How would you spend classroom money?

[hymen]

I have taught 7th grade ELA in a district for the past nine years, but it was a 35-40 minute commute one way. With 3 young kids the drive was getting difficult, so over the summer I was hired for a 6th grade ELA position in a local district that is <15 minute drive one way.

Apparently the district allots money to new teachers because my new principal told me I have about $900 to spend on materials/supplies for my classroom. Because I already have 9 years in a similar grade and same subject area, I have quite a few materials already. It was also allotted in the budget for me to get new student tables/chairs, plus I got to approve requisitions from the teacher I'm replacing before they ordered them.

So if you had $900 to spend on your classroom what would you buy? (I'm already planning on some bean bags and possible other flexible seating options. I have a rather large classroom library but could always buy more books.)

[Jalapeñomel]

I'd theme my classroom.

[wildfloweragain]

Definitely the seating, and probably a rug, depending on the room. I was allowed about that much money my first year and probably spent $200. I was a first year (ever) teacher and didn't know what I was doing. I wished I could give it to another teacher who needed stuff. I ended up losing it. Had to be spent by a deadline.

I spent $600 of my own money that first year, mostly on tubs and other storage-type things.

Other stuff I tend to spend $$ on besides supplies: lamps, wall shelving, teachers pay teachers stuff, but you said you have materials, magazine holders, snacks for kids, binders, pencil holders that fit into binders, binder rings, those tabbed inserts for binders that have pockets, fidgets/ stress/ calm down stuff. It's not all fidget spinners. Last year I got some fidget twists, stress balls and those timer water droppy things that are calming to watch and made a calm down spot.



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[UMaineTeach]

1. the rest of my reading curriculum
2. the teacher guides to the math curriculum
3. the narrow shelf around my room replaced with a wider one that will actually hold the board games on it and not have them hanging over
4. some kind of soft flooring for a circle area. We aren't allowed rugs, that would be my first choice. The foam puzzle blocks belonged to a teacher they moved out.
5. A small tv with an Apple TV, everyone else has a giant tv and an Apple TV but no one put SPED in the plan.

[hymen]

Thanks for the suggestions!

The other thing is I think the school secretary has to order it for me, so I want to be discretionary on what I submit. I have until April I believe so I think I'll give it some time and then go from there.

I never got money from my old district without explicit instruction on what to spend it on, so I'm simultaneously excited and lost, lol.

The smartboard in my room is pretty old but I heard that they may be replacing all the teachers with new interactive projectors sometime soon, so I can make do.

[m15]

Well I teach K, so my whole $200 budget goes to things like nametags and classroom decorations. However, I did want to mention that teachers pay teachers accept purchase orders, so if there's some stuff you have your eyes on, you could get that!

[katfco]

New books, particularly those that feature characters of color.
Fidget bands for all my student desks.

[nsl]

I wouldn't even know where to begin with that kind of money, especially if you're already getting new student desks and chairs. Flex seating (couches?), a really comprehensive classroom library, equipment to stage interpretations of any plays you're reading... I don't even know!

Can any of the money be spent on class experiences? Field trips to the theater, or bringing in guest speakers/performers?

[stephm0188]

I'd get a Little Free Library started.

Comfy seating. Bins and containers. Expand your classroom library. Take a hard look at your books and see if anything needs to be replaced.

How's your desk chair?

Don't let the fact that the secretary has to submit your orders sway you. My principal signs off on all my purchase orders and has never questioned anything I've ordered.

[hymen]

Aug 15, 2017 7:26:14 GMT -5 nsl said:

I wouldn't even know where to begin with that kind of money, especially if you're already getting new student desks and chairs. Flex seating (couches?), a really comprehensive classroom library, equipment to stage interpretations of any plays you're reading... I don't even know!

Can any of the money be spent on class experiences? Field trips to the theater, or bringing in guest speakers/performers?

I know! When I found out, I was agog.

My teacher desk/chair is pretty crappy, but I was just going to ask the custodians if there is a better desk in storage somewhere. I don't really want to spend the money on me - I would rather get something for the students.

[bugandbibs]

I would spend it on storage and flexible seating options. Maybe a few standing desks? My biggest problem is having a hodgepodge of old crappy furniture that doesn't actually suit the space. Shelving, bins, label maker and tape would be a good long term investment.

[mmp]

A small copier/printer with color for your room. Comes in handy when you want a quick copy and can't run down to the faculty room.