Lakeshore Learning Store

The people at this location are very helpful. I found many different things that I use in my classroom. I wish there was a location closer to where I live.

#371 For my year with Teach for America in Philly, I heard no end of Lakeshore — the Mecca of teacher supplies. So, of course, I had to make a point of visiting this location before I stepped foot into my classroom in September. Luckily, I was able to catch a ride with an ’09 corps member in August and we were off! Once I walked in, I felt like a kid in a candy store — I just HAD to buy everything. Of course, on a teacher’s salary that hadn’t kicked in, I had to practice austerity. Eventually, I walked out with 2 bags of supplies — lined paper, a calendar math set, incentive charts, student achievement certificates, etc. It was enough to last me until November, when I made my second trip to Lakeshore. In all, I must have come to this store 4 times and every time I walked out giddy and excited to put my new goodies to use. Thumbs up!

Lakeshore is a necessary evil if you’re a teacher.
If you want to spruce up the appearance of your room, they have lots of ready-​made bulletin board supplies and decorations that will save you from the tedious task of die cutting.
If you want to add a few new manipulatives to your centers, toys to your play area, media to your craft repertoire, or prizes to your treasure chest, they have isles and isles to suit you.
If you want to work a little more technology into your day, they now have interactive whiteboard software (and a full-​size ActivBoard on which to test it before purchasing) alongside their assortment of educational computer programs, DVDs and musical CDs.
The staff is always extremely friendly and helpful, and the store is well organized and clean.
If you think that sounds too good to be true, you are almost right. With all of these conveniences come high prices. Although store coupons are sent out frequently, they often contain annoying stipulations, like the start date is a month away, or it is only valid on full price items during the two week span when everything in the store is already on sale.
Still, if you’re a teacher, you’re used to dropping a little (or a lot of) cash to freshen your routine each year. Lakeshore is the place to go for the best selection.

As and experienced children’s minister, with a background as a tutor and preschool teacher, I know a store full of good, quality children’s learning items when I see it. This store has all the goodies.

Being teachers we seek out teacher stores. Lakeshore is one of the biggies. Usually when we visit, the store is jammed. Not today, fortunately.
I consider Lakeshore catering to younger grades. That is perfect for my wife. For me it’s a bit lacking, although there are some good things available. Their line of daily books cover the curricula, but are expensive. They are up to $ 30 per. I passed.
But there’s a slew of borders, accents, and other little stuff that teachers need in addition to the hands-​on activities for the younger children.
The store is clean and the staff is extremely helpful. I like that they have a craft table to engage children as their parents shop. That is a huge help when the children are along.
If we lived closer it would be a regular visit. Since we don’t, we make annual pilgrimage to load up for the coming academic year.