It is tradition at my school that we give our school secretary a list of school supplies that we'd like to have on the "Back to School" list that will crop up about July in Wal-Mart. Before you develop a list I thought I'd share a few ideas that I've implemented now for a few years, and I've received great feedback from parents because of them.
*Use classroom money given by your district or personal money to purchase a class set of things like scissors and crayon boxes to keep year after year. I spent $20.00 years ago on a class set of scissors, and I still have the same set and they work great. All my students have the same crayon box and it fits into their tub perfectly because I can choose the box. The greatest part is nobody feels inferior because their box isn't as nice as their neighbor's box.
*Collect $10.00-15.00 from each parent. This will allow to purchase a couple of boxes of Kleenex rather than attempting to store 50 boxes. I also purchase the pencils and eraers with this. All the students have the same color of pencil and this keeps them from arguing about whose pencil is whose.
*If you do collect money from your parents, keep all receipts and offer to show them to any parent at any time that they ask. In all the years I've done this not one parent has asked to look at my receipts.
This may not work for everyone, but I've loved it. I get what I need when I need it and don't have to store a large amount of supplies.
Just wanted to share something that might come up for you before school is out, and can help you prepare for the upcoming year.
I really like this idea. It worked well for my mentor teacher. Each student had the same supplies so there were no fights. We put the students name on each supply to easily keep track of supplies that "wandered off." It was also helpful that she somehow managed to get supplies for even the poor kids whose parents could not afford supplies. She kept every still usable crayon, marker, glue stick, etc. to use as replacement for next year's class. It is a very economical approach for everyone!
ReplyDeleteForever A Teacher, Forever A Learner
Thank you so much for your reply. I love to hear from you! Keeping fights to a minimum is a great thing! :) I buy a box of crayons for each student and have it in their crayon box on the first day of school. I also have a community tub of crayons in case something goes missing. I dump glue bottles into each other until there isn't a drop left.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! Luckily, I work in a state/district where supplies are provided. We still ask for donations, but usually it includes baggies, tissue, wipes, snacks, etc. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog..soooooo adorable!!!!! I tried to become a follower, but couldn't. I'll keep checking back.
Beth
A Kindergarten Life For Me
You are so lucky! The way I'm gathering supplies now has worked out great, and parents love how much money they save.
ReplyDeleteI think the new way that google has made it to follow is tricky. Try clicking on "Already a member? Sign in." And I think you can follow me. Thank you!
Oh! Yep, that worked! I am now your newest follower! Your blog is soooooo adorable! LOVE the chevron, owls, colors, all of it! Very inviting!
ReplyDeleteBeth :)
A Kindergarten Life For Me
Wooo Hooo! I love when technology finally works! Thank you so much for all of your kind words. Hope you visit again soon!
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