How To Easily Cut Spending Money on Students

Dear Lesson Plan Toolbox,

I feel like I can never get ahead. I am a third year teacher teaching third grade and I never realized how much money teachers spend on students. Please don't get me wrong, I love teaching,  I love my school, and I love my students! The problem is that I never realized where all of the "stuff" comes from that makes a classroom. It pretty much feels like if I want something, then I have to buy it myself with my own money. Is this normal?

My school is pretty diverse when it comes to socioeconomics and I never want my students to go without the proper supplies. When they don't have materials, then I feel like I need to be the one to supply what is lacking. Oddly enough, my first two years this didn't really bother me, but now that I'm realizing this is how it is I'm thinking there's got to be a better way. Are their ways to get supplies for a classroom that don't involve me spending money out of pocket?

I'm just not sure what to do?

Spending on Students

Dear Spending on Students,

As much as many teachers are probably saying, "Welcome to the world of teaching!" I'm hear to tell you that this doesn't have to be the case. We are going suggest 5 easy possibilities to help you cut spending and fund your classroom. Let's get started!

1. Avoid the Dollar Spot at Target

If you are anything like me , then you know the Target Dollar Spot will have you easily spending $15-$20 before you even enter the store. Then you buy all the things that you "need" and end up putting them in a locker "until next year!" Trust me, I get it...and my guess is this is probably most teachers in America. Once you realize the money you are saving from not stopping at the Dollar Spot, I promise you that this will become an easy habit to help cut spending. 

2. Always Have a Donors Choose Project

One of the most magical organizations to hit the world of education is Donors Choose. You should always, always, always have a project ready to be funded because you simply never know when a donor is going to come along and provide funding. People love donating to teachers, students and schools as long as they know where specifically their money is going. Not sure where to start? Here is the link to Donors Choose so you can check out the site. Classroom libraries are always a great starting point if you're not sure where to begin.

3. Back-To-School-Sales

You may have missed the Back-To-School-Sales for this year, but definitely put this on your radar for next year. This is such a great time to pick up crayons, markers, dry erase markers, and folders. You might even consider picking up enough boxes of crayons to give each of your students a new box at Christmastime. Crayola usually has crayons on sale for $0.50 which makes this a super affordable gift during the holidays. Add a homework pass to the mix and you'll easily become their favorite teacher.

4. Garage Sales/Facebook Market Place

You will find treasures upon treasures at garage sales and on the Facebook Market Place. Literally, why would you buy something new? If there's something in good to great condition that you can buy at a fraction of the price, then GO FOR IT! So many teachers sell their items after they are done teaching or switch grade levels and I've seen bins of books for $10! Talk about cutting spending.

5. Scholastic Points

Do not make the mistake I did and avoid Scholastic Points. On top of selling books at very affordable prices, Scholastic offers great points for simply sending ads home and having parents check a box. You also earn points off of the Scholastic book orders. On top of that, they are always giving incentives to earn BONUS points which just gets you more goodies even faster.

So there you have it! 5 easy ways to cut spending money on your students. Even if you just try skipping the Target Dollar Spot, I bet you will see your budget build instantly. If you need more ideas, please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram (@lessonplantoolbox) and we are happy to help. We are here to serve primary educators.

Be sure to grab your 7 Habits to Prevent Teacher Burnout!

Teach~Relax~Repeat

Lesson Plan Toolbox