Back to school supply dos and don'ts
Categories: Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Education, Resources
Right about now back to school supply lists are cropping up everywhere. Staples usually has brightly colored fliers available with supply lists for each grade level, and almost every office supply store advertises having just exactly what you're child will need to get the new school year started. This advertising unfortunately happens well before teachers actually send out supply lists from the classrooms, and every year kids come to school with heaps of supplies they really don't need-and often, are missing a few that they could really use.
Here's the thing. Most public schools, including the one I teach at, are not actually allowed to require parents to provide any supplies at all for their children. The thing about public education is that it's supposed to be free-including materials. But because of the advertising pressure that starts mid summer and builds with a frenzy towards those last weeks in August when schools start, parents often get pushed into buying items their kids don't really need and will likely not use-or even be allowed to use at school.
Private schools of course, are allowed to request that parents buy supplies, but it's still a frugal idea to wait until the required supply list arrives in the mail, than to forge ahead using an in store checklist. But if your kid is already itching to buy new stuff, here are some basic dos and don'ts to help you decide what's necessary and what maybe isn't't.
DOS:
A sturdy backpack. Something that your child can zip and unzip himself with enough pockets to store homework, lunch, and an extra piece of clothing (or several.) Many kids like the rolling backpacks-but they often are hard to store in the classrooms, as they're typically too big for cubbies.
#2 Dixon Ticonderoga pencils. These are unanimously teacher's favorite pencils for writing-because they don't break in the sharpener! Don't skimp on the cheaper brands-but remember, if your child attends a public school, pencils should be provided. Still, a couple extra (sharpened) pencils that stay in your child's backpack will make it convenient for her to do homework while waiting for the bus.
Big eraser. The small erasers on the back of pencils inevitably get used much faster than the pencils. The big pink erasers are the best option. Some of the jelly-like erasers with designs and patterns on them don't actually erase very well.
A sturdy folder for homework. A system at home for checking backpacks, doing and returning homework-is a great idea. Having a consistent place to store homework will make it easier for your child to remember to do it! Kids love the two-pocket folders with fun graphics on the covers. Keep in mind, many teachers will use a particular homework folder for every child in the class-so check with your child's teacher if you're not completely sure you want to make the purchase.
A small, durable pencil case. Again, your child's teacher will likely provide the class with necessary supply containers. However, it's a great thing for your child to keep in her backpack with a few sharpened pencils and a good eraser-to take advantage of long waits for the school bus, or for you to pick her up, and get some homework done.
A notebook/journal. Kids love to doodle, write, and draw-and having a special notebook gives them a constructive and fun place to do so. Again, certainly not a must-have, but if you're going to splurge on an item your kid really wants, this one should be at the top of the list.
DON'TS:
Pencil sharpeners. Unless your teacher specifically asks you to provide one, skip it. They inevitably make a huge mess-everywhere.
Multiple-subject notebooks. For the early grades these are completely unnecessary. For the older grades, wait and see exactly what your child's teacher asks you to supply. Many times little kids end up hauling these around in their backpacks for weeks-without using them for anything!
Glue sticks & tape. Again, unless your teacher specifically asks you to provide these items, don't. Unless you send them in for the whole class---which is often a boon for teachers working with tight budgets. Independent kids with glue sticks however, can make a mess and get into trouble by using them when they aren't't supposed to be.
Rulers. Elementary age kids will not need rulers for school. Every classroom should have an adequate supply. Middle school kids doing geometry might, but again, your child's teacher will be very clear if you need to make that purchase.
Stapler. See above. And oy, have you ever noticed how much young children LOVE to staple EVERYTHING?
Post-it Notes. These are tempting-especially in all the cute styles and designs that are available. But they immediately become a distraction among peers, and are generally not a good idea.
Binders. Most elementary students (K-3) won't need a binder for any reason. Older students who are learning how to keep notes, or do homework from multiple classes might, but your child's teacher will let you know if this is a must have.
