5 CHEAP Ways to Get Books for a Classroom Library

As a reading teacher, I have a huge passion for constantly bringing new titles into my classroom library.  My first three years of teaching I looped with the same kids.  It became my priority to constantly update my classroom library so my students would not get bored of the same books throughout those three years.  These are my top 5 tips to getting books for CHEAP.

1.  Garage Sales
Garage sales are one of the best places to get used books for your classrooms.  Often times, people are willing to sell the books for dirt cheap.  I've seen books as low as ten cents each!  Some times you might even get lucky and have someone give you books for free when they hear you are a teacher.  I like to join local garage sale sites on Facebook.  People will usually post pictures of items they are going to have and you can easily tell if its worth your time to go.  I also found a 'teacher garage sale' group on Facebook specific for my area.  Teachers are often posting items they no longer need to sell or giveaway.  I'm not sure if these sites are typical for all areas, but take a look.

2. Good Will
Good Will can be hit or miss when trying to find quality books for your classroom.  My local location does not sort the books very well, so I'm always digging through activity books and coloring books to find the good stuff.  The positive of Good Will is the price!  My local Good Will sells all children books for 59cents.  I've seen some locations sell picture books for 59cents and chapter books for 99cents, which is still a good price.  I tend to stop by Good Will a few times a month to check out what they have.  I always leave with 2-3 new books, usually more.

3.  Thriftbooks.com
I just discovered ThriftBooks this summer (2016), and cannot believe what I've been missing!  ThriftBooks has a wide variety of used books for all ages.  The books range in price from $3.59 to almost full price.  Certain books qualify for "thrift deals," which means you can get 3 books for $10 or 4 for $12.  Shipping is free over $10 and once you spend $50 (can be over multiple orders), you get a $5 coupon for your next order.  I'm currently obsessed with this site and have spent way too much money there this summer.  I have ordered almost 30 books from there this summer (shhh don't tell), and they have all been in great shape.  If you want to check it out, you can use my link to get an extra 15% off you first order: http://bit.ly/THRIFTBOOKS



4.  Amazon Penny Books
Before I discovered ThriftBooks, I was purchasing a lot of books from Amazon for a penny.  If you search used books on Amazon, you can find many sellers selling books for one penny plus shipping.  Shipping is usually 3.99, so you end up paying about $4 for a book.  This makes it a bit more expensive than ThriftBooks.  I've found the quality of used books to be comparable to ThriftBooks.

5. Donor's Choose
Instead of purchasing books yourself, you can create projects on Donor's Choose for new books and have friends and family donate to the project.  I've had many books project funded.  Earlier this year I wrote a blog post with my simple tips to get projects funded quickly.  Check it out HERE.

What are some of your favorite ways to get books for your classroom?  Share in the comments so we can all learn from each other.

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Netflix for BOOKS?

I have an exciting new app to share with you all.  Head to your app store and search "get epic" to find this fun new app!  You can also go to www.getepic.com

Epic! allows teachers to create free accounts.   With your teacher account, you can create up to 36 profiles for your students.  Students can only access the educator account at school, but you can easily put this app on multiple devices.  This would be a great center activity, especially if you are in a one-to-one classroom.  When you login to your teacher account, you will be able to access each student's book log to track which books they are reading.   There are some books that are only offered for paying accounts, but majority of books can be found with free educator account.

If you are a parent or child, you can create an account and pay only $4.99 a month for unlimited access to the Epic book collection.

Epic offers a variety of books geared toward kids ages 12 and under.  The app lets you track how much of the book you've read and how much you have left to read.  After reading the book, you can mark it as a favorite and/or rate it.

You can also download a title to your bookshelf to allow for "offline reading."  This would be a great 

option for when traveling! 

One of my favorite features of Epic is the personalized book recommendations.  Based off the books you check out to read, Epic will recommend other books you might look.  

