Maybe the dollar store isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of purchasing homeschool supplies. But, where else can a person find number dice and flash cards, poster board and acrylic paints, a magnifying lens and modeling clay, mechanical pencils and index cards — all on the same day, all in one trip, and each for just a buck?
I continue to be impressed with the variety of items now available at dollar stores. The selection of “teacher” supplies and basic office supplies is tremendous! My local store also carries sticker books, grade-level workbooks, small reference books and [sometimes] children’s books, too. I have also purchased decorative printer paper, awards certificates, shapes and cutouts, felts, dry erase boards, classroom prizes and many other items there, too. When buying for large groups of students, I appreciate how much I save on large quantities of these kinds of classroom items.
I often get inspiration from looking at dollar items through the lens of homeschooling. Loads of fabulous projects can be completed using dollar items alone. Over the years, I have purchased dollar items for everything from decorating science fair display boards to crafting projects for our homeschooling co-op. And though some items have not passed the quality test (I don’t care for dollar store white glue, for example), it is a resource I often turn to first, before paying full price anywhere else.
Anyone organizing a homeschool library, workbox system, classroom centers, art supplies, or creating unit studies should always check the dollar store first. Most stores carry colorful totes, containers and bins — in all shapes and sizes. Baskets, tins, boxes, and magazine holders are great for homeschool projects and portfolio storage, too.
Though I don’t recommend relying exclusively on dollar store items for homeschooling, there are certainly many items worth trying. What a great way to stock the school room and save money, too!
If you haven’t visited a dollar store lately, I strongly encourage you to stop by your local store. Do go with a budget in mind (it’s easy to spend $20 without even realizing it!) and make sure the items you select are things you’ll really use (and won’t add additional work or stress to your day).
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Stockpiling homeschool materials — should you or shouldn’t you?
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