Scissors. Again-all elementary classrooms should have an adequate supply.
Crayons. Ditto. Every elementary classroom will have plenty of these!
Hopefully this list will help you navigate the lively process of buying back-to-school supplies with your child. These are tips of course, from my experience. I'm curious to hear what you have found are some back-to-school supply must-haves?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Cathy 7-24-2008 @ 9:52AM
It may not be required by law, but if I don't send it, my children will do without and earn bad grades because they can't do their assignments. Our lists are sometimes two pages long and include items you would expect the school to provide, like: pack of dry erase markers, 2 reams of colored copy paper, case of bottled water and liquid soap refills. Last year, my daughter's teacher had us initialing every individual crayon. The hardest thing for me is always finding left handed items for my middle child. So far this year, I only have one child's list. http://domesticpsychology.com/blog/2008/07/20/school-supply-hunting/
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Rebecca 7-24-2008 @ 12:49PM
I work in a non-public school and we are required by law to provide all necessary materials for our students. My daughter however, attended our local public school and had huge lists of supplies for each teacher. The school staff would lower grades in class if the "proper" materials were NOT provided by the parents. I had always assumed that public schools were allowed to make these requests. I have previously had to pay for books and special class supplies as well.
Maybe our legislators need to also consider this when reauthorizing NCLB amendments. They put the law into effect, with NO $$ to support the required changes. Teachers have been getting a bum rap!
Christina Sbarro 7-24-2008 @ 10:15AM
You should inquire about the school supply policy at the school board level--for sure. I think it is obsurd that your child would be expected to bring in colored copy paper and dry erase markers. The list can be a SUGGESTED list, but no child should be "left behind" (ha! I couldn't help myself!) because their parents do not provide the supplies!
EDITED TO ADD: I am somewhat surprised by the number of people who have commented that they are required by public schools to supply everything for the classroom. The school I teach in is in a small, economically diverse, though certainly not affluent state. Teachers at my school send out "Wishlists" of classroom supply items (like wipes, hand sanitizer, special paper, etc) but we certainly do not expect every parent to supply these items. If you are able to do so--of course, every teacher works on a tight budget and is grateful. But for anyone who feels pressured to purchase items on a mandatory supply list should check with the school principal and the school board about supply policies.
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alikatt 7-24-2008 @ 10:40AM
Gosh, I don't know what public school your kids go to but here they don't supply ANYTHING. Tape, glue, scissors, hand sanitizers, ziplocks, kleenex heck our back to school list (must haves) is 2 and a half pages long.
ame s 7-24-2008 @ 11:43AM
Same here, alikatt. Our supply list includes everything you mentioned. My 10 year old will need 3 3 ring binders and her own set of wipe-off markers. Our public schools won't even provide ink cartridges for the teachers' classroom printers.
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Rose 7-24-2008 @ 11:50AM
Very strange list. I have to agree with everyone above, we're given VERY specific school supply lists in our area. Not only do they have to bring their own basic supplies (pencils, paper,scissors, crayons, markers, glue...) the parents supply tennis balls to cover the feet of their chairs (as not to scratch the floors), paper towels, tissues, antibacterial gel, dry erase markers and erasers, etc... Those things are all considered required by the first week of school. (elem and middle school). The middle school also has particular notebooks they require, such as one 1/2 in binder for one class and a 3 in binder for another.
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rebecca Biernesser 7-24-2008 @ 1:12PM
I agree with everyone else. We had to supply our son's school supplies. And supply money for supplemental workbooks.
Public education is free, yes, but what do you expect when the first things that get cut in this county is the school's budgets.
If you want to see government and schools at their "finest" check out what is going on in Memphis, Tn. The city cut funds from the school, school is in turn fixing to lose state funding, and now everyone is suing everyone. And guess who is stuck in the middle. You can get the stories from The Commerical Appeal, or google Memphis City Schools. And please note that Memphis is has the largest school system in the state AND the worst record.
