Highlights for Children, as well as several others have great stories, games puzzles and activities geared for young children.

Don't forget your local public library. If they have a designated children's librarian, try to make a speaking acquaintance, so you can find out what is new and popular In current children's literature. Many public libraries have occasional used book sales where you can get great bargains.

Used book stores, flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales often yield some real treasures if you have time to look. Teacher's Magazines offer a wealth of material as well. Of course many of them also have websites with helpful information . Search out The Mailbox, Teaching K-1, Green Teacher, Creative classroom and others.

Both public agencies and private businesses offer promotional items with their name on them. Pens, pencils, rulers, key chains, flashlights, frisbees, balls, toys puzzles and an endless list of doo-dads an goodies with their advertising are distributed to the public by the millions -- especially at trade shows, fairs, exhibits and conventions.

When you come across someone who is offering a nice little item-- for instance a nice wooden ruler with Woodsy Owl on it, or a stick pen with Joe's Auto Repair on it -- tell the park ranger or the auto mechanic (who has just charged you $800 to fix your car) you are a teacher and you would like a few of their items to give to students.

You will often be amazed at how easily you can fill your prize bag for nothing. Lastly, you can find many wonderful books and supplies at specialized stores that sell educational supplies. You should at least look there, but remember these are the places where you usually pay the most.

Nevertheless, you may find some ideas there that will inspire you to create your own materials. One section you may want to explore is the "resource" area with anthologies of ideas. It is all too easy to spend a lot of money on supplies and materials, but with a little imagination and luck, you can find a bargain in unexpected places. Happy hunting.