Are you having trouble buying supplies for your classroom? Are you having difficulty sourcing out cheap and inexpensive school equipment and supplies? If yes, you are not alone because majority of teachers, especially government teachers, are in the same situation.

School season is fast approaching and everyone is excited to go to school. Like students and parents, teachers are also preparing for their classrooms as well. As part of their preparation, they need to purchase important school supplies needed to deliver effective lessons to children. However, teachers are worried on how to go about their school supply purchases when the government only allocated minimal budget. With so many supplies to buy with only limited funds, it is difficult to decide which items to prioritize.

When the economy slumped, the government imposed budget and tax cuts to tighten their finances. With budget cuts and lack of funding, schools experienced shortage of school supplies which will affect teaching methods and quality of children’s education. With limited supplies, majority of children find it hard to comprehend their lessons during discussions, thus, some students are discouraged to participate in activities while some hesitate to go to school. To address the problem, teachers often disburse their own money to buy the lacking school supplies and equipment needed by students.

In this connection, teachers must be resourceful in finding and in buying materials and supplies which they need for their classrooms. To go about with your limited funding, consider the tips and suggestions mentioned below.

Necessary supplies for your classroom include:

*Lesson plans
*Workbooks
*Textbooks
*Bulletin board supplies
*Writing supplies
*Organization materials

Tips on how teachers can save money on school materials purchases:

1. Make an inventory of all your supplies. Check what items are present and what items are lacking. Check the lacking items with your local school district to avoid redundancy.

2. You can surf the Internet and look for organizations, such as Salvation Army or United Way, which give away used teaching materials and supplies. 3. You can obtain these supplies from them free of cost.

4. You can also ask help from wealthy individuals and politicians who are willing to extend their assistance to you.

5. You can also ask help from friends who are willing to give their leftover supplies.

6. You can go to auction houses or garage sales to get discounted items.

7. You can purchase things from bookstores which give discounts to teachers with teacher discount cards.

8. You can ask your fellow teachers to join you in buying supplies in bulk to get discounts.

9. You can do some research to find out local companies and organizations which are willing to donate their old and unused office supplies.

10. You can also ask fellow teachers who are about to retire to give their supplies to you.

11. Check out online sites like adopt-a-classroom to know how you can receive donated supplies from them.

12. Do not forget to keep the receipts of your purchases to get a tax break at the end of the year.

With all the suggestions and tips mentioned above, for sure, you can have the supplies which you need for your classroom.

Author Bio: Melody N. Andes enjoys writing for Sensoryedge.com which sells waiting room toys and kids wall decals as well as a host of additional products.

Category: Education
Keywords: school supplies,buying classroom supplies,classroom supplies,school equipment,government teachers