New classroom Kindergarten

[teach08]

I was just hired at an independent school for the 08-09 school year as a kindergarten teacher. I was informed that the budget for my classroom is very small. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice about which classroom materials I should be sure to have at the beginning of the school year. I've worked in a pre-k classroom in the past so I already have a pretty extensive classroom library. I've also been informed that the school already has a large set of blocks and several math manipulatives for me to use. I've currently been focusing on trying to find good deals on materials for my block and puzzle centers.

[Boxcar]

Puzzles: You can make awesome puzzles very cheaply. Go to a hardware store and purchese an exact-o knife or rasor blade tool. Next, you need some foam backing. There is sturdy pink foam at that hardware store. Or, you can get the foam posterboards that come in a economy pack. You also need clear contact paper. Then, find pictures in magazines or on the computer that you want to use. Cut these out or print them. Use a good craft glue to secure them to the backing. Put contact paper over them. Finally, use the knife or rasor to cut into pieces.

Puzzles can also be found on sites like eBay for very cheep. Visit garage sales and rummage sales as well.

To prevent losing or mixing of pieces, put a mark star or dot on the back of each piece. Puzzle A has blue dots. Puzzle B has red dots. You get the idea.

Blocks: Again, eBay is your friend! (I'm seriously not working for eBay. I've just found good stuff theire.)

Additionally, you can make your own blocks. I'm not into this idea as much, but it does work. The foam blocks sold for flower arranging and craft projects can be painted or left blank as blocks. Boxes and cans donated by parents can be turned into blocks by painting them.

Figures and whatnot can be found at the Oriental Trading Company's website. I just bought zoo amimals for quite cheap. You can also make your own out of cloth reminants or Model Magic.

Supplies You Need: Families can be a great help in getting supplies. Scrap paper - that with printing on only one side - is often plentiful in families with computers and printers. They can also donate clothes and boxes to the Dramatic Play area. Toys and games missing pieces can be re-invented by you.

On thing you abosolutely need is crayons. Buy these in a known brand because off-brands can contain lead.

You will also need glue and paste.

There is more, but I'll leave it at this for now.

[cherrylee]

Try do not rush to buy the material of the school. 1st thing u must be very clear want system taken. 2nd thing is what is the theme u wanna to plan for the whole year. 3rd thing is what method and material u wan to use for your lesson plan. If u very clear on it, i sure u know what u wan to buy already.