Epic is constantly updating their library and adding new books.  I will admit, some of the books are better than others.  There are many "less known" books, but there are lots of high interest non-fiction books.  Check out those math books!  Math concept books are a great way to integrate literacy across the curriculum.

Have you used Epic in your classroom?  It was only a month ago that I discovered it, so I'm still exploring it.  Let me know if you use it and what your students think about it.  Do you have other apps you enjoy using for books?  I love finding new resources to get books into the classroom!

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5 Tips to Make Writing FUN

When I first started teaching, I hated writing instruction.  Many of my kids thought it was boring and it was a struggle to make it more engaging.   Here are some of my TOP TIPS to help your students enjoy writing time.

Tip #1:  Provide resources for your students to use when writing
Many students don't enjoy writing because of low confidence in their writing abilities.  Students who are poor spellers are more hesitant to write.  They are either afraid you aren't going to be able to read and understand their writing or simply have a fear of spelling words wrong.  By providing resources, you are helping set your students up for success.

Some of my favorite resources to provide students are:
- Word Lists by Panicked Teacher [over 10 different word lists to help your students add details to their writing]
- Individual Word Wall [Students can keep their individual word walls at their seat and can add in words as the year goes.  This will help students remember how to spell those tricky new words.]
- Free FRY Word List [keep these handy for students who forget how to spell common words]

Tip #2: PEN PALS
Did you have pen pals growing up?  I remember having multiple pen pals!  We actually had a school wide postal service run by the 5th graders at my elementary school.  We could write letters to other students around campus and 5th graders would pick up the mail in the morning and deliver it within the week.  This particular idea is definitely more time consuming to set up school wide, but you could definitely find a class to be pen pals with your students.

The best way I have found is by posting on social media.  Try sending out a tweet or posting on a teacher forum asking for pen pals.  Teachers across the country are loving this idea and I guarantee you will find a pen pal class within 24 hours.  If you are still struggling, post in the comments.  I'll help you out.

Tip #3: Allow students to decide what to write about
There is a time and place for required writing prompts.  I found the best writing from my students came when I gave them flexibility and freedom in their choice of topic.  I also found that when I said "you can write about anything you want," I had a few students who would say "but I don't know what to write!"  I'm sure you can think of some of these kids in your head right now.

In 2012 I created one of my best selling products on Teachers Pay Teacher for this exact reason.  I wanted students to have flexibility in their writing but I also didn't want any excused for why their page was blank.  Enter 120 Writing Prompts.

I used an old baby formula can and modge-podged scrapbooking paper over the outside.  I created a cute little label (available in the download) and modge-podged it on on the front.  All of the writing prompts (120) were printed, cut, and laminated.  Whenever my students needed an idea for a writing topic, they were able to go choose a card.

It didn't take long for me to realize some students were wasting time and just reading all the prompts.  I set a rule that allowed them to pull out 5 prompts then they had to pick their favorite from the 5 to write about.  This gave them no excuse to be over the writing jar for extended periods of time.

You can find these writing prompts HERE

Tip #4: Display student writing
This one is a no-brainer.  Students, for the most part, love to be on display!  Students want to know that their work they did mattered and you are proud of it.  If students know their work is going to be hung up, they are more likely to put in the extra effort to make it great.  Once all the writing is displayed, students will enjoy being able to read their classmates writing.

Here are some of my favorite writing displays I found on Pinterest:

[found on Pinterest, but original photo from: Rundes Room]

[Found on Pinterest, linked to this Buzz Feed, anyone know the original source??]

[from Lessons with Laughter - super simple set up.  Glue black paper and clothespins to the wall to easily change out student work throughout the year]

Tip #5: STICKERS!

