by Ernest Smartt

Created on: April 13, 2009

Supply lists have evolved over the past 50 years. There was a time when the list that was sent home to the parents was for the supplies the child would personally need and use. Most schools did have help for families who were financially unable to obtain those supplies. However, on that list you would also find the textbooks that the students needed. The parents had to buy textbooks, and then at the end of the year were able to sell them back for a little money.

The times have changed, and so have the lists. The list now includes Kleenex, and more crayons, and pencils, and paper of all kinds, and more. These are now placed in a cabinet for the use of the whole class rather than the student just using what he brought.

The costs have changed as well. It has become very difficult for some families to provide the supplies. It is also becoming impossible for the wonderful teachers to chip in and take care of the balance. However, with these changes there has also come a greater number of resources, and ways to get free or discounted supplies.

There are hundreds of "freebie" websites. However, you have to search through a large number of them in order to find the good ones. It can be frustrating. Teachers have the greatest access because it seems the burden is so often placed upon their shoulders.

Totally Free Supplies: There are some sites that are very helpful in getting bulk supplies for teachers and schools through donors and sponsors. These sites offer both teacher supplies and student supplies. One such site is www.iloveschools.com/faq/how-it-works.html. At this site the teacher needs are matched with donors and supplies are made available. It is a needs "matched to resources" process that allows the website owners to seek out sponsors and donors for specific needs. Another good site for this is www.iloveschools.com/faq/how-it-works.html. While the process for this resource might be a little slow, it will likely help meet the needs of the teachers, and ease their burden.

Large Supply Discounts: Here is a resource that will greatly ease the current hardship that our teachers and parents are having to endure. Sites that offer large discounts are already a good thing because they make some things affordable that might otherwise be impossible to have in the normal classroom. You will find low prices on these sites, http://www.smilemakers.com/Smilemakers/assets/html/s _teacher.asp?refcode=E699KG3&source=googschool&gclid=CKaktvO27JkCFeZL5QodqXa3RA and www.discountschoolsupply.com/community/welcome.aspx? welcomeid=337&es=5796400000G&CMP=KNC-Google&s_kwcid=classroom%20supplies|2624676743&gclid=CKf9o9i17JkCFYZM5Qodo0qbSA

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