Those interested in this issue of materials preparation may want to visit the grades K/1 discussion on "Classroom Management Tips".
It's a big issue with Investigations, across all the grades. I've been working with lots of teachers from various districts in Massachusetts who are using this program, and they do say that the preparation (both materials and reading the units) gets easier every year. In some districts, a small group of teachers has gathered in the summer to put together materials for their schools-- especially supplies for the games. You can imagine how excited the other teachers are to receive organized sets of game materials when they return in September!