Okay, let me explain.  Students absolutely love stickers.  We all know this.  Why not let them incorporate stickers into their writing?  I used to keep a tub of random stickers near my writing station.  Students could pick up up to FIVE stickers and put them on the top of the paper.  Their goal was to write a creative story incorporating the stickers.  If the stickers were holiday themed, the student would write a story that took place during that holiday.  If they were smiley faces, the student wrote a story incorporating that type of emotion.  I usually limited the amount of word stickers a child could pick, because they tend to be very vague words (like great or wonderful).  

If you need a variety of stickers, check out Amazon.  They usually always have good deals.  Here are some of my favorites (affiliate links)

            

What are some of your favorite ways to make writing fun?  Leave a tip in the comments.  I'd love to hear you ideas!

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Pledge Cents

Everyone is always talking about Donor's Choose and I'm here to tell you about PledgeCents!

First of all, don't get me wrong.... I love Donor's Choose.  Over the past 5 years, I've had over 30 projects funded with Donor's Choose.  I'm extremely grateful for the wonderful site and all the donors who have helped my classroom over the years.   But, this post is not about Donor's Choose.

Let me start with a little story, because we all love stories.  Two years ago I was teaching 4th grade for the first time and was super bummed when I found out my school did not typically go on field trips to St. Augustine.  This is a very common field trip for many 4th graders in Florida, as the social studies curriculum in 4th is tied to Florida history.  The one field trip I remember the most in my K-12 education is St. Augustine.  I have so many vivid memories of this trip.  It is the one trip my parents chaperoned each year for my brothers and I - it's that much fun.   When I was asked to teach 4th grade again as team leader, I KNEW I was going to make this trip happen for my students.  I work at a very high poverty school in Orlando, so not only did I want to plan the trip, but I wanted to make sure all kids could afford it.

Planning a field trip on Donor's Choose was complicated, and I didn't want to deal with it (just being honest)  PledgeCents was (and still is) fairly new, but I decided to give them a try.  I was immediately impressed because one of the co-owners CALLED ME to verify my project and answer any questions I had.  How often does an owner of a business CALL YOU to offer support?  Never.

One reason I absolutely loved PledgeCents platform is you were able to obtain all funds raised, even if you did not raise the total amount you set out to.  This meant that I would be able to use any money raised for my field trip, even if I didn't raise the entire amount.  When you submit a project, they specifically ask you what you will do in this situation.

With PledgeCents, I was able to raise $235 for our field trip.  We didn't reach our goal, but I was able to completely pay for 5 students to attend and have some money to cut the cost of a few other students admission fees.   We had the BEST time on the trip.

If you have a classroom project idea, I highly suggest you post it on Pledge Cents.  But wait!  Don't sign up yet..... They have a pretty sweet referral program going on.  If you let me refer you, they will give you $10 toward your first project.  I'll also get $5 toward my current project for the referral.  Win win!  You get $10 toward your classroom and get to help support mine.  

If you are want the referral, e-mail me at teachruncreate@gmail.com with the subject line of PLEDGE CENTS.  I'll enter your e-mail with 24 hours and PledgeCents will send you the referral right away.   You can also leave your e-mail in the comments... but some people are weird about that.  Just make sure I get your e-mail, okkkkayyy? 

[Hey Pledge Cents!  Are you reading this?  If so, I think it would be WAY easier if you gave me a referral link.... I'm just sayin']

What classroom project ideas do you have?  My current project is for flexible seating!  I'm trying to get some standing desks for my school.  Leave a comment below with your ideas;  I'd love to hear them! 

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Donor's Choose Tips

I will admit it:  I'm obsessed with Donor's Choose!

I published my first project on September 5, 2011 during my first year of teaching.  It was funded on February 2, 2012 by complete strangers.  I still remember getting the e-mail in the middle of the day at school, the e-mail that said my project was funded.  With a smile on my face, I told my students about the project.  They didn't understand.  They did not understand how and why strangers would donate money to help them!  Overjoyed and speechless, my students learned a valuable lesson of gratitude this day.  Since that project, I have had 33 projects funded.  

