Hey everyone,
It's been a while since my last post. I've been overloaded with last minute screenings/evaluations. However, I want to post today about being a thrifty SLP. (I think that really should be the name of my blog..TheThriftySLP).Today I will share with you some insight into one of my favorite places........................: GOODWILL.
According to their website:
"Goodwill Industries International's mission is to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work."
This mission is a noble one indeed. One, that I value considerably due to the current economic state of our country and the socio-economic status of the majority of my students. Many of the students at my school come from families who are unable to purchase clothing (of any type be it new or used) and school supplies. They also get very little contact time with their parents as they are working overtime in the hopes of making ends meet. This is a very disheartening and eye-opening state for me to be in as someone who is in the "privileged" middle-class family.
Anyways, I like what Goodwill stands for: OPPORTUNITY. Shopping there has such a dual purpose unlike larger chain stores that shall remain nameless. Plus, I've gotten tons of great stuff at a great price for therapy in the course of a year. The EC program facilitator's jaw dropped when she learned that I had gathered a room full of materials in just one year thanks to goodwill shopping (among a few other stores, but most of it is from goodwill).
Some of the highlights: games for .99-2.99
toys for .69-3.00 (including Melissa & Doug)
puzzles (both wooden & cardboardish kind) for .69-2.00
books (scholastic- like new, golden books, etc) for .75-2.00
stuffed animals/puppets for animated literacy .99-3.00
storage containers for .69-3.00
My favorite finds:
Laura Numeroff books (http://www.amazon.com/You-Give-Mouse-Cookie-Give/dp/0060245867) for .80 cents with my mom's discount card.
Picture dictionaries/encyclopedias- my kids love to look at animals and talk about them
"Sammy" Snake puppet which I use for beginning /s/ articulation drills with my younger students
Namits Junior game which is awesome for categories (http://travelwithkids.about.com/b/2006/11/01/namits-car-travel-game.htm)
Melissa & Doug dress-up set which is popular with the girls. It's great for naming & language expansion for lower level students
Pop-up pirate- hands down a favorite in my room. It's a great way to trick the kids into cooperating with artic. drills for swords.
What good buys have YOU found at a thrift store?
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