Visual aids and other teaching materials are parts of a teacher’s life. In the pursuit of the profession, even non-artist among the teachers becomes instant artist.  The need to be creative and artistic entails additional expenses and a teacher need to be innovative and find ways on how to save without sacrificing the requirement for visual aids.

Here are 10 friendly thrift tips teachers can consider to save something for the need school activity.

            1.  Instead of buying the same materials, teachers need to swap and share with other teachers.  It is not advisable for teachers to buy the same materials and put away the left-overs.  There are always great benefits in sharing.

            2.  Reuse containers for academic manipulatives.  Small containers can also be used as learning materials.

            3.  Hard plastic packages can be used for art projects.  Just be imaginative.

            4.  Avail of the e-lab for some creative activities.  The e-lab is intended for the pupils’ advancement and not for display.

            5.  Old newspapers are good sources of information and can also be used as art materials and other visual aids.

            6.  Make your bulletin boards long lasting.  Instead of art papers, use fade-proof papers for longer use.

            7.  Visit garage sales.  Cheaper by the dozen articles can be acquired and these can be used for a longer period.

            8.  Purchase materials in larger quantities at discount stores.

            9.  Encourage your friends to donate personal books to the classroom library.  This will augment the reading materials for the pupils additional knowledge.

            10.  Check magazines and newspapers for coupons and free offers. This may be seasonal, but there’s no harm in trying.  Some companies have open minds for education.

            Time and money are paramount in our profession.  Spend time to save money.

By: Enrico G. Gomez | Teacher II | Orion Elementary School | Orion, Bataan