Things I Wish I Had Known About Acquiring Learning Resources
In my first five years of teaching I was put in classrooms with empty shelves. Very few or no resources available.
Sound familiar? Here are some things I have learned since then.
1. Make your case with administration. This can be difficult when you are new but it’s critical that some of the school budget is allocated to your students and your classroom. Be clear and concise about your needs. Advocacy is a critical part of teaching. Start early!
2. Look for helpful colleagues and build relationships. There may be a room or cupboard where shared items are kept such as levelled books, math manipulatives, or science equipment. Ask staff how they use the resources. They may have had PD from publishers.
3. ETFO has many free online resources. Log into the ETFO member site and look for classroom resources and diversity resources.
4. Attend ETFO workshops. Your ETFO local may host presentations sponsored by the provincial office. These workshops are excellent places to ask questions and get advice from other teachers, including advice on getting resources for your classroom. Currently there are workshops on being an occasional teacher, classroom management, English Language Learners, Early Years and more.
5. Apply to attend a conference. Many locals have an Education Improvement Program and will help you cover costs. Conferences help us connect with like minded teachers in areas of interest like Outdoor Education, Reading, Math, Science, Physical Education, the Arts, etc. They can be reenergizing and full of resources.
6. Talk to the teacher representative on the School/Community Council. Your SCC may have a history of fundraising and purchasing resources or sponsoring guest educators such as artists or scientists.
7. The government of Canada has lesson plans in several areas. I have used resources from Health Canada, Veteran’s Affairs, Elections Canada and the Canadian Space Agency.
8. Your school board may have a centralized collection of resources. In my area we can order sets of books on various topics as well as puzzles, technology, specialized sensory equipment, science kits and so much more. It’s really worth the time to browse this collection or ask your colleagues for recommendations.
9. Curriculum facilitators are especially helpful and can direct you in all subject areas and Indigenous Education. Reach out to them early on and ask, ask, ask!
10. You are the most valuable resource so set the boundaries you need to stay healthy.
What have I missed? Please add your ideas in the comments!
Brenda
