One of the most daunting things for me in preparing for my first year is that, as a family, we’re also preparing for my husband’s first year! Finding things for our classroom — books, manipulatives, materials, furniture — on the cheap isn’t just a sport (it totally is for me!) it’s a necessity. Luckily, we have a good track record with the Goodwill (and love their 20%-off coupons) and our Target Dollar Spot is well-stocked!
Earlier in the week we stopped by the Goodwill to peruse their bookshelves for some more books for our classroom libraries, and spied something in the middle of all of the furniture they were selling. It looked like an easel, but wasn’t unfolded and had crayon and tape all over it. I saw the price tag of $9.99 and decided that for $10, I could put some elbow grease into it and fix it up!
We got it home (thanks to some creative placement in the car), cleaned it up, and there she is, in all her glory:
I looked her up and she retails for around $100, so not bad at all. This will go in my classroom to anchor our meeting area, so I’m debating about whether to leave her as-is, or paint her. I spied some ruby-slipper spray paint in Hobby Lobby the other day, so I’m tempted. Very, very tempted.
Today on our grocery run to Target I spotted a cart in front of us with bins that looked suspiciously sturdy and rainbow-y. I asked the very nice woman where she saw them, and I must have asked a little too excitedly because she smiles and says, “Teacher, huh?” Yes. Where, oh where did you find them?
The Dollar Spot (though only the buckets were $1; the bins and caddies were $2.50 each). Usually that’s our first stop, but it was too close to the Lego aisle to brave today before naptime. I high-tailed it over there and scored these:
During our last trip to Target I noticed they were taking down the seasonal section and prepping it for what looked like Back-to-School and I was totally right. Of course I couldn’t help but check there too, and sure enough, there were some goodies to behold! My favorite?
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| I got five packs — all that they had. |
And then… there was this (my heart may or may not have stopped).
My husband brought it to my attention, which I’m sure he now regrets as I’m plotting a way to justify buying a pack or two of each. These are 8-packs of “themed” crayons… perfect, right? I was standing in front of it and literally felt a TPT unit incorporating these flash before my eyes. Pirate crayon pack? Check. Dinosaur crayon pack? Double check. Cupcake crayon pack? Triple check.
I somehow managed to only leave with the “Glitterati” crayons, despite Crayola trying to trick me into buying an 8-pack of primary colors with their Oz-marketing. Like I said, school supplies = kryptonite.
Everything, all-told, was under $50. Phew. I’m slowly but surely putting everything together to create Oz on a budget I can live with. There are some other things I’ll need, but I need to get into my classroom and assess it before I make any bigger purchases. (Please let there be a rug. Please let there be a rug. Please let there be a rug. Oh, and a kidney table.)
I’ll leave you with my “currently” — my first linky party! Ahhhhhh, finally I get to join in instead of just scrolling through and reading everyone else’s!
thanks for linking up and it is your first time…YAY
I wouldn't have missed it for the world! 🙂
Don't you just always get that Chick-fil-a craving on a Sunday 🙂
Today was my first Currently link-up, too!
Julie
Math is Elementary
Always. I have even been so far as to be pulling up when I realize that, ugh it's Sunday.
Target is a dangerous place for my family…. my husband and I always wonder how we can spend $100 so quickly in that place – but I love it anyway!!
Good luck on the classroom – as a moving PRO (I moved three times last year) I would agree that you should wait before you plan anything. It's tough, but it will pay off in the long run!!
Lauren
Life In Middle School
The fact that I love so close to Target makes it an inevitable "oh, I'll just stop on the way home…" each and every time!
Target…. My Happy Place! My Dh and I went to out first Chick-a-fil this past May! I wish they would open one here in NY!
Chick-fil-a is huge here. There is something about their tea, served in that big styrofoam (I know, it's bad but oh-so-insulating!) cup that I just can't replicate at home.
What a great deal on that easel! And themed Crayons? Oh, my!
Krazy Town
What a steal!!! I love my easel that is almost the exact model!!
Blessings,
Jessica Stanford
Mrs. Stanford's Class
I hope that you'll join me for my giveaway ♥
Hi Mrs. Plum! I'd love to send you my new math packet since you were the first one to comment on my blog. 🙂 I can't seem to find your email address anywhere though. Please email me at secondgradesugarandspice@gmail.com and I will send it over to you. 🙂
Sugar and Spice
Thanks so much — I e-mailed you!
Summer naps are my favorite! The fan always seems to make me sleep better 🙂 I am really digging your blog. Did you design it? The layout is fab and it just makes me smile.
Kelley Dolling
Teacher Idea Factory
Thank you so much for the kind compliments. I did set this up, actually! It practically designed itself because of the amazing clipart from the ladies featured on my sidebar. 🙂
I'm pretty handy with Photoshop, Publisher, and know my way around HTML so I kind of just tweaked it until it looked right!
I just found your blog. I am your newest follower.
Tricia
Thanks, Tricia! I just headed over to follow your blog — I *love* your Monday Made It!
I love Wizrd of Oz!! My favorite!! I love to go to thrift store and Goodwill, I always find something I can use in my classroom. I am a new follower! Hope you will check out my blog.
Teresa
2nd Grade Pig Pen
Since falling in love with the Goodwill, I haven't actually set foot in the "teacher store" which is most excellent for my budget!
I just headed over to your blog — love your newest project! I'm a new follower of yours now, too. 🙂
Like Teresa above me…. I LOVE your layout! Did you create that on your own?
You've got a new follower =)
Lisa @ Tales of an Education Major
I did, actually! I used graphics from the fabulous folks on the sidebar, and put to test some of my design + HTML skills. 🙂
I love your blog! I am doing an Oz theme this year too! I havent done much with the theme yet. I have just been decorating my room in really bright rainbow colors! I would love to hear more about all the different ways you are incorporating OZ into your daily routines!
Jodi
Southern Sweetie in Second
I'm making all of my Oz-specific decor and resources myself, and then supplementing with bright rainbow colors! I'll be posting everything I make (and some of it will definitely be free), so keep your eyes peeled!
I do also plan on utilizing the Oz-theme in daily routines like morning meeting, behavior management, data collection (courageous readers/math wizards/etc.), and so forth. 🙂
Love the oz theme! That is so A.DOR.ABLE!!!
I call my "kidney/horseshoe" table my rainbow table ( because that is what it looks like to me). The kids love it.
I also have lots of rainbowish stuff on my blog and tpt store. Come check it out at coconutcutiesclassroom.blogspot.com
Coconut Cutie
P.S. I am your newest follower here and tpt :0)