It’s been a month since preschool got out for me and I am in FULL prep mode for next year. Every year I give myself $100 a year to buy new preschool materials for my classroom and this year I am hosting a $100 Amazon Gift Card giveaway for one of my readers to do the same. You have to see what I got on Amazon with my $100 ( well actually $96.89). I am excited to add these materials to my classroom in September. When I pack up my class at the end of the year I note which learning areas of my classroom need more items and over the summer try to find the right preschool materials for my class. Let me share these fantastic new materials for early childhood education classrooms.
Don’t forget to enter the sweepstakes for $100 Amazon Gift Card so you can get new stuff for your classroom too. The details are below.
This post contains affiliate links. I may get small commissions from purchases made through these links.
Animal X-Ray for The Light Table – Preschool Science Materials
These are the perfect addition to my science area as well as a new activity for my light table. If you don’t have a light table for your classroom I can’t rave enough about mine. You can find it here. These animal X-rays are rad because they will work for so many different themes, are small enough for little hands to manipulate, and the matching picture allows children to make the connection between the skeleton and the animal.
Symmetry Mirrors – Preschool Math and Science Materials
This mirror set is such a fun find, and I am excited to see how my students use this in the fall. This symmetry mirror set allows children to explore reflection, symmetry and look at items from new angles. The set is lightweight foam and the mirrors are safe for toddlers and preschoolers. The set comes with foam shapes and shape cards which I think would be fun to use with older students, but I’ll just let my 3-year-olds explore with the shapes without worrying about replicating anything quite yet.
I also plan to use the set to explore natural items in our science center, and I like how you can view things like shells from different angles to get a new perspective.
Buy your own and learn more about it here.
Multicultural Food – Preschool Pretend Play Toys
My pretend play kitchen area is one learning area that needs beefing up this year. My students loved this part of our classroom, and I wanted to give them more options without changing too much. I found this multicultural food set, and it’s perfect because it reflects the food my students eat at home and in our community. My only complaint about this set is that I wish it had even more foods in it.
Cupcake Shapes – Math Materials for Preschool
These colorful cupcakes aren’t just to pretend bake with, although that’s what I bought them for, they are actually a shape sorting math manipulative.
See how they fit together and then sit in the cupcake tin?
I love finding materials for my classroom that I can use in multiple ways, and these cupcakes fit the bill.
Japanese Egg Molds – Playdough Tools for Preschool
These hardboiled egg molds are some of my favorite playdough tools for my classroom. They make rad playdough shapes and help to develop essential skills at a very low cost.
Find all kinds of cool ones here.
Need more ideas for preschool materials?
Need more ideas for excellent preschool materials? Check out my list of the best toys for preschool here.
Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
- To enter you must leave one comment on this post saying what preschool materials you would buy for your classroom with your $100 Amazon Gift Card
Official Rules
These sweepstakes are open to American residents 18 years or older. To be eligible for the sweepstakes you must leave a comment on this post saying what you would buy for your classroom with $100. 1 winner will be drawn at random after the sweepstakes close on Monday, July 29th, 2019 8:00 pm PST. The winners will receive an Amazon gift card valued at $100. No purchase necessary. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Any information gathered through the sweepstakes including email and postal addresses will not be used in any way other than contacting winners and shipment of winnings. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Kandi Howell says
I have so many items on my Amazon wishlist that I would love to be able to purchase! Some definites would be flourescent light covers, wobble seats, and positive behavior support items!
Tara Kidd says
I would buy more science center materials. I am in need!!
Cathy says
I would purchase more books for my classroom. My students love to read at the end of the day@
Mary Lou Edmund says
I’d like to get some new music, themed books, and some items to spice up our dramatic play center.
Danita says
I’m loving the symmetry mirror!
I would definitely by more science and some more dramatic play items. Prek loves dramatic play.
