Over the years I have gotten smarter about where I get things for the school year. The dollar store is a place where you can find some great bargains that can save you some change. It seems like everyone has their favorite dollar store and knows exactly where to find all their special deals. Which of these classroom favorites are currently being used in your classroom?
BINS, BINS, AND MORE BINS
There isn’t a teacher I know that doesn’t have bins from one end of their classroom to the other. Bins are great for center organization, table materials, or just to store all of your teacher junk! I love when the store has my color theme in every sized bin and basket. It is a cheap way to get your classroom looking Pinterest ready.
PLAYTIME PREP
The winters in New York are NEVER ENDING! Having a variety of playtime bins to put out gives every kid a chance to play with something fun. I love to get puzzles, coloring books, simple games, and even play dough there. Rotate them every few weeks so they don’t get bored with any of them.
TALKING TRAYS
When we work on our Speaking and Listening standards I love to use talking trays to facilitate their turn taking. These snack platters fit perfectly at the center of the students at the tables or even when they are sitting on the floor. The students put their talking chips in the compartment in front of them. As they add to the conversation, they put their chips in the middle of the tray. When their chips are gone they have to listen quietly as the others finish their turns. It helps to give equal talking chances to everyone at the table.
REWARD BIN
Having small prizes and candy picks are a great way to start off your year. When you have a full bin that can be used for game winners, hard workers, or for students coming in to share a birthday cupcake with you everyone wins. There are so many bouncing balls, spinning tops, and chewy candy that there is something for everyone!
BULLETIN BOARD BONANZA!
Who wants to pay $$$ for fadeless paper that will only last for one year anyway? I love to use the colorful plastic table runners for my bulletin boards. They are super easy to staple up and dress up with borders. If this isn’t allowed due to your school’s fire code - wrapping paper will do the job! This year I found white wrapping paper that was heavy duty and looked great with all of my decorative borders.
STEM MATERIALS
When shopping for STEM materials the bills can add up quickly. Why not go aisle to aisle choosing items that could be used to create the most interesting inventions? Popsicle sticks, Q-tips, marbles, card stock… You name it - they probably have it. The tool aisle can sometimes have hidden gems. Think outside of the box and find some deals to make your STEM projects shine!
BIRTHDAY BAGS
Creating bags for your students over the summer is a great way to be prepared for the school year. The dollar store has small trinkets, individually wrapped candy, and cellophane party bags. I make 25-30 bags so I am ready for the year. The kids are so surprised when they come in and find a little gift from you!
HULA HOOPS
These dollar finds are great to make the classroom a little bit more exciting. They work well for creating life sized Venn Diagrams, jumping hoops for brain breaks, or even a fun tool for cooperative games. If you’re looking to make a nice reading nook you could hang fabric around the hoop and suspend it from your ceiling.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Sometimes you can find some great flashcards, borders, and name plates in the school supplies aisle. There are also some neat notebooks and writing tools that you can’t find other places. I found whiteboard paddles with handles a few years ago and they have become a common fixture during phonics work in my classroom.
SNACKS
We all know that you have kiddos that come to school without a snack every day. I don’t provide snack but it is nice to have some on hand for those emergency days. There is a crazy variety of snacks you can get for just $1! They are also helpful for those hunger pains that I have been known to get around 2 pm…
SEASONAL FUN
The dollar store near me offers seasonal items. You can find decor, trinkets, activities, and more for just about any event that hits the calendar. It's a great opportunity to buy some window clings or snow/sand toys that will come in handy year after year.
We all know how much money teachers spend out of their own budget. Why not be a smart shopper and stretch your pennies further? Happy shopping!