Classroom Management

Back to School Deals and Steals for Art Teachers

Whether we like it or not, back-to-school season is in full swing! Last week at my local superstore, I noticed that the garden section had transformed into a wonderland of crayons, paper, colored pencils and other supplies, all at great prices. Every year, I am a bit shellshocked at how early back-to-school season starts, but the good news is that it’s a great time to shop for your classroom.

In addition, it seems like stores are offering more unconventional back-to-school items this year that would be perfect additions to your art room. I found so many fun things on my last trip. I happened to be in Target but look for similar items wherever you shop.

Here’s what I found!
 
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  • Maps and globes at prices much lower than school catalogs
  • Reusable, professional-looking palettes
  • A calendar to help you keep your or your students’ goals on track
  • A 5-pocket organizer. I used one all the time!

 
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  • Shower caddies for toting table supplies
  • A 4-compartment organizer for pre-cut or scrap paper
  • A checklist to keep you organized at school and at home
  • Colorful tubs and chalk labels to help with classroom organization

 
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  • Letters to write words like “ART” or “CREATE” for your classroom
  • Giant crayon piggy banks to jazz up your space
  • Inexpensive pump paints to save for a rainy day
  • Blank books (found in the dollar section!) for your students to illustrate

 
So, get out there before the goods are gone, and see what you can find to make your classroom even more amazing this year.

(P.S. This is not sponsored by Target, I just happened to find all these great things and wanted to share!)
 
 

 What fun finds have you found for your classroom this year?

 
 
 

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Balsley

Jessica Balsley is AOEU’s Founder and a former AOEU Writer and elementary art educator. She is passionate about helping art teachers enhance their lives and careers through relevant professional development.

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