My projects have been for a variety of items, including books, a camera, literacy centers, science experiment kits, school supplies, flexible seating options, website subscriptions (Flocabulary - if you don't have it, you need it) and more.  I'm forever grateful for Donor's Choose for helping me find donors to support my creative and innovating project ideas for my classroom.

Over the years, many people have asked for tips on how to get their projects funded quickly.  I've decided to share some of my top tips for you.  Before I start, please remember one thing:  don't give up.  I've had 33 projects funded, but I've also had a handful of projects go un-funded. It happens.  Don't let an unfunded project stop you from tying again.

Tip #1: Make your projects less than $500
I'm not saying your project won't get funded if it's over $500; many large projects get funded.  In my experience, I have simply found that smaller projects get funded more quickly.  You need to remember Donor's Choose will add on some fees to the total cost of your items.  You can expect about $50-$60 extra added to your projects.  If you have a large project, try splitting into smaller projects.  For example, instead of posting a project for multiple iPads - post a project for 1 iPad.  Instead of posting a project for new books, book bins, and reading strategy games for your new literacy center - try turning this huge project into 3 smaller projects.  Donor's will be less intimated by a smaller project.  The smaller your project is, the faster it will get funded.

Tip #2: Be REAL.
When you post your project, be honest about your school's needs.  Explain your students and their struggles.  Tell your story.  Don't hesitate on getting a picture posted.  If you have permission to post students pictures on internet, I would recommend snapping a new picture of your students.  {Donor's Choose also provides a form for you to send home to parents to get permission for their child to be on the site.} Donor's want to know exactly why YOU deserve and need their money.  They want to know where their money is going and impact it is going to make.  This is not a time to be modest.

Tip #3: PROMOTE your project
Listen people.  Your project is not just going to fund itself.   I teach in a high poverty area, so sending letters home about my project never seemed practical.  Many teachers have found success with this though.   I read a story once where a teacher sent home letters about the Donor's Choose project, and one mom got her company to 100% fund the entire project.  Post on your various social media accounts and tell people what you are doing.  Just like tip #2, be honest and real people about your project.  Share with your friends.  Post on Facebook.  Tweet it out.  You would be surprised how many of your friends will donate.  The small amounts will add up.

Tip #4: Search Partner Funding Opportunities
There are many opportunities for you to get 50% of your project funded through various companies.  I like to check out the Partner Funding site often to see if there are any new opportunities in Florida.  You can check them out HERE.  These opportunities usually have very specific criteria for types of items you can offer.  They will also give you some ideas of projects you could post if you're looking for some new ideas.

Tip #5: Don't give up.
Sometimes projects take time to get funded, sometimes they get funded overnight. Do not get frustrated.  Last week Donor's Choose surprised the entire community by hosting an event called #BestSchoolDay. They partnered with celebrities and large companies to fund projects all over the county.  Celebrities adopted various cities, states, or districts and 100% funded their projects.  This was completely unexpected.  You never know when a donor will come across your project and want to help out, so it's important you have your projects posted with good descriptions for them to read when they find you.

Tip #6:  Be genuine when you say thank-you
After a project is funded, Donor's Choose will require you to do some sort of thank-you package.  Before your materials are ordered, you will be required to verify your project online and write a short thank-you message to your donors.  Do not take this lightly.  Real people, you likely do not know, donated their hard earned money to YOU.   It is essential you take the time to thank them properly.  After your materials arrive, you will have a deadline for posting pictures and writing an impact letter online.  Donors who give over a certain amount have the option of requesting hand-written letters. Once again, take this seriously.  I have a couple donors who I have never met that continuously donate to my projects.  Once someone is donated to you, they will frequently get e-mails about your new projects.   You need (and should want) to make a good impression to prompt them to continue supporting you.

I hope you found this post useful and have some new ideas for getting your project funded quickly.  Please comment below if you use Donor's Choose and what types of items you have received funding for.  I love hearing other project ideas! 

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