Whether it is Back-to-School time, the influx and variety of illnesses in February, or the never-ending month of May, your child’s teacher is spending money on your child. And lots of it. Although those dreadful Back-to-School supply lists are something often to complain about, what you’re doing is much more powerful than you may think. You’re supplementing the classroom teacher so they don’t have to go out and buy it all themselves. But, even though it feels like you’re buying the entire section while you’re there, sadly, those supplies often do not last the entire year. Although many schools provide a small stipend to start the year, those funds are often used to purchase new supplies, such as pencil sharpeners and chart paper, rather than to supplement the actual teaching of the students.
So, here is the inside scoop. At those daunting times of the year, or after a break, check in with your child’s teacher to see if you can supplement any items the classroom is low on. With over 15 years of classroom experience, here are the things I often spend the most money on throughout the year.
Cost #1: Basic Cleaning/Hygiene Products
It’s always a never-ending party at the tissue spot in the room. Every time I look up, someone is always there, blowing their nose or using it (without my approval, might I say) to clean up their breakfast crumbs. I usually run out of tissues by February, and I’m begging other teachers with a surplus or parents to buy some more. However, I usually add a few extra boxes to my cart when I’m at the grocery store with my family, as it doesn’t cost too much. But eventually this type of things adds up over time.
Cost #2: Decor
I know this one seems a little “extra,” but the most inviting classrooms are those that teachers have spent countless hours and money on the look of their room. Teachers want their rooms to be engaging, happy, and full of life to encourage a positive learning environment. And it ultimately comes down to the fact that borders, posters, and name tags all cost money. This is one I would never ask parents to pay for, unless I posted it on my Amazon Wishlist.
Cost #3: Supplies
As stated in the first paragraph, you may think you’ve already purchased the entire aisle at Target, but little hands and supplies don’t last very long. I went through enough Expo markers to fill an entire trash can this past year, or at least it felt that way. Students forget to click the caps on the entire way, lose them, or push them in so hard that they no longer work properly. I really appreciate it when I send a message out about the need, and parents help me fill that specific need by assisting with the cost of a mid-year supply boost.
Cost #4: Incentives/Parties/Special Activities
Teachers often engage in a variety of extra-special activities to make learning more engaging, interesting, and rewarding for students. Often, these activities require outside materials from a store, which teachers may not have readily available in their classrooms. Although I like giving students experiences as rewards, some kids just prefer tangible items. I reward students with fun little items, such as desk pets, stickers, special pencils, and more, for birthdays, great substitute behavior, and doing extra work. Other activities, such as science experiments and building models, require additional funding beyond what is already allocated in the classroom.
Not all Parent-Teacher groups can provide enough funding for these classroom materials and needs. Schools are on tight budgets, so the big picture here is, if you’re able, throw in an extra box of tissues or crayons to offset some of the costs for your child’s teacher. Our teachers do not make nearly as much as they deserve, in my completely biased opinion. If you’re a teacher reading this, please post your Amazon Wishlist or DonorsChoose link in the comments below. Let’s help some teachers out!
