This time of year, you start to get creative with supplies. Last fall’s overstuffed supply closet might look a bit bare, and you’re constantly altering lessons and centers to make sure there are enough glue sticks and Sharpies to last to the end of the year. But even more annoying than running out of supplies is ordering new ones. There are always a million little things to request!
One quick way to make supply ordering less stressful is to keep a running list of the supplies you use up as the final weeks pass by. You could make quick notes on a scrap piece of paper or save labels off empty boxes and bottles to reference later. That way, once it’s time to put your order together, you can look over your notes and quickly compile your list. There’s no digging through cabinets and closets to see what you need. You already know!
If you need a little boost to keep yourself organized, try using a detailed form like the one below. Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot and add to it every time you use up a material or supply. You’ll thank yourself when it comes to writing up that daunting order form.
If you need even more of a boost with your organization in your art room, take a look at AOE’s course, Managing the Art Room. You’ll learn strategies to become more efficient in all aspects of your teaching, including organizational strategies and improving time management skills. Pick up some new tricks or rekindle forgotten commitments to improve the flow and function of any artmaking environment. Sign up today!
How do you keep the supply ordering process manageable?
What supplies do you always seem to run out of this time of 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.
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