How to overcome budget constraint

by Mary
(USA)

So often I get e-mails from Preschool
Teachers who say they don't have a budget for
craft and school supplies.

Here's an idea if you are a little short
on funding....

Ask for parents and families "junk"!

Yes, because one person's clutter in a closet
can be turned into a beautiful Preschool
craft project in a jiffy (well, ok, in 30 minutes).

At my school we do this every season.

I distribute a "clean out your closet" list
to all families.

I review the Lesson plans for the
coming months and figure out what we'll be
needing in terms of supplies- these all go
on the list.

EVERY SEASON I get so many of the supplies I need
from within the school.

The first time I tried this I was a little worried
people wouldn't respond, but boy, was I wrong.

My office was flooded with crayons, markers,
shoe boxes, etc.

I had people thanking me for giving them the
nudge to clean out their closets.

Lots of the crafts in my lesson plans can be made
with household goods (think coffee cans and shoe
boxes).

I've found this to be a great way to get the parents
involved in our lessons.

People are always curious to know what I'm doing
with their cereal box :-)

Give it a try this month- don't stress about not having
a big budget. Come up with a list and ask folks
for their clutter.

It's a win-win!