As classroom teachers, we’re used to working with small budgets. That’s why we get so excited when we receive community grant money, an opportunity to put together an Amazon wishlist, PTO wishlist items, or general spending money from the school each year! But with these small budgets comes the daunting task of making every dollar count through smart classroom purchases. How do we stretch our resources to create a vibrant and effective learning environment without breaking the bank?

The key lies in making smart purchasing decisions. It’s about strategically planning our purchases to ensure we’re not just adding items to our classrooms (I’m looking at you, Target Dollar Spot!) but enhancing the educational journey for our students. I’ve compiled some of my favorite ways to invest your classroom funds, ensuring that each purchase not only fills a need but helps to transform your classroom into a hub of learning and creativity. 

Here are my favorite smart classroom purchases that maximize the impact of every cent you have to spend! Many of the links throughout this post are affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you click and buy.

Books

It will likely come as no surprise that books are one of my top recommendations for your classroom. Whether you’re looking for picture books to use as mentor texts (my favorite), morning meeting books to read aloud, or sets of chapter books for novel study, books are always a wise investment!

• I’ve shared several themed book lists here on the blog to help you make great choices.
• There are also several Professional books (Amazon affiliate link) that I love and recommend. 

To help you find appropriate and enriching books more easily, I created a PDF with the best upper elementary books and free printable bookmarks!

Math Manipulatives

Even upper elementary students benefit from a variety of learning tools and visuals. Math manipulatives are a great way to engage students in practicing math skills. The BEST part is that a lot of these math manipulatives can be used for more than one skill, so your classroom purchases stretch a lot further!

• Visit this Must-Have Math Manipulatives post for a closer look at my favorite math tools.
• For easy reference, you can browse all of my favorite math manipulatives on Amazon (affiliate link),
• Math enrichment and extension resources (Amazon affiliate link)

Classroom Decor

I dislike adding “stuff” just to fill up my space. However, I do love to make my classroom feel like a home away from home, so I’ve intentionally added warm lighting and other unique decor items to my classroom. It makes it exciting for me AND my students every day! Here are some thoughtful choices for meaningful classroom decor to create a warm and welcoming environment. (Amazon affiliate links)

• This blog post shares my thoughts on PRACTICAL classroom decor (the necessities!) 
• Light-up Word Clock : My students are OBSESSED with this. Every person that comes in comments on it!
• Raining Nightlight : I was a little hesitant to get this, but it has been one of the best additions! It’s so soothing, and I love turning it on every morning. We live in a very dry climate, so I do have to refill the water every week, but it takes about 15 seconds.
• Wood person desk lamp: He’s the cutest. We even gave him a name at the beginning of the year!
• Jellyfish tank: How did I ever live without my jellyfish classroom pet!? Their names are Chloe, Sophia, Sam, and Marcus, and not a day passes by that a student doesn’t stop to say “hello” to them on their way in or out of class.  

SEL

In today’s ever-changing education landscape, fostering Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. As a Responsive Classroom believer, I strongly believe that the academics I teach are equally as important as the social and emotional skills they learn every day. These tools can help students be more mindful and regulated.

• Calm strips
• Moving Mountains book companions to use with SEL picture books (Amazon affiliate link)

Teacher Tools

No one likes wasted time in the classroom, and these teacher tools help your classroom run even more efficiently.

• Pencil sharpener (Amazon affiliate link)
• Visual timer (Amazon affiliate link)
• Rainbow digital clock (Amazon affiliate link) 
• Classroom chime (Amazon affiliate link)

Organization

I’ve worked in various classrooms and schools, and the resources, storage, and space available differ greatly! Sometimes, you need a good teacher organization hack to help you make the most of small spaces or a lack of supplies.

• Visit these blog posts to learn about organizing student work, student supplies, and general organization tips.
• Browse this Amazon affiliate list for more organization details.

Flexible Seating

I’ve shared this post and this post about flexible seating in our classroom. Because the flexible seating concept isn’t new, you’re probably familiar with different options. This Amazon idea list has my practical flexible seating items. Here are some of my favorite buys.

• Rug 
• Pillows or floor cushions
• Lakeshore Flex Chairs
• Wobble stools (Amazon affiliate link)  
• Chair bands (Amazon affiliate link)  

More Smart Classroom Buys

Here are a few more items to round out your classroom purchases.

• Indoor recess items (board games, puzzles)
• Art consumables (cardstock, paint, clay, markers, google eyes, etc.)
• Science and STEM supplies
• Subscriptions (The Week Jr., Scholastic News, WordMasters, Padlet, etc.)
• Story cubes 
• Buzzers
• Visit my Amazon storefront here for more classroom shopping lists!

Join our FREE Facebook Group

This post in our Free Inspired in Upper Elementary Facebook group has more suggestions for how to spend your classroom budget. Join us to be part of the conversation!