Ms. Lizzi says
I work in a private school for children diagnosed with ASD, and I love it! I’m the early intervention preschool teacher so my class room has mixed ages my children range from 2 to 5 years old. I would LOVE to expand the art and science areas. We used finger painting to get past some sensory issues and I need more
I would love to have some science materials right now they are fighting over the binoculars and magnetic wand. I have a magnet kit on my wishlist. And the adaptive mini scissors! They are a godsend! I have 1 pair, but they are $8 each so another pair on my list for this year. 4 more years and I’ll have a set! oh! And books! They love stories but I would like more I could incorporate into the themes. There is so much I want to do with these amazing little mixed up and misunderstood children! Early intervention makes such difference in the quality of their lives. It’s breathtaking to see a frustrated non-verbal child be able to have the independence and power to ask for something they want or need, without the frustration of someone not understanding them.
Janet says
The multicultural food!
Nancy Warren says
I have to many items on my wish list to mention them all but I would absolutely buy some new puzzles for when my 2 yr olds are older and need to be challenged. I also want blossom builders for my flower unit and I love the shape cupcakes you had in your post, so they are now on my list as well as the symmetry mirrors!!
Jennifer mcfarland says
Oh my…lots! But I definitely would love to get any lite up table items and the table itself!
Sarah says
I would get the symetry Morrors!
Melinda says
I would definitely buy some books listed here, Velcro dots, Bluetooth speaker!!
Amber Duvall says
With $100, I would purchase many items to incorporate diversity in my classroom. I have a class of 12, with students from all around the world. I would love to be able to purchase various items, and allow each student to teach us about that particular item!
Sara Maria Vivanco says
I’ve opened a learning center for kids with special needs and learning difficulties in Peruvian Amazon, and I get a lot of kiddos with speech delay. I’d love to buy quality toys and materials that catch their interest and assist me in teaching them to talk.
Tifani says
I would be items to organize my room. I cannot stand visual clutter and my new classroom lacks the large closets that my old school had. I need to find creative storage solutions for all the supplies/toys that are not in use at that moment.
Melissa says
Creative storage solutions would be ideal for our classroom too!
Sarah says
Oh man I would love a few more books and more materials for sensory bins.
Trisha Cooper says
Thanks for this! I would definitely but more books, I love the symmetry mirrors, I need more things for the science center, and it would be great to add something for the dramatic play center.
Katie says
I would use it to by more science and hands on manipulatives! Love the egg molds! The cupcakes are on my list too!
Alexandria Humphries says
Thank you for hosting such a generous giveaway! I would probably purchase math counters, letter cookies, and play food.
Dennisse says
I would purchase a light box and definitely the X-ray animal cards. Plus more books.
Julie says
I would love to add mirror blocks to my block area, as well as another hollow block set. I love blocks and how so much learning can take place with them!! As I receive more children of different cultures into our mid-city location, I’m loving that multicultural food set, too.
Karri says
I would love to buy multicultural food as well as new playdough tools for the children to explore. I would also look at new sensory tools to support the children in my classroom to self regulate behavior.
Cheryl P. says
I really would like to get the alphabet playdoh stampers. I enjoy adding new and unusual items to playful or slime.
Melissa says
With $100, I would purchase hands on science materials for my science center, Multicultural people and food for the block and kitchen centers, and those symmetry mirrors and cupcake shapes for math/science.
Evelyn says
The kiddos would love the animal xrays!
Krystal says
I would use the gift card for new ABC center and math center items.
Kari DesLauriers says
What a great chance to support us Preschool teachers who need to get creative to find materials for our classrooms and spend so much of our own money to support learning needs of our students! Thank you for offering this!
If I received $100 to spend on Amazon I would purchase fidgets and other tools to support social emotional skills, manga tiles, dot painters, counters & sorters, and BOOKS for our library.
Maureen A says
I am inspired by the symmetry mirrors!!! And…I would love some more diverse picture books!
