Dollar Tree is one of the best and most inexpensive places to shop for classroom supplies, especially if you are a beginning teacher or someone returning after taking some time off. Below I explain what I get and how I’ve used it in my classroom over the years.
1. Baskets For Papers
As teachers, we have tons of papers. Oftentimes, this is the most overwhelming part of our job. I had a basket for the following papers – to grade, to return/send home, to file, work for this week, work for next week, and to “recycle” (this was work that was left for the sub or papers from students who left unexpectedly). If you are in need of labels for baskets, a Brother Label Maker works well. You can also purchase cute ones from TPT. Laminate them to ensure they last. They can be attached with book rings or hot glue if laminated.
2. Sticker Charts
I used these charts for all kinds of things other than behavior like keeping track of student data (assignment completion, task completion, fluency, returning paperwork, compliments teachers would give my students, etc.). Once their chart (or 5 squares or 10 or whatever) was full they would get to pick a prize.
3. Stickers
These were used when grading or reviewing student work. Stickers that had basic feedback such as good job, great work, you did it, thumbs up, etc. were used. My students looked forward to getting a sticker and really loved the smelly ones. They could also be given as rewards for doing something special. Finding stickers of students’ favorite things like Disney characters, Nickelodeon characters, etc. could be used as an added incentive.
4. Bins For Storage
I am a bin and basket junkie. I will buy them just because they look cute or are a really pretty color. However, I try to put them to good use somewhere. Storage bins are great for storing all those extra supplies we have, student supplies (if you don’t have desks or your desks don’t have storage included), center activities, calm-down kits, etc.
5. Manipulatives
I am truly loving all of the cute manipulatives Dollar Tree has, especially the math manipulatives. You can find everything from foam counters to artificial money … and bins to store them in as well. Most of the math manipulatives can also be used for reading.
6. Pens
In addition to being a bin and basket junkie, I’m also a penaholic. The cuter or weirder they look, the more intrigued I am. However, I’ve noticed that my cute and weird pens always seem to “walk away” at work. So Dollar Tree saves the day! They have packs of plain old pens (usually 10 in a pack) that you can put out or around for those pen snatchers I mean borrowers. And when they don’t return it isn’t that big of a deal.
7. Clipboards
My students enjoy flexible seating. Sometimes they sit on the floor or scoop seats. To do this they need clipboards to write on. I always buy them from Dollar Tree and put numbers on them. If your students have numbers like mine, you can tell them to grab the clipboard that matches their number. This makes it easy to keep up with them and to hold students accountable if they are damaged or missing.
8. Small Toys For The Treasure Box
Dollar Tree toys typically come in packs. My students really love the bubbles, slime, mini animal and action figures, pencils, cool erasers, and their jewelry. For less than $10 I can fill my treasure box (yes it is small thus the small treasures)!
9. Office Supplies
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to stock up on supplies (brads, binder clips, tacks, etc.) that you run out of during the year Dollar Tree has them all. Around halfway through the year I usually am running low on sticker charts, stickers, book rings, rubber bands, index cards, pens, and sometimes manipulatives. They also have poster boards which can be used for sooo many different things.
10. Children’s Books
This is a great and inexpensive way to start or refresh your classroom library. You may have to check a few different stores to get a good variety of books but it’s well worth it. And again IF something happens to them, they were cheap anyway.
Dollar Tree supplies are very affordable and there are usually multiple stores in each city. We are fortunate to have eleven in my city. I try to check them all out a few times a year, as they each have items unique to that particular stores location. Visiting at least one store when we go out of town is also a priority. Happy shopping!
Searching for free or low cost apps for your students to use to monitor their progress in reading and/or math? Check out my post here.