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Judy 7-24-2008 @ 9:20PM
My husband was shocked the first time we went school supply shopping for my daughter. He's older than me, and grew up in a different state, but his memory is that most of the supplies were always provided by the schools, and so he couldn't believe we were having to buy pencils, crayons, and other basic items (that did largely go unused).
I, on the other hand, expected it, but am shocked by some of these lists. A case of bottled water? What? Why? Do schools not have water fountains anymore? Could the child not bring in a Sigg or thermos and use that? NO WAY would I send in a case of bottled water.
But I'm going to homeschool my boys anyway (daughter now lives with her dad in a different state) so it won't be an issue.
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Abby 7-24-2008 @ 10:13PM
I had to laugh at some of the "Don't" on the list. Like many of those who have voiced their opinions here, I would like to know which state/county the autho was talking about when she listed the "Do's" and Don'ts" on this article.
I live in Florida and have been a resident to 2 different counties and in both counties, the public school system requires each child to bring their own bags, crayons, pencils, folders, etc, along with 2-3 boxes of tissue, baby wipes, Ziploc bags, paper towel, dry erase board markers and at least 500 count ream of paper. I know I've missed more. But you can bet that this year, along with the "School Supplies" I am including a pack of antibacterial spray! Last year my kids got sick so often with the spreading of germs--and I knew that one of my daughter's teacher was spending her own money to provide the spray for her class!
Schools ask parents to provide those items because budget-wise, schools don't have enough to supply the whole school. So if you don't send the things, and the "class" runs out of something--say crayons (due to breakage) or copy paper--the teacher pays out of pocket for it or the class does without it. I don't know about you, but my child's teacher already teaches 30 kids in a class without an aid, so if it means providing some stuff so she doesn't have to worry or stress about not having enough supplies to provide for little Johnny or Jane, I will do it. The public school system can only do so much with all the budget cuts. I wish the Superintendent and School Board, as well as those in the legislature would REALIZE that for every cut they make, they take away EDUCATION for our kids.
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Jason 7-30-2008 @ 10:38PM
I am torn between wanting and not wanting to send these supplies and I have 3 children in the public school system. Key word is public and my tax dollars already pay for what the schools should provide. I have been searching the web to actually find what the law is in Florida to whether it is REQUIRED list or SUGGESTED. I to do not want my children or any other child to do without nor should a teacher have to pay for anything out of pocket unless it is a treat of some sort for the class because of a kind act. I frustrates me to no end that the decision maker's pockets get fatter and the schools gets smaller. Maybe educated voting and getting some of these people who make these decisions out of office wouldn't hurt. None the less I know I will make the purchase for all 3 of my children's lists and to top it off, my youngest starts school this year and her list is the largest. Bottom line is do you what you must for the advancement of your children.
Jewel 7-25-2008 @ 12:28AM
Abby you called it dead on. I know many teachers who would thank you for actually seeing that it's not the teachers fault. You'd be surprised (or maybe not) at how many teachers get blasted by parents for things of this nature that are truly out of their hands. It's a relief and a blessing when parents get it too, thus enabling the proper teamwork towards educating the child.
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Katrina 7-25-2008 @ 6:44AM
We got a list with just about everything you listed as a don't on it and my son is only in the second grade. The list is so specific they even list the brand of scissors, crayons, waterpaints, markers and various other objects.
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Jenn 7-25-2008 @ 12:46PM
Every teacher I know spends about $200 a year out of pocket on supplies for her classroom, to cover the kids whose parents couldn't buy the things their kids need. I certainly don't see anything wrong with helping them out.
And it's the school districts and school administration, not the teachers, that set the supply lists, unfortunately.
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Jamie :) 7-25-2008 @ 2:05PM
I teach third grade at a *very* high-poverty school and unfortunately, I have to send a supply list home before the beginning of the year with many of the items you mentioned on it. On the list, I note that any items brought in will help the entire class get by for the year. If I can get parents to help out at the beginning of the year, when retailers are competing for your business with 5 cent notebooks and 22 cent Crayolas, then I don't have to ask later in the year when those items jump to their normal prices of a dollar or two (and my chances of receiving a donation are lessened). I also browse the weekly ads for discount stores and list the best prices I've found.
While I need to send a list in order to get by, It's a moral struggle writing the supply letter and mailing it out because I recognize that my families are struggling even more than I am. For that reason, I also end up spending A LOT of my own money to purchase extra supplies to get us by and to help those who cannot bring anything in. Anything that is donated to the class is warmly welcomed and immediately has a thank you note sent home.
I know it is hard to be a parent. I know that times are tight right now, especially for my students' families, but, the school only provides so much and from there it's either up to the teacher or the parent. If parents and teachers can work together on this issue, then the kiddos are the ones who benefit in the end. So, thank you to all of you who recognize that public schools cannot provide what they used to provide and who do their part to help ensure that their child, and others, are able to have the basics. Your teacher thanks you greatly!!!
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Jen 7-27-2008 @ 2:44PM
I not only had to buy things like disposible cameras, and dry erase markers but I had to pay a tuition to enroll my KINDERGARDENER into PUBLIC SCHOOL...
I could have sworn that public education was supposed to be free, and that I recall when I was little the most my mom had to supply was lefty stuff because Im left handed...
You with lefities know how hard it is to find plastic saftey scissors for a leftie!!!!
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Denise 7-27-2008 @ 2:47PM
I have three children in a public school...twins entering 3rd grade and one entering 4th grade. We live in a pretty small town where low-income families are the majority. I have spent nearly $300 on "required" school supplies and I still haven't finished buying everything. Their teachers have listed the following (their exact words) in addition to the basics like pencils and notebooks paper: "4 - unscented baby wipes in refill packs only, 4 - Expo thin dry erase markers, 1 - pencil pouch - NOT box, 4 - QUALITY paper towels, 4 - hand sanitizer - preferably Purell brand, 1 - quality water bottle, 4 - boxes of facial tissue with lotion, 1 - package of hard candy, 1 - gallon size zip-lock bags, 1 - quart size zip lock bags"
They also included a note at the bottom of the list that there will be additional supplies needed in February for art classes. One thing that I found especially odd is that they want 72 pencils...NOW...to be kept at the school.
Where are parents supposed to come up with all of this money in addition to all of the other expenses involved with sending kids to school?
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Judy 7-30-2008 @ 11:17PM
Tissues -
Denise 7-27-2008 @ 2:50PM
Jamie - I just read your comment. I can see how hard it is for teachers...I really do understand. My concern is that some of these supplies are simply not needed. I went to a public school and we were never asked to bring in such unnecessary supplies.
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Judy 7-30-2008 @ 11:19PM
Argh - hit the wrong button.
Tissues - With LOTION?!?!
Baby Wipes?
Hand sanitizer?
What in the world are some of these school supplies for? Are our children now suddenly too good for old-fashioned tissues? Is their skin more sensitive now than ours was? What could they possibly be using baby wipes for? And hand sanitizer - whatever happened to soap and water?
These are NOT school supplies. They are extras, luxuries many of us don't even use at home. This is INSANE!
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Bethany Sanders 7-30-2008 @ 11:26PM
I think you had some great advice here, Christina, especially to wait until you hear from your child's school to buy anything.
My own daughter's list came today (private school) and she was very disappointed at how practical it was. No foil wraps on pencils, no novelty erasers, etc. So what we're going to do is create a homework center at home with all that fun, office-y type stuff (like a stapler!) so that she can have some of that back-to-school excitement when we go shopping.
Love this feature... keep up the good work!
As an aside to the many comments here, I taught public school for 10 years and never once required a parent to purchase any supplies, though I did resign my position before the current budget woes started.
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