We became SLPs for the money… hah! Finding the best resources and materials for our therapy rooms often comes out of our pockets. While we want the best for our clients, we also need to feed our families (or our dogs) each month. If this describes you, then this budget-friendly list of resources and tips for equipping your therapy rooms is for for you!
Super Duper
Let’s start with one of the giants in therapy materials, Super Duper. You know and love their red boxes of happiness. However, most of their materials are so pricey and funds in districts have been cut. So, how can you build up your library for less? I would suggest keeping an eye on sites like Zulily and the Facebook Marketplace. Zulily is a site that offers discounted products from various sites/companies. A few times a year, Super Duper products pop up on here for 40%+ off! Also, keep an eye out on Super Duper’s Deal of the Week for occasional deals.
Dry Erase
I love using dry erase to engage all of my clients from a group at once. They get more targets, are actively engaged, and we save paper and other resources. A few of my Dry Erase Must-Haves include:
Dry Erase Pockets – Worksheets, visual scenes, or just a blank piece of paper for open-ended activities can all fit in here. The ones pictured above have an elastic holder for the big expo markers as well. This group of 6 pockets is about $9 and is one of my most-used purchases. They will last you about 2+ years with frequent use.
Books are a huge part of my therapy but I’m pretty cheap when it comes to accumulating my library. Sure, I occasionally shell out $10 on a great book for my students. However, most of my library has been purchased for less than $1 per book. This is going to take some detective work and a few antibacterial wipes but it’s worth it. Purchase your books at a thrift store like Goodwill, Savers, Salvation Army or at garage sales. Most books are very gently used and in good shape. When I was working in Early Intervention I found board books and even gave them away to families – I could spare 50 cents for my kids to have at least one book in their home! While it’s a little crazy on the half-price days, this is another way to save even more. Most sale days are on Saturdays but I just hunker down by the books and go through them. Eric Carle, Usborne, Jan Brett, Old Lady, and so many more.
Games (and toys) can be used in therapy in many ways. From Blurt to Candyland, games are easily modified to fit therapy goals while also working on turn-taking and other life skills. But, as you may have guessed, I’m not about that full-price purchasing life. Most of the games I use in therapy have been purchased from thrift stores, garage sales, and from friends with kids who are getting too old for the games. The majority of my games have been purchased for less than $4 and their retail prices are up to $40! Again… this doesn’t include the price of antibacterial wipes/bleach baths to clean them.
Minis/Trinkets:
Toobs, minis, dinky doodads… these are all wonderful additions to your therapy room. You can use them in sensory bins, as visuals for books, describing activities, etc. At regular price, they can be a bit pricey for such tiny additions to your materials. While Dinky Doodads are likely going to be full price at all times, it’s much cheaper than finding the items on your own. Toobs/Good Luck Minis from Safari Ltd can be purchased for 40-50% off at all times… using those lovely craft store coupons from Michael’s or others! Yes, it may take several trips to build up your collection but Toobs are about $12 each so you are saving $5-6 per Toob with a coupon. Minis retail for about $6 so you will save $2-3 per pack.
Apps:
If you use an iPad in therapy, you know that quality therapy apps can cost you quite a bit. I don’t have any revolutionary tips here except to keep an eye out during BHSM and during the ASHA Convention. During these and some other times/dedicated months, app companies discount their more expensive apps by up to 50%. Also, install apps like Apps Gone Free to keep up with limited time free apps from companies. I have gotten nearly all of my Toca Boca apps and others for free or heavily discounted! Some apps, particularly AAC apps, will provide free copies/trials to SLPs to use with their students.
Decor:
We all know of the dollar spot and other dollar-themed stores. Other decor tips include contact paper-ing your desk and cabinets/shelves, using JoAnn’s or other coupons to get material to cover bulletin boards instead of using paper that fades, etc.
IKEA is a great place to get frames, art prints, and other various furniture items. I also love their selection of artificial plants for about $5 each to help green up my room a bit without the upkeep. And if you have a very small “office”, IKEA can help you get organized. I have also found some IKEA busy on the Facebook marketplace and craigslist for less. (With receipt, IKEA items can be returned for 1 year!)
TeachersPayTeachers:
TpT is a wonderful way to find creative and helpful resources for decor, therapy, organization, PD, and more. SLPs can take advantage of the SLP Must-Have sales on the 7th of each month during the school year. Check out social media for what your favorite SLP-authors are offering. Also, TpT has incredible sales a few times a year. I typically just add a billion things to my wishlist throughout the year. During sales I will use my TpT credits as well – these are the credits you get for leaving feedback on items you have purchased. Also, bundles and introductory prices are a great way to get items for a lower price. Some authors offer the ability to edit their products in exchange for the product for free. Also, check out TpT for Schools and let your admins know how they can purchase items for your therapy sessions using this system.
Free!
Free is always great, right? Here are some free resources for your therapy room:
Kahoot! – use Kahoot for comprehension activities, PD, etc.
YouTube – use YouTube to find readings of books that are not in your library, find interactive videos of topics from themes you are covering, etc. You can also use YouTube to create videos accessible only with a link/unlisted to families if you send home instructional videos for articulation or other tips.
Gift Cards – Okay, not exactly free for the person who buys it but Gift Cards are a great way to get things for your classroom. During the holidays and other times, you may find deals on gift cards which is free money! (e.g. Buy one gift card, get one 20% off. Getting $30 of gift cards for $25.) Every little bit helps.
DonorsChooose – Every district has rules about using Donors Choose but it is a wonderful way to fund larger projects for your room. Some projects I have seen for SLPs include iPads/Apps, Libraries, AAC devices/switch toys, etc. When I do campaigns, I make sure to donate when my money is being doubled by a promo or matching donation source. This helps get projects funded fully.
Professional Development – PD is changing. SLP Summit, XceptionalED, and more are revolutionizing how we attain our professional development. Many of these offer CMH (Certificate Maintenance Hours) for free. While these would not count towards an ACE award through ASHA, they can be submitted for your CCCs maintenance! Plus, in my opinion, they are so engaging and useful!
Other useful links with hacks and other money-saving ideas:
SLP Life Hacks from The Speech Bubble SLP
5 SLP Hacks that will Save You Time & Money from Nicole Allison Speech Peeps
Instagram #SLPHacks
What are your budget-friendly must-haves? Share below so we can all be in the know, links welcome.
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