Maureen
Roxanne Cyrankowski says
My group has been thrilled with my new light table! I would love to purchase items to extend their learning. Your post of animal xrays really caught my attention! I’m sure I could find some other amazing items as well 🙂
Krystal Barendse says
I would get some nature/natural themed materials! I really want my classroom to have as much nature, wooden and outdoor items this coming year. I also would like more STEM materials.
Randi K. says
I would buy some items for a wood working area. So, safety glasses, hand drill, clamps, kids hammers.
Marci says
With $100 I’d be able to purchase tanagrams and other shape /math manipulatives. Also, lots of hands on alternatives to worksheets, like alphabet stamps and alphabet building blocks/sticks. Oh, and sensory support items!
Vicki says
I have so much on my amazon wish list but those symmetry mirrors are another that I definitely need to add!
Renee Turmel says
I would use the 100$ for new materials for my science center like real lab tools. I love literacy, so great new engaging books, and some with STEAM ideas would be fun! Thanks for all the inspiration you bring!
Tena Nestler says
My class size is growing next year to be a blended inclusion prekindergarten instead of a self-contained Early Childhood Special Ed classroom so I would likely spend the $ buying materials from my wishlist. I do like some of the items on this page, the mirrors and animal x-rays especially.
Jamie says
I would use the gift card for science materials and water table toys. Thank you for this opportunity! 🙂
Mary says
Books! I teach immersive French and am always looking for materials that aren’t just translations of American children’s books. Amazon has lots of international options!
Laura says
I would use the Amazon card to purchase a new barn and animal set and books! Thank you for this opportunity
Collette says
There are a few things that have been sitting in my Amazon cart for a few years. Insects in acrylic clear boxes, a squirrel game, a few books, are just a few I can think of off the top of my head.
Julie says
I love the animal x-rays and the symmetry mirror! I also could stand to beef up my kitchen food with some multicultural items. I have been thinking about purchasing some new building toys for my 3’s classroom.
Heather says
Sensory materials!!
Kayla says
I would use the $100 to expand my science and discovery center. I’ve been looking at bugs in acrylic, sensory tubes, prisms, life cycle models for a while.
Barb says
I would use the gift card for ABC magnetic letters and fidget toys for my young learners.
C says
If I were to receive this, I would use the $100 gift card for my science center. It is lacking in a lot of areas. I’m a 2nd year teacher, not sure what happened to the previous center, or if there was one created to begin with, but this is what I do with it.
Joan says
I love the animal xrays and the mirror! I would get those two for sure. Also more science materials- like the insects in acrylic cubes, and magnifying glasses.
Terry says
I am in love with the little mirrors that you show! I would also purchase items for my Science area, anything to extend the outside classroom is for me.
katie says
Oh how I love thee!
I would be giddy with an Amazon gift card for my classroom!
Science, diversity, manipulatives, oh my!
Jennifer says
I would love to have a light table and colorful, translucent manipulative for my students to use this year!
Lynda Davis says
I would use the $100 to purchase Melissa & Doug faux leather kids’ furniture for my book area.
Jamie Van Cleave says
Oh my gosh….I am finally getting back to the preschool classroom after being in a toddler room for two years. I am also at a new school so if I were to win the giveaway I would go crazy for some new items. I absolutely loved the symmetry mirrors! I’d like to get a light table for my classroom and would love the xrays you posted.
Melanie Francis says
I love the symmetry mirror! Thank you for sharing your ideas! I will add that to my list!
I would definitely purchase a few books for our library. One of my new favorites is:
Somebody Swallowed Stanley —-A great book to teach the importance of recycling, reusing, and keeping our earth clean for all the creatures, especially those in the sea!
I would love to purchase more gross motor items for our classes as well; our staff would love a set of foam disk frisbees, balance stepping stones, etc. Engaging the body is just as important as engaging the mind! 🙂 I appreciate you giving us the opportunity to possibly expand our classroom supplies! Thank you!
