Freebies for Teachers!

How to Score Free Classroom Supplies Before the School Year Starts: Teachers love Freebies!

As the new school year approaches, teachers everywhere start the annual quest for freebies for teachers, to stock their classrooms with all the necessary supplies. From pencils and notebooks to art supplies and classroom decor, the list can seem endless—and the costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are many ways to score free supplies for your classroom. Here are some tips to help you gather everything you need without breaking the bank.

Since Links get broken, companies change and This blog could be available way beyond a link works :) We will only be listing a few links with the knowledge that these links may not always work, but it's a start for your search!

Teacher pay Teachers has a TON of freebies for teachers. Just filter freebie on your search Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com) you can find ours here: Thelearningcurvea2z | Teachers Pay Teachers

Free Kit (superkindyou.com) Is a site that states: Get a FREE KIT by Sharon Love, M.Ed. (Psychology), to teach kids Mental Health Super Powers

For the Classroom | AEP Education & Grants: These include the cute Louie the Lightning bug mascot lessons for safety! For free, reproducible materials/kits you can print yourself including lesson plans, visit our Electric Universe for Teachers. Register to receive access to information and resources, including Louie the Lightning Bug Teacher Kits containing reproducible teacher information, student lessons, tests and activity sheets.

Free Posters for Schools & Non-Profits | The Foundation for a Better Life (passiton.com) offers a free kindness poster.

School Family Nights - PTO Today Our free planning materials include everything your PTO or PTA needs to plan School Family Nights that parents and kids will love. With four great nights to choose from, all you need to worry about is which one to plan next!

Home | Practical Money Skills Offers free budgeting and money lessons!

Kids Need to Read Book Donation Application (google.com) free books for schools that qualify. must serve at least 50% of children living at or below the national poverty rate. Schools may use free and reduced lunch data for poverty level rates.

Email us! thelearningcurvea2z2gmail.com with your subject and grade along with the word freebie in the subject line for a freebie worksheet or activity.

Now for some more general but GREAT information of where to get stuff for your classroom!

1. Explore Online Resources and Communities

The internet is a treasure trove of resources for teachers looking for free supplies. Websites like Freecycle, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often have postings for free items that can be used in the classroom. Additionally, joining online communities and forums specifically for educators can be incredibly beneficial. Groups on Facebook, Reddit, and other platforms often share tips, resources, and sometimes even organize exchanges or giveaways.

2. Utilize Teacher-Specific Programs

Many companies and organizations offer special programs and discounts for teachers. For instance, the Kids in Need Foundation provides free school supplies to teachers in under-resourced schools. Similarly, sites like DonorsChoose.org allow teachers to create projects and request specific supplies, which can then be funded by generous donors. Many times, local companies watch out for these. My list last year was cleared by a local Sonic!  Keep an eye out for companies like Office Depot, Target, and Amazon, which sometimes offer teacher appreciation events with freebies and discounts.

3. Network with Local Businesses

Don’t overlook the power of local networking. Many businesses are more than willing to donate supplies to schools, especially if you explain how their contribution will benefit the community. Consider reaching out to local office supply stores, bookstores, and even large corporations with a local presence. Some companies have specific programs for educational donations or might be willing to donate surplus or slightly damaged items that are still perfectly usable. You never know until you ask! 

4. Check Out Community Resources

Local libraries, community centers, and non-profit organizations often have resources available for teachers. Libraries might have free books or educational materials, while community centers sometimes have office supply donations. Non-profits focused on education can be particularly helpful, offering everything from free supplies to grant opportunities.

5. Leverage Social Media

Harness the power of social media to ask for what you need. Posting on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn about your classroom needs can attract donations from friends, family, and even strangers who want to support education. Using hashtags like #clearthelist, #teachershelpingteachers, and #donate can help spread the word and connect you with a larger community of supporters. I stocked my classroom library with this technique. Found a local teacher who was retiring and got SO many books!

7. Host a Supply Drive

Consider organizing a supply drive at your school or within your local community. Partner with local businesses, PTA groups, and community organizations to collect donations of supplies. This not only helps gather the necessary items but also fosters a sense of community and support for your school.

Conclusion

Preparing for the school year doesn’t have to be financially draining. By tapping into these resources and strategies, you can gather the supplies you need to create an enriching and welcoming environment for your students. Remember, the key is to start early, be proactive, and leverage both online and local communities. Happy hunting!