THINK ABOUT IT - RESOURCES FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

In response to the budget cuts and requests for suggestions to determine cost cutting measures, I submit the following.

First, I think the approach to learning could be more focused on re-useable resources. I have a stack of papers from the year, many of which will end up in the trash. It would help save paper, copying, pens, pencils, crayons, etc. (along with expense) to find another method for capturing the lessons - perhaps something akin to an etch-a-sketch or a Zen water painting board or an individual chalk board where the images can be created, then erased for the next assignment.

Second, art projects could be created in practice via the method above or something similar, then skills honed before creating a piece worth framing/keeping (thus limiting the body of works that come home). Children could be asked to contribute resources for artwork in order to inspire further creativity and to teach the lesson of re-using items and innovating... Expose them to the work of artists who create with found items ...

Third, perhaps every child could carry a lined spiral notebook or journal that would capture the "permanent" body of work for the year - thus parents would supply this and the writing instrument(s). This would reduce or eliminate a lot of the copying and paper expense.

And, exercise could be combined with reading/counting/reciting skills to stimulate activity on many levels. There are guides that could easily be employed such as fitness decks (i.e www.familyfitnesspath.com) DVD's that could be broadcast in the gymnasium.

This takes further thought to flesh-out a full program applicable for each grade level ... perhaps the students could be asked for cost-cutting ideas they might find.

At-home study habits remain key to the effectiveness of any education program ... perhaps families could relate the many ways they teach or reinforce studies during time away from the classroom.

I just look at the piles of paper/glue/pen/crayon/glitter/etc that sits in boxes for each year of school ... and I wonder how to manage the "stuff" ...

It would help to see a list of expenses in order to glean where there might be other opportunities to reduce spending. Priorities remain Teachers, Support & Maintenance Staff, Facilities, and the Books/Guides/Tools for teaching.

Thank you for considering this far. And, for the opportunity to voice an idea.