3 Ways To Use Target Teacher Dollar Spot Purchases

Target attracts attention. Their brand is recognizable. The quality of their merchandise is impressive. Their style is unique...and their Dollar Spot section is addicting. LET'S FACE IT, we all have seen someone post a picture of their haul and immediately lust for new items to add to our ever-growing "stash." You may even start hallucinating in red and white.

Target's Dollar Spot Has Many Options for Teachers

Many times I don't even have a purpose for my Dollar Spot deals...but "I will find one," I constantly would tell myself. After cleaning my garage this summer, I knew my old habits of buying things because they're good deals HAD TO STOP! (If not, I wouldn't be able to hit Starbucks or Sonic!) I had a lot of great stuff but I did not USE it. Luckily, I replaced my mindset...not because I wanted to, but because I HAD TO! I was pregnant with my daughter and our budget got tighter than ever! 

Now, when I check out that alluring Dollar Spot, I ask myself a few simple, but important questions:

• Do I need it? (Most of the times, the answer is no. Skip to next question.)
• Do I want it? (Umm...YES!)
• Can I use it? (I will find something to do with it.)
• How can I use it? (Um...like I said, I will find something to do with it!)

Now, if I can think of a way to incorporate a Dollar Spot product in my classroom or home office, I place it gently in my cart, look over it, and purchase it! BAM! My thinking changed; my purchasing habits changed; and fun, new ways of using their colorful products came to my mind! 

Here are some simple things you can do with the basic essentials you find in the dollar spot. 

Small toys and erasers instantly can become:

1. Motivational Rewards or Prizes

When a student is rocking their work or stretching their mindset positively, offer them a bonus incentive. This is a small, but simple token that immediately acknowledges the student's efforts. You could offer random incentives, to keep your students always working since they never know when the rewards jar comes out. I call mine the, "Star Jar." Altogether, ooooooooooh!

2. Math Manipulatives

Instead of your overly-loved linking cubing or bear counters, use small toys and erasers as counters. You can use them for a Roll and Cover center and have the students stack up the matching numbers of erasers making towers.

Typically, the quantity of the packs of erasers range from 8 (big and fancy, like the spiders) to 50 (smaller erasers). Think about what type of counting you want to do, or how many students will be using them at one time, and load up your cart. They work perfectly in ten frames too. PUT THOSE RED & YELLOW COUNTERS AWAY! ;-) These seasonal counters can be stored in a tool or craft box with individual compartments. I know, I wish Target would switch their stock already too! Need. More. Erasers.

3. Math Centers 

I have a few standard sets of number cards (following this grouping of cards: 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 0-10, 0-20---this way I can pull the sets I need depending on what numbers I am teaching and what numbers the students can recognize.) I use these number cards and pair them with the counters. This INSTANTLY becomes a math center. 

MATCHING CENTER (See Spider Photos)

- Students draw a number card.
- Students count out the correct number of erasers to match.
- A partner can check their work and/or partners can take turns.

ROLL AND COUNT CENTER (See Red Dice Photos)

- Students roll a dice.

- Students count the numbers of pips.

- Students count out the number of erasers to match.

Shopping at the Target Dollar Spot has become more of a treasure hunt since I have been applying this new mindset to my shopping adventures. Not only am I saving money, but I am being more intentional in creating ways for my students to use the products. In my area, my students do not shop at Target, so this is even more special for them to be able to use these items.

I hope this post inspired you to USE your Target Dollar Spot purchases in your classroom, and if you want to use my set of roll and cover games you can find them in my TpT store!

P.S. After I gave birth to my daughter, I took her straight to the Target Dollar Spot. That's her in the photo above. I mean, I've gotta raise her right! (Plus, I needed some exercise after sitting in a hospital bed for two days!)

So, go ahead and love on your local Target!

What are some other ways you have incorporated one dollar erasers in your classroom?