It's that time! School is about to begin! No doubt, many of you like to beat the crowds and get school supply shopping marked off your "to do" list! Good for you!
From the heart of a teacher, here are a few pointers!
- Follow the Supply List. Teachers spend a good bit of time thinking through and specifying items needed in order to make it easier for you...and your child...and to be consistent with all of the students. Take the list with you when you shop...and pay close attention to it. Note sizes and types of items...not just to what looks fun or cool or "what's even better" than what's on the list.
- Stick with the Name Brands. We all love bargains, but often the cheaper item is not the best deal in the long run. For crayons, markers, watercolors, colored pencils and such, Crayola is tried and true. (And unless otherwise specified, stick with the basic colors. Again, note the sizes and types...of crayons (fat or regular), of markers (blunt or fine tip). When it comes to glue, Elmer's basic white school glue and gluesticks can be trusted to do their job well. In the scissor category, Fiskars are the best! Choose tips according to your child's age. Blunt tips are great for kindergarteners. With pencils it gets a little tricky. Go with a quality number 2 brand. The less expensive kind tend to have lead that breaks easily, poor quality wood, and erasers that don't work as well. Decorative pencils are cute, but often fall into the "not so great" category.
- Note teacher's instructions for labeling items. Check with your child's teacher on this one. Some items go into containers for whole classroom use. Others remain in the care of individual students. It helps to have this taken care of before you bring them in to the classroom.
- Follow school guidelines for bookbag purchases. Many schools specify whether bookbags on wheels are allowed.
- Miscellaneous class supplies are important. When buying Kleenex for the class, again, go with the name brand ones. Runny little noses need something soft for wiping them. With Wipes, note whether they are to be used for cleaning desks...or little hands...and buy accordingly.
- Class wish lists offer an occasion for visiting the Dollar Store and buying less expensive items. Here's your chance for creativity! Students love little trinkets from the "treasure chest"! Small plastic animals...frogs, lizards, snakes...come in fun packages and are a hit with the boys (and lots of girls)! Tiny stuffed animals, jewelry, hairclips, and figurines are sure to tickle the little girl's fancy.
- Watch store circulars for sales on the items on your list!! Often you can get the name brands even cheaper than the off brands during back to school sales.
- Try to avoid peak shopping hours.
- Go shopping when your child is well rested and well fed...to avoid the grumpies.
Well, happy shopping!!! Get ready for a great year of adventures in learning and fun!
