Charity shops for Educational resources.

I have been tidying and sorting out the past two weeks. I always have a big clear out at this time of the year and take regular trips down to the local charity shop in order to pass on what you know longer love or use. Charity shops have been in the bloggers news the past couple of weeks following on from a heated debate on twitter on buying presents from charity shops. It caused me to think about where I am on this. Basically I have bought many many things for my own children from charity shops that have then been given as gifts. When Dylan was a Bob the Builder fan I managed to get all the vehicles from car boots and charity shops. these will wrapped for his stocking. However I wouldn’t buy other children gifts from charity shops unless they were still new with tags etc. I don’t mind a bargain!

However when I read Liz’s recent Magpie Monday post I loved her crafty ideas and up-cycling some things to create new gifts. And if I was as crafty, talented or creative I would do the same and think nothing of it. Infact it has made me consider buying a nice dish for the homemade sweets I’m making with the children for the great grandparents.

Anyway I have digressed!  I did my big clear out and headed down to the local Sue Ryder shop where I donate and as always had a little look about.  I was thrilled to find the Jolly Phonics puzzle.  Erin is using the jolly phonics system at school and absolutely running ahead of herself with it.  She is now reading with understanding and I amazed at just how quick she has learnt to read.  More importantly she is loving the fact that she can read and just wants to practise all the time.  She has always loved books as most children do so I knew the puzzle was ideal.  I was planning to buy it anyway for her stocking!  This hasn’t gone in her stocking and not because it is second hand but because I want to capitalise on her current interest in reading so she has had it a bit early!  This was a great find at just £2 and I certainly don’t mind spending money on educational resources.  Charity shops are also a great place to pick up revision guides for GCSE and A Level books.  I am currently looking for Chloe’s GCSE English book study guides that will help her with Shakespeare!