Lisa says
I would love to purchase small whiteboards that are magnetic, colorful storage bins, puzzles, and math and reading center items/games.
Deanna says
Animal X-ray and symmetry mirrors.
Barbara Byrd says
I would love to win this gift card! We have limited funds so this would be greatly appreciated! I would love to get some more STEM materials. We have a few but could really use a few more. I love this new concept of learning for our preschool children. Get them interested early!! Thanks for the chance at winning this gift card. So generous of you!
Teresa says
I would most definitely use my Amazon gift card to purchase more books, science items! I love the symmetry mirror too!
Amy Houpt says
I would purchase hands on science things for my active 3 year old class. I would love to help fuel curiosity and wonder about things related to science in my classroom. I know I need to upgrade my magnifying glasses but I am not sure what else, yet.
Jamie E. says
Love those symmetry mirrors! So many ideas for them already, so I might have to pick them up. I’d probably spend the rest on some new books and manipulatives to bring my new movement and music curriculum to life!
Rebekah Furgason says
With $100 I would buy a muddy buddy coverall for my son who loves to play outside in rain, mud, leaves, dirt,sand and rocks! I would also love to have an ant farm and live butterflies in our schoolroom!
Margie Grafton says
I would buy craft supplies!!!
Marcia says
I would love to get some books, and some science things, and magnetic things, and get puzzles. Also anything to do with counting (Math) things and letter things.
Gail says
Books, books, and more books! My preschoolers and I absolutely love books and we’d like to have more in our classroom library.
Bonnie Garcia says
I would love to be able to buy a light table for my classroom. The animal X-rays would work perfectly with the table. I love the symmetry mirror set too. Great for the brain!
Kendra C. says
I really want to amp up our dramatic play area. With the Amazon money I’d buy lots of Learning Resources New Sprouts Foods, costumes, and accessories!!
Stephanie says
I am going from teaching kindergarten to pre-school so there are lots of things I would love to get!! I love those shape cupcakes posted above and I would love more science materials!!
Kimberly Powell says
I would definitely be buying more activities for my science center. The little microscope would be my first purchase.
Debra says
I would love many of the things you listed! My Amazon wish list actually has a sushi set currently. We also are looking at new items for our light table – shapes that make letters are my number one! Also a wooden construction set with wheels so they can build cars and robots.
CAROLINE ELLIS says
I teach preschool STEM, and we would love to buy arctic animals to expand our arctic animal unit. We would also like to get each hole punches for our little hands.
Christine says
That mirror symmetry set would definitely be on my list. Items to use with our light table. More art supplies.
Cindy says
With $100 8 would finally get the light table I’ve been wanting! And those symmetry mirrors. And of course, more books.
Serena Colson says
I would buy child-size nylon knives and some sturdier stepstools! I work with a couple kiddos who are over the moon about cooking and can’t get enough of it. At home, they’re both picky eaters who subsist off of chicken nuggets and bread, but they’ll eat anything they get to help prepare: green salad, veggie soup, and more!
Cindy says
What a fun way to make a wish!
I really really want a vertical, self standing, double sided magnet board!
It’s been on my list for a while, but it’s so expensive I haven’t bought one.
Hopefully this year!!
Christina Lindblom says
Thank you for this giveaway! I would love to set up a cozier more inviting reading nook. And my book wishlist is always miles long! I loved the play dough egg molds and the symmetry mirror too!
Elizabeth says
Animal X-Ray would be a great addition to science activities. I would love to own them to further explore bones and sizes!
Elizabeth Udy says
The items you found are great and I am adding a few to my wish-list! With $100 I would get a few children’s books that look at growth mindset and social emotional development, I would buy supplies needed to make play-doh for the year, and since we will be diving into the study of sand I would buy some different types of sand and fun sand toys. I would also love some more musical instruments but $100 goes fast!
