Back to School Essentials {A Linky Party}

Is it too early in the summer to start talking about back to school shopping? Because... I've already started the shopping.

Like many all teachers,  I stock up on back to school goodies for my classroom during the summer. Luckily, over the years I have become more disciplined with what and how much I buy.

I remember my first few years, I purchased every composition notebook I laid eyes on from June through August. No... seriously... EVERY SINGLE ONE! I had no will power! I just knew I had to have enough and apparently I never had enough. After storing ALL my leftover notebooks, notebook paper, and unused packages of pens (because I seriously bought that much!) I finally learned what was essential and what was fun! (Basically... wants verses needs)

Now I have gotten pretty good at buying what I like to call my essentials. These are the things I purchase each summer to replenish the diminished stock or replace the old.  It's just part of the summer time routine... every year... without fail!

These have become my Back to School Essentials!

 #1 IKEA Book Boxes

I love these things! They last all year and the kids enjoy taking them home at the end of the year. It's quick and easy. I have nothing to store over the summer or clean out. Simple. I like that. And, if you don't live near an IKEA like me, then you can just order from Amazon! 

#2 Really Good Stuff Calendar

Best. Calendar. Ever. 

I will never go back to anything else. It's double sided, so you can choose which one you like the best - the colorful primary or the more sophisticated intermediate (shown above).

#3 Multicultural Construction Paper

 

This paper is great for all those back to school portraits at the beginning of the year. 

I usually purchase 2-3 packages at the beginning of the year.
**Update** You can order this construction paper from Amazon or from Classroom Direct.

#4 Eraser Tops

My students just love having an excuse to cross things out on their papers, but not when I have a stock pile of these bad boys on hand! The best erasers I've found are from Classroom Direct. They come in a box of 144 erasers for under $5 and they are really high quality. They actually erase. I hand them out like candy.

#5 Mr. Sketch Markers

Oh, the childhood memories! 

I buy a new box every year even if my old ones are still in working condition. 

I just love 'em.

#6 Post-it Notes

Because...honestly... can you ever have enough?

#7 Ticonderoga Pencils & Pilot V5 Pens

It's the only pencil I will use. I really am a total pencil snob. 

Also, a bit of a pen snob. What can I say? I like what I like. :)

#8 Books!!

This is probably my biggest expense, but I spread it out over the summer to make it more palatable.  Every summer I read and blog about the upcoming Bluebonnet Books and Battle Books through Fiction Friday.  I always purchase the books so that 1) my kids will have access to a classroom copy all year and 2) if I LOVE the book then I have a copy myself. Hehe. It's what I like to call a win-win!

And... That's it! Those are my essentials. Those are my no questions asked HAVE to be purchased items. Of course, there is still plenty of impulse purchasing throughout the summer. I still can't go through the school supply section without getting something. And who can resist perusing the school supply ads on Sunday to hunt down the best deals?  Not me. :)

What is in your list of essentials?  What do you purchase EVERY single summer without fail for the upcoming year? Share your must-haves below or link up with your own blog post.

I can't wait to hear from everyone. I have a feeling that I may be adding to my list, but that works for me. I'm also a little worried I left something obvious off the list, lol. Let me know!

If you link up, please make sure to include the Linky Party button and link back to my blog.  Thanks so much! 

Happy (early) Back to School shopping!

An InLinkz Link-up

Classroom Paint and More School Supplies

Let the countdown begin!  I have exactly 15 days left until school starts.  My anxiety level is through the roof.  There was so much more I was supposed to accomplish this summer and I have just plum run out of time. I was supposed to read many more professional books, make many more Pinterest projects, and spend many more hours by the pool.  I mean... I'm already loosing my tan! But, I can't focus on that now.  School starts in 2 weeks, so it is time to get my booty in gear and get some things done!

First thing to check off my list: PAINT CLASSROOM and tomorrow is the day.  I'm still not sure what color to go with and I'm trying to avoid purchasing any additional paint.  Right now, my room is a bright blue and green.  I want to go with something a little softer this year.  Last year was very...um...vibrant.

Here is the blue paint.  I actually really liked the blue.  The problem is all my posters left their mark.  My walls faded so badly that I can see the outline of each poster, anchor chart, and word wall word that was up all year.  It's looks really bad, so I MUST paint.

 

This is my library from last year.  You can see the green wall.  Bright, huh? I was worried about it as soon as it was painted, but didn't have the energy to go back and repaint.  I made it through the year just fine because it was always covered in anchor charts, but I can NOT go through another year like that.

I'm thinking about doing blue on both walls (I only have 2 walls because of open concept) or a more neutral brown.  What do you think? 

Brown is soft and neutral but will probably require 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of base.  I think I can get away with just 2 straight coats of blue if I go that route.  The blue that I would paint is a bit richer and softer than what I already have on my walls. I'm running out of time and the thought of doing 2 extra coats is simply more than daunting, but it might be worth it.

What are your thoughts?  Please help!  Brown/tan or blue?!? 

I'd love your opinion and I need it quick, because I will be up at school at 8:00 tomorrow morning with a paint roller in hand. 


In other news, I totally scored at Office Max today.  I love that store!  The staff at my local store is super friendly and I got some great deals.  Even my husband was impressed.  :)

• 13 yellow folders for writing binders
• 5 composition notebooks for class journals
• 112 pencils because my students eat them for snacks
•  5 highlighters because they were $1
• 20 dry-erase markers in all colors
• 10 wooden *shudders* rulers (Note: I did not actually touch these in the store. My husband handled them for me due to my phobia.  Clearly, these will be student use only.)
• 18 White Pearl erasers 
• 28 fun mechanical pencils for prizes or whatever (They were $3.  I just couldn't say no.)

All of this for just under $25.  I'm so proud.  :)

What great deals have you found lately? 

AND...what color should I paint!?!?