Teacher Feature

Did you know that decorating your classroom does not have to cost a fortune? No really, it doesn't.
Working in a high school, we tend to use school colors to deck our walls. It makes decorating easy. If you use your school colors, you are really not bound to any type of theme. You can use a variety of objects as long as they are color coordinated. Your local party store can be a gold mine of decorative objects. Colored stars, streamers, banners, even plastic table cloths. Just let your imagination run wild. Keep an eye on their clearance section!
Not only is decorating with easy, but it also helps promote school spirit. What school doesn't need that?



     It is time to start watching Target school supply clearance.  This can be a great place to pick up items for students in need.  It is also a good place to stock up on community property items for your class (crayons, pencils, rulers, etc.). 



     Don't forget to check your local Dollar Tree for classroom supplies.  They often stock bulletin board borders, stamps, stickers, certificates, teacher journals, and tons of other items! 



     Something caught my eye while I was wandering around Target today.  I noticed some party clearance and I immediately thought that a lot of the items in that department can be used in a classroom.  Unlike party stores, Target clearances their merchandise more frequently.  This is a great place to pick up items for your Treasure Box for all of you elementary teachers!  High school teachers can ribbon, cut-outs, and other items that can be used on bulletin boards. 



    Be sure to check the scrap booking section during your shopping excursions to different stores.  There are a lot of classroom possibilities in this department!  Stickers can be used for a variety of different projects.  Don't forget that all of those cool papers can be used as backgrounds for projects and matting around items on a bulletin board.



We have a couple of bargain resources for you.  First, for those of you teaching government, sign up with C-SPAN classroom and get an electoral vote map for FREE!



     Many of you may not be aware that educators (teachers, paras, administrators, guidance) are eligible for many discounts nationwide.  You can find a compiled, and frequently updated, list of discounts at http://www.myeducationdiscount.com/   Make sure to stop by and take a look.  This site is great!!!



     Don't forget that parents love to see the artwork created by their children, no matter how oldd the kids are.  Be sure to display lots of artwork during holidays and open house!

  
     Use gift wrapping paper or fabric to cover bulletin boards.  This allows you to be a lot more festive than the, rather plain, roll paper normally used.


     Hang large posters with 3M poster tabs.  This will help you save your walls from damage.


     Framing artwork gives your classroom, not only a sense of home, but a polished look!