When your schools allow you to purchase classroom supplies with the budget specifically made for English classes, what kind of items do you buy? Also, what are you told that you CAN and CANNOT purchase?
In my case, I need some ideas. I've taught at my current elementary school for nearly 3 years. I've always found myself frustrated with my English department, co-teachers, and the school administration whenever I'm asked 3-4 times a year: "what do you want to buy for your classroom?"
Each and every time I give them a small--and I mean, a genuinely miniscule--list, those in charge shoot down nearly all the items I request.
New board markers that actually write well? No.
#2 pencils? No.
Fun and colorful stickers for the students to earn? No.
The candy students receive for collecting a certain number of said stickers for their hard work and accomplishments??? NO.
I do not understand...
And trying to plan for English camp is even worse... I always have to fight/push to get the things I want or need to give my students a truly exciting camp. I'm never allowed to buy anything I want with the allotted budget for MY classes. Or most of everything I request gets substituted for something entirely different without my knowledge, because it's "cheaper." Even though I appropriately and reasonably select items that come under budget every time. And those changes to my lists always come as a surprise the day before I need what I thought had been ordered. Which forces me to completely rearrange or scrap my lessons entirely, in turn causing me unnecessary extra work and stress.
I'm rambling...ANYWAY!
If possible, I would love to know what kind of items and supplies any of you buy for your classrooms that get/keep your students engaged AND are approved by your schools/co-teachers. I'm looking at sites like iScream Mall, Gmarket, and Coupang for English classroom supplies, but I don't know where to start with purchasing great items.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I teach 3rd and 4th grade elementary.
Thank you!
