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Back to School with Target Dollar Spot




The 4th of July has come and gone which means it's game-on for Back-to-School sales at most big box stores, ahem, Target mainly.


Although I've only been on summer vacation for a couple of weeks, I've already planned my classroom theme (Farmhouse) and bought a plethora of items whenever I see good deals. This past week, I went to my local Target and they had NOTHING in the Dollar Spot for back to school yet. I was so sad that I drove later that night to a different location and hit the jackpot! Then, yesterday morning, I went to a third location and ended up getting almost everything that I needed wanted. 

 I mean, when you have a shopping buddy like this, it's so much fun! 


Thanks to the wonderful world of Instagram, us teachers post good deals and amazing products so the search game is always on in full force. Anytime I've done the IG scroll the past 48 hours, I'm seeing more and more merchandise and it makes me want to stop in my tracks and go to Target! Thankfully my husband is super supportive and knows how much I love my job. He has told me repeatedly over the past day or so that he has no problems with my Target Dollar Spot runs.  He even supported my emergency run to Hobby Lobby today (more on that later this week!).  


 So, I know not all stores have their Back to School stuff out yet. I'm in Buffalo and school literally just got out a couple of weeks ago. We actually don't even start until after Labor Day, but I plan on being in my classroom the second my principal tells us our rooms are ready! What I've learned over the past couple of days is be patient -- and if you aren't patient, then just drive to another store! It has worked in my favor, TWICE! 

 I'm a 4th grade teacher so a ton of the Dollar Spot stuff just doesn't pertain to my grade level. But on the other hand, so much DOES work that I'm just so excited! Here's a highlight of the deals I snagged this week! 

I mean, jackpot!!!



Gradebook, $3
Our school uses an electronic portal for grades but I like to have a hard copy. I'm also still living in the 1990s and can't always rely on all of the fancy technology. I bought a similar one last year from the Target Dollar Spot and it held up the entire year without any issues! 

Reading Corner Pillows, $5 each
Although they don't match my Farmhouse theme, I wanted to make my reading area more cozy this upcoming school year. There were a few other choices available (one is in the shape of a pencil), but I went with these two.
Motivational Words, $3 each
I absolutely LOVE these. I was able to get 'dream', 'explore', and 'create'.  I'm still on a mission for the teal 'learn' one. They also have one that says grade and one that says coffee. I sorta want to paint over them with white paint since that would be more "farmhouse"-ish, but I haven't decided yet.
Wooden Clip Spool, $3
Showcasing student work is so important to me. In fact, during my end of the year evaluation with my principal, I was commended on how I display student work and showcase their learning in the classroom and the hallway. These wooden clips will be perfect for hanging student work either outside our classroom in the hallway or in the classroom. I don't know about you, but when a student gets so excited and says "hey, that's my paper!", my soul smiles. 
Four Pack of Sand Timers, $3
Transitions and wait times are two huge issues I had this past year. Too much time lost waiting for students to get ready for the next class. These times are great because they are in different intervals. I can already see myself using these for when I do review games with the kiddos or when I have them team up with a buddy for an activity. These timers come in increments of 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes. 
10-pack Thank You Cards, $1 each
As teachers, we are given a lot of love by students, parents, and administration. I always like to keep a variety of gift cards in my desk for those unexpected, but oh-so-greatly appreciated gifts. I'm actually rather OCD about thank you notes and usually give to the students before they leave at the end of that same day. 

 So, what goodies have YOU found at Target's Dollar Spot?

Lauren

Disclaimer: This post isn't sponsored by Target. I'm just a teacher who has fallen in love with the Dollar Spot and doesn't mind weekly trips to the store to check for more new merchandise! 

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