by Wes R / November 15, 2024
As a teacher, I work hard to keep our classroom stocked with high-quality materials while staying on budget. To achieve this, I practice budgequette—a combination of budget and etiquette—which means making thoughtful, cost-effective choices and encouraging responsible use of resources. This approach not only saves money but also teaches my students valuable life skills.
In practice, budgequette helps us stretch our budget without sacrificing quality. For example, I avoid expensive sites like Blick (in most cases) for most of our art supplies. Instead, I find quality, affordable alternatives on Amazon, such as the Outus 300 Sheets 3 Sizes Watercolor Paper Bulk 140lb/300gsm, which is ideal for our painting projects, and the Neenah White Index Paper, Mediumweight, 300 Sheets, 199 gsm, which works perfectly for drawing and crafting. These choices allow students to work with great materials while keeping our expenses low.
But budgequette isn’t just about buying smart; it’s about how we use what we have. I teach my students to use materials respectfully, as this helps us preserve resources for current and future students. Small actions like cleaning tools, organizing supplies, and taking only what’s needed go a long way. It’s part of a responsible and sustainable approach to budgeting and supplies.
One way we bring budgequette to life is through our student-led recycling center for cardboard, which we started for our district. Students collect, clean, and prep cardboard to support not only our art projects but also STEAM and tech ed classrooms. Every student has a job: some remove tape, others carefully break down boxes to maximize usable material, some cut cardboard with extra blades, and others organize the pieces by size. This setup turns recycling into a valuable resource and offers endless crafting possibilities.
Encouraging recycling in the classroom gives more students the opportunity to explore different materials without added costs, and it teaches them creativity and conservation. This effort, combined with our responsible use of resources, has helped foster an environment where students understand that supplies are precious and should be used wisely.
As a former math teacher, I know that learning to save and plan ahead is as important as any academic skill. Budgequette teaches students to manage resources thoughtfully, a skill that will benefit them long after they leave school.
Strategic purchasing also plays a part. Amazon is a great source for budget-friendly classroom art supplies, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. By timing our orders with these sales, we maximize our budget while ensuring we have what we need throughout the school year.
Finally, if you work with school administration, budgequette includes giving them clear guidance. I recommend sharing an Amazon wish list with specific dates, like Black Friday week, for making purchases. This allows administrators to plan orders in advance, saving everyone time and stress.
By practicing budgequette, I not only keep our classroom stocked and organized but also give students essential skills in resourcefulness, respect, and budgeting that they’ll carry with them beyond school. Through careful planning and mindful use of supplies, we make sure each student has the tools to explore, create, and learn.
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