As the school year approaches, you’ve probably received that familiar back-to-school shopping list. You might be feeling exasperated as you glance at the items: crayons, glue sticks, pencils, color-coded folders, and five-ring binders. But then there are those extra items that catch you off guard—boxes of tissues, hand sanitizer, dry erase markers.
Perhaps your kids are in high school now, and you don’t even see a supply list anymore—just a reading list. You might even feel relieved to skip over buying yet another bottle of hand sanitizer. But hold on a minute!
The truth is, what teachers genuinely need often goes beyond the items listed. As someone who is married to a teacher, I urge you to take a closer look at that list. Consider reaching out to your child’s teacher with a simple message: “Is there anything else you could use? I have a feeling you might need printer cartridges. Which ones do you prefer?” You’ll be amazed at how much gratitude can come through in a simple email, and believe me, they will remember your kindness.
Essential Supplies Beyond the List
One of the most essential supplies teachers require is paper. If you’re feeling generous, why not toss in an extra ream of paper? Just add two reams to your child’s backpack instead of the requested one and leave a note saying, “Here’s some paper to kick off the new year.” Be prepared; your child might see their teacher tear up. If the teacher doesn’t cry, you can bet their partner will when they hear how much money is spent on copy paper each year. I know firsthand; every time I step into a store like Target, I am on a mission to stock up on paper. School districts do provide some supplies, but it’s rarely enough.
When you’re out shopping for school supplies at places like Walmart or Dollar General, keep an eye out for great deals and consider buying extra if your budget allows. A quick email to your child’s teacher could go a long way: “I’m sending Jamie in with five extra packs of pencils and twenty folders.” Ever wonder why you see adults, sans kids, loading their carts with school supplies? It’s because they’re stocking up for students who can’t afford them—children who may show up with just a backpack and a pencil. Teachers often end up buying supplies themselves, and I’ve even seen a principal filling an entire cart with 5-cent folders. I couldn’t help but hug her.
Addressing Students’ Basic Needs
We also need to think about the students’ basic needs. Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Shockingly, about 1 in 5 kids in America face food insecurity each year. While many schools offer free breakfast and lunch, some kids fall through the cracks, especially older students who are responsible for getting younger siblings ready for school. To help, teachers often keep non-perishable snacks like granola bars on hand. It’s a good idea to send in some snacks with your child’s supplies. Just make sure to check for any food allergies in the classroom first. You might also consider helping out with overdue lunch accounts at your child’s school—check with the office for details.
Gift Cards and Teacher Support
Gift cards to office supply stores make excellent presents for teachers. While a coffee shop gift card is nice, a gift card to an office supply store can provide so much more. Teachers often purchase everything for their classrooms out of pocket, from desks to bookshelves, from lamps to classroom libraries. Gift cards for office supplies can help them buy essentials like poster board or sticky notes, which they go through in droves.
Teachers don’t necessarily want luxury items; their needs are substantial. According to a report by Time, most educators spend at least $500 each year, with some spending over $1,000. This burden can be overwhelming, so any additional support will not go unnoticed.
Conclusion
In summary, as you prepare for the school year, consider extending your generosity beyond the standard supply list. Teachers will appreciate your thoughtfulness and remember your kindness long after the year is over.
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