Elizabeth Hallan says
Love the symmetry mirrors! Totally something I would purchase. I would also buy more puzzles
Linda Scharnhorst says
I would love to get a set of tactile alphabet cards and magnetic tiles.
Cindy Castaneda says
I am a science center geek and the animal X-rays and symmetry mirrors are terrific! I also want to add books about inclusive families like “Red” by Michael Hall and “Gaston” by Kelly DiPucchio. And we sure could use a few hula hoops for outdoor play. Thanks for the opportunity!
Cindy Castaneda says
I am a science center geek and the animal X-rays and symmetry mirrors would be amazing! I would include books on inclusive families like “Gaston” by Kelly DiPucchio and “Red” by Michael Hall. And we sure could use some hula hoops for gross motor play. Thanks for the opportunity!
Nacelle Winrich says
I have a student with autism and would love to add manipulatives to the classroom for the child and the other classmates. I would also love to add more current audio books as another venue to learn to love books.
BOBBIE JON WILSON says
With the $100.00 gift card, I would buy wobble chairs, symetry mirrors, and lower case magnetic letters for my classroom.
Kim Farrar says
I would love to add more items to use with my light table. I already have bone x-rays. I think my kids would really enjoy placing manipulatives on top of the set of animals x-rays featured on your site. I would also like to add the “Learning Resources” Letters and Numbers (translucent). I have collected some things for my table (translucent buttons, shot glasses, spoons, jewels, etc.), but I would like to link use of the table with Science, Literacy, and Math curriculum.
I would also like to buy two boxes of “Crayon Rocks”. I have some, but would like to have more, readily available. The size of the crayon rocks helps the “tri-finger grip” to strengthen.
One hundred dollars goes pretty quickly. Given the $100, I would use it to buy these materials to enhance the learning and development in my room.
Anna says
I love all the ideas, but the symmetry mirrors, cupcake set and animal x-rays are going on my wish list right now. Thanks for such a great list.
Heidi says
Hmmm, as a newer teacher, there are many things I would like to add to my classroom. I would start with lots of science oriented items. Also, I am setting up centers this year and looking to fill in missing toys.
Nelida Samford says
I’d like to get a kitchen playset and rugs for our classroom.
Erika says
What an amazing opportunity! Ideally I would LOVE to get a light table and manipulatives to go with it. However I also would really like to add more books and dress up clothes that reflect the various cultures of my students.
Oriana says
I’m not a teacher, I’m just a mom with a preschool age daughter so not sure if I can enter, if not that’s ok.but just in case I can, id prob get her either STEAM toys or indoor energy burning toys or both! Think magnatiles or a swing or gonge hilltops,
Amanda B says
Wow! I could get so many great things! But I think they would love the mirrors and shape cupcakes as well as a couple wobble stools!!
Maureen Corwin says
I would purchase educational puzzles
Kaitlyn P says
I love all the ideas shared on this post! I really want to revamp some of my centers. My science center needs a lot of help! I would love to be able to order materials such as magnets and mirrors. I want to buy objects that allow children to explore their senses. I would also like to get a children’s microscope.
I would like to purchase more 3-d materials for our art center, such as modeling clay. I would also like to add some more items to our dramatic play center. It is so bare, and I want to buy the students a doll highchair, a shopping cart, or other toys to enhance their play!
I have so many ideas on how we could use $100 to strengthen our classroom environment. I believe it is an additional teacher for the students, and our classroom could use some new items. 🙂
Lori Lay says
I would purchase math materials. Specifically, a pan balance and counting items.
Shelly Pimper says
Children these days are missing out on basic developmental activities. If I were lucky enough to have $100 to spend I would spend it on materials that are fun to use but teach and help build needed skills as well. I would love to get stuff that will help the kids learn to button, tie, zip, and snap. Playdoh and materials to go with Playdoh. This will help the kids build fine motor strength. Play clothes so the kids can dress up and dream about saving the world, being a doctor, being a parent. Chalk for them to use to draw on the cement during recess.