Where to Find Free Teaching Resources for Your Classroom

Good afternoon!  This is Meghan from Vestal's 21st Century Classroom, and today I want to share information about one of the most important things to any teacher... how to get free teaching resources for your classroom!  According to researchers, the average teacher spends between $500-$600 out of pocket each school year.  Personally, I have always thought this number seemed a little low, but either way, that's a lot of money!  In recent years, more sites and stores have begun offering free teaching materials and supplies.  You just have to know where to go and what to ask for.  Here is a list I have compiled of some of the best places to find free resources for your classroom:

Donors Choose

Donors Choose is one of my absolute favorite teacher sites and has been a huge blessing to my classroom!  This site operates as a crowdfunding site for teachers.  Post a project, and anyone who logs in to the site can donate money to it.  The nice thing is that donors can choose how much they want to give to the project.  It can be as little as $5 or more than $1,000.  I have been given games, books, basic supplies, and even a whiteboard through Donors Choose.  

DonorsChoose is also backed by several reputable sources, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal.  Keep in mind that if you use DonorsChoose, it does require some work.  In addition to writing the initial project summary, you also have to send your donors pictures and thank you notes from the students.

Adopt a Classroom

With Adopt a Classroom, donors can adopt a classroom for a year or make a one-time gift.  If they choose to adopt a classroom for a year, the donors agree to give a set amount of money to the classroom each month.  The nice thing about Adopt a Classroom is that you do not have to keep posting new projects, like with Donors Choose.  Rather, you can put the monthly donations toward whatever supplies you need that month.  The downside to Adopt a Classroom is that it is not as well-known as Donors Choose.  Since fewer people are aware of it, I have found it more challenging to gain support.

From One Hand to Another

I just learned about From One Hand to Another and am very excited about it because it primarily benefits Virginia classrooms!  From One Hand to Another was founded in 2008 by music superstar and Virginia native, Pharell Williams.  

Each year, From Hand to Another hosts a huge back-to-school donation program.  If you need classroom supplies, be sure to reach out to the organization soon to see if you can participate.  Also, if you register on the From One Hand to Another website, elementary and middle school classrooms can gain access to free content and lessons.  Finally, if you live in the Virginia Beach area, be sure to look into the From One Hand to Another summer camp.  Each summer, more than 500 students are treated to this free camp.

Write a Letter

Over the years, one thing I have learned is that communities want to help students and schools.  Sometimes you just have to be willing to ask for help.  I have received classroom donations from McDonald's, local bookstores, doctor offices, markets, Amazon, and movie theaters.  To do this, I just draft a simple letter that explains what my students need and how the donation will benefit my students.  The important part of writing donation letters is to deliver the letter in person and ask to speak to a manager.  This option does take some time, but it also gets the community involved in your classroom.

TPT

Teachers Pay Teachers should be saved in every teacher's "favorites" folder.  While most products on Teachers Pay Teachers are paid resources, there are also thousands of free lesson plans and teaching activities.  Sellers post free teaching resources to generate interest in their stores.  So, if you download a free lesson plan or activity, be sure to follow the seller's store and/or leave feedback.

Here are some of the free resources you can find in my TpT store, Vestal's 21st Century Classroom:

          

Finally, if you are looking for free teaching resources and ideas, be sure to sign up for my newsletter! When you sign up for my newsletter, you will also be able to download my Free Ultimate Guide on How to Effectively Use Technology to Teach.

I hope you have discovered some new ways to find free teaching activities and tools for your classroom this school year.  If you know of any places or sites (that are not listed here) that offer free teacher resources, be sure to leave a comment.