This week we were challenged to create an art room supply budget for an entire academic year, with the choice of either a K-5 classroom or a 9-12 classroom. The K-5 class was given a budget of $2,500 and the 9-12 class was given a budget of $5,000. I decided to have a K-5 classroom, and taking into factor the amount of students I would have, about 450, as well as the limited budget amount, it was challenging to say the least. This activity provoked me to think about ways I could possibly stretch out an art budget to the best of my abilities.
1) Use recyclable materials: This one I actually learned from my cooperating teacher during my Practicum experience! For example, the students at my Practicum placement recently completed a unit where they created African masks by using microwave meal trays. My cooperating teacher acquired this uncommon material from her neighbors, which then leads to my next idea for stretching a budget...
2) MAKE CONNECTIONS!: By making connections with art education colleagues, coworkers, and with the community, it can give you opportunities to acquire materials at a reduced price or even for free.
3) Garage Sales: Many of the materials that my cooperating teacher has accumulated throughout the years have come garage and/or yard sales
4) Apply for grants: Applying for grants can help stretch your budget by earning "free money," for lack of a better term, in order to acquire much needed supplies of even equipment so you have more variety of mediums present in your classroom
5) Shop during sales: While online shopping for the supplies needed for my classroom, I took advantage of Cyber Monday deals and it cut off a huge portion of the cost of materials I ordered (granted, it depends on which vendor you shop from)
6) Purchase materials from several vendors: Don't just choose one vendor when purchasing materials. One vendor my have a better deal than the next vendor!
7) Shop in the Clearance Rack: This is pretty self-explanatory, and while you might run the risk of purchasing a product that will soon be discontinued, it can temporarily help you out if you are under a tight budget by purchasing items 70% off or even better
8) Look for Alternatives when Creating Art: Its okay to look for alternative mediums to achieve a similar looking finished product. For example, if your budget doesn't allow for a kiln or clay, use air dry clay or paper mache
8) Look for Alternatives when Creating Art: Its okay to look for alternative mediums to achieve a similar looking finished product. For example, if your budget doesn't allow for a kiln or clay, use air dry clay or paper mache
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