Shhhh… What teachers would never tell you is that this is their favorite time of the year. Why you ask?
The answer’s not what you think. The middle of summer is the best school supply shopping time! I have not met a teacher who doesn’t love and need school supplies for their classroom.
School supply budgets are getting cut throughout school districts in our nation and teachers are finding their own resources to ensure children have everything they need to succeed.
I can’t think of a better way to help teach your children to think of others AND show your support for the people who help our children grow and learn each day. For the past few years Amanda and I, with the help of a Mom’s Group, have created “Teacher Supply Boxes” for a few local schools where many of the families are not financially able to bring any supplies for their children. For very little money, we’ve been able to create boxes filled to the brim with school supplies and saw very appreciative Teachers as they received their Teacher Supply Box.
Our children helped us read the ads from local stores to find the best deals, shop for supplies, and fill the container. Before delivering the package, we wrote a note thanking them for being a teacher. We talked about the importance of thinking of others throughout the whole process.
The culminating activity was delivering the boxes to the teachers and seeing their very happy faces!
Here are some things to include. The numbers may vary depending on your school districts classroom size. If you only send in 10 – we don’t think the teachers will mind =) Here are some suggestions…
Teacher School Supply Box Suggestions
- Folders – 25 of the same color
- 25 Spiral Notebooks
- Pencils
- Crayola crayons
- Washable Markers
- Erasers
- Stickers
- Dry Erase Markers
- Highlighters
- Sharpies
- Germ Gel
- Tissues
- Handsoap
Our children were involved in this community project to help understand the needs of others. Here’s what our Mom’s Group Donated. We ended up donating to 3 different new teachers who were thrilled to receive their boxes!
For more Back to School Ideas
- First Day of School Magic Dust & Going to School Books Recommendations
- Top Ten Back to School Tips for Home and School
- The ABC’s of Open House Night
What will you add to your Teacher Supply Box?
Laura says
What a WONDERFUL idea! I'm so glad you shared it on the KBN Back-to-School blog hop! I'm going to pin it onto my gifts & favors Pinterest board NOW!
Jen Farr says
Those packages look fantastic. We'll have to see about doing something like this for school's in our city. Thanks.
JDaniel4's Mom says
What an amazing gift! I would love for you to link this post to my Back to School Traditions link up! http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2012/08/back-to-school-tradtions-link-up.html
Lovingmama says
Thanks Rachel! Isn't it amazing what parents can do when we put our heads together! We are VERY blessed to have such wonderful mom friends who are such active parents and caring members of our community.
Rachel@I Heart Crafty Things says
You are amazing for putting all of that together!! I bet your local school's really appreciate your donations!
Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on my Shark Alphabet Chomper Game. I absolutely loved your idea to further the activity with _at and _et words!! You have such a lovely blog here!