Stock Up on Classroom Supplies at Dollar Tree!

Got a PTA group that wants to support you, but they’re on a budget? Need to replace some basics and score a few craft supplies? Look no further than your nearest Dollar Tree. Read on.

While I agree that for many items one dollar store is as good as another, there are a few areas where Dollar Tree stores really rise above. Here are a few I’ve found of particular interest on the classroom front.

• Flash cards.
• Large and small craft sticks.
• Paint brushes.
• Colored pencils.
• Pens and pencils in general.
• Pompoms.
• Colored foam sheets.
• Pipe cleaners.
• Glue.

These are just a few of the highlights. As you can see, many items here are very suitable for the classroom, art cabinet or home schooling supply box. Unexpected bonus? They offer free shipping on bulk case orders if you have the shipment delivered to your local Dollar Tree for pick up. So if you need to restock some art supplies on the cheap, and are looking for a possible one stop shopping experience to boot, check out your nearest Dollar Tree. I think you’ll be glad you did!

Photo Credit:  Scui3astevio

Project Hack: Some Thoughts on Glue Sticks

Tired of cleaning out individual glue caps with the closest available paper clip? I hear you. Here’s why glue sticks are one of my favorite classroom supplies . . . and why they always went on my new student “back to school” buy list during my classroom days.

No leaks.

Not on the desk areas, not in their backpacks, not in a box of your math manipulatives . . . nowhere. Sure, if you leave them out in the hot sun you may get some melting, but in general, these are not a messy project tool.

No clogs.

Ah, the freedom of starting a whole group art project without losing an entire free class period ahead of time cleaning out glue bottle nozzles. Just give the directions, distribute the materials and let them go for it.

Streamlined product dispensing.

Release yourself from over pouring, over squeezing, messy residue and more. Glue sticks are much easier for me to use as an adult, so I can only imagine how much easier they are for a young child still working on fine motor skills.

So take the plunge, free yourself from unnecessary glue bottle aggravation and set your students up for success.Go for the glue sticks, and imagine the power of streamlined student projects.

Photo Credit: Oskay

Dollar Deals at Scholastic.Com for the Month of May!

Think there aren’t any screaming deals left out there for teachers on a budget? Guess again. From now until the end of May, Scholastic is offering tons of great classroom supplies . . . all for a buck!

This seems almost too good to be true, folks. But I checked their site, and yes indeed, dollar deals truly abound. Some of the items I saw and consider to be of note?

• Classroom calendars.
• Reinforcement charts.
• Desk tags.
• Multicultural decorative banners.
• Accents, cut-outs and calendar pieces.
• Stickers.

Lots more items there, and the sale is only until the end of the month. This would be a great time to stock up, or get things in order ahead of time if you are switching grade levels. Here’s the link.

Photo Credit: The Blue Dino