Offering to buy 10 items for my children's classrooms.....?

Question

I want to email my daughter's new teachers this year and ask them for a list of 10 items they need for the class. Is this a good idea, has anybody else done this? Were the teachers appreciative?

Answer 1

Yes it is a perfect thing to do, and thank you for caring.  As a teacher I can tell you things I always could use, but have to spend money on myself are classroom books (for whatever age the kids are), games for indoor recess, playground equpt. like balls and wiffle ball bats, stuff from the teachers store etc...  The teachers will really appreciate it.

Answer 2

I look at the sale ads and pick up school supplies for dirt cheap. I mean like 10 packs of pencils or 2 packs of pink erasers for like 15cents. wal-mart usually has 25 cent boxes of crayons around august. I have a stash of stuff like that I can send in when I know that the class is running low. I think in December my 2nd graders teacher put out a request for pink erasers and pencil top erasers. I sent her like a quart bag full of stuff and it may have cost me $2. I also buy store brand baby wipes to send in too---at my kids school they use them to wipe off hands  and desks after snack and stuff like that. tissues and hand sanitizer are always a hit with the teachers.

at Christmas time I put together a unique gift for the teachers. I do a small gift bag or box with things like small hand sanitizer tubes, hand lotion, emery boards, lip balm, instant hot cocoa packs ( the gourmet stuff), and a handful of Christmas themed candy. it is something small enough to tuck in the back of a drawer and packed with little things that you may find you need in cold weather...I don't think they get more than one of those :)

Answer 3

I've actually gotten wish lists before from teacher's at the beginning of the year.  Maybe they have one already.  I think it's a great idea.  For my kindergartner's teacher this year, I gave her a bunch of the stuff off her class supply list instead of a personal present.  I figured she would use that more than anything else I got her.

Answer 4

I read somewhere that it is a great idea. They said you should ask the teacher for a wishlist of items for their classroom. Usually it will be small, inexpensive things but when they are having to pay for that stuff out of their own pocket it really adds up. I say go for it! I'm sure it will be appreciated!

Answer 5

I think its a good idea, but that it might be better to just send a giftcard with your child to staples or another place where they could buy things for their class. I've heard many people on here say they have done that.

Answer 6

most of the time schools will not allow that to happen. the state is who "funds" the schools with the proper supplies- which in most cases is not enough... but if you were to do it I would just get some things that you know they will need extra of... dry erase markers, chalk, erasers, pencils.... paper... paper towels..... I would get things for my daughter's heas start teachers without even asking them what they needed... they were happy to get it but they did not say anything to the principal otherwise i was to take it back- and being stubborn ole me i refused LOL!!!!

Answer 7

I wouldn't do it because the schools here already rely on the parents.  We have to buy the art paper, the crayons, the markers, the glue, the scissors, the tissues, the cleaning stuff and more for the classrooms.  Each parent has to pay about $60-70 for supplies that is for classroom use.

Answer 8

I think it's a good idea.  It sure couldn't hurt!  I always see a big push from the schools for us to help buy books for the classroom libraries.  When the book fair comes twice a year each teacher has a list of books we can buy and donate that are appropriate for their classes.  You could ask for that list and I'm sure they would be appreciative.

Another thing we are asked to help buy are snacks for their snack tub and small trinket toys for the treasure box.  Last year the teachers put up a list in their class on back to school night and each parent could bring in an item on the list.  I brought treasure box items which were small party favors.

Answer 9

I am a teacher and I think that this would be an awesome thing for you to do.  Many teachers have to buy classroom items using their own money so I am sure that he or she would really appