I know this has been asked before, but now that school has started I thought you may have realized some items you wish you had.
I have $300. to spend on non-consumable classroom items. This is my 7th year of teaching (I teach 3rd), so I'm struggling thinking of things I really need. I've written down a few books, and possibly a manipulative bin (if I have room for it), but that's about it.
Oh, and I'm also thinking about a digital camera to take pictures of the kids all year. I have one, but it uses a floppy disk and Walmart won't develop those anymore. Can anyone recommend a good digital camera?
I'm all about Melissa & Doug floor puzzles right now. The pieces are extremely thick and durable with an easy-clean surface. They're about $10.00 each, and very handy for free time activities. I have one with the skeletal and circulatory systems (100 pieces) and one with the solar system (48 pieces). My 6th graders love them!
I always spend some of my money on educational games for the kids.
As for the camera I just bought a Nikon coolpix lx. I love it! ( Actually my boyfriend loves it. We had to by another camera while on vacation because we filled up the old one and walmart didn't sell the old memory cards it used.) But it is really nice.. It has a lot of features and neat stuff.
If you wanted to keep your old camera you can just email your pictures to most places to get them developed.
Our classroom money stays in the classroom if you leave, and so I am planning on buying calculators. Our school district provided the first set 6 years ago, but they are all breaking and I don't even have enough for my students to share 2 to a calculator. Since each room is supposed to have a set, it will workout. I found some good ones from Learning Resources, so I will be buying those.
I have a Kodak Easyshare, and I love it. Stay away from the optional printer dock, as the inks for it are very expensive. I would check with my school's technology person if you are planning on printing pictures there. A couple of my colleagues have Olympus digital cameras, and they weren't compatable with our school's server for some reason. Even though they brought the software that came with the camera in, the technology person couldn't load it for them. Get as much optical zoom and megapixels as you can for the money. Another option is to purchase software that your kids could use for your units. It's a great problem to have, isn't it?
I, too, recommend the Kodak easyshare digital camera. I've had mine for almost 3 years and love it!
As for the money to spend, how about some class sets of books? I'm always looking for good non-fiction sets to go along with topics that we study throughout the year.
Also, there is a great rubber stamp site that I have used to buy unique stamps. (I buy the little one for my plan book and I love them!) It is fearlessdesigns.com.
Do you have enough math manipulatives or games? How about a new rug for your room? Just some suggestions! Happy shopping!
I use the Nikon CoolPix. Actually, I liked it so much that after my first one was stolen, I bought another one. Mine stays in my purse so I have it with me all of the time. I swear, sometimes I wonder how I every got along without it!
I use it at field trips, field day, parties and many other special occasions. I print pictures to put at the writing center, and the kids write about the picture. I'm thinking that this year, I will put pictures from the whole year on CD's, make copies and either give them to the kids to take home at the end of the year or sell them as a fund raiser to buy other things for the classroom. I am fortunate to be in a school where I can check a digital camera out from the library. They also have a photo printer in the library, and I can order rewritable CD's and the school will pay for them.
I have the Kodak Easyshare for my classroom and the Coolpix at home. Both are great. My Coolpix is several steps up from the Kodak, but the Kodak is SOOOOO easy to use, pretty much a no-brainer. I would go for the Coolpix if you have the money.
You never have enough learning games or content specific videos,
math manipulatives,
music,
or science lab equipment. Have fun shopping!
I think spending your money on center activities would be well worth your money! You should try getting some nonfiction to go with your SS or SCI curriculum. Man, I wish I had the problem youn have! ha ha
I have the Kodak Easy Share and it is the best! Our grade level has another brand for all of us to share, however nine times out of ten the other teachers ask to borrow mine.
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09-04-2006, 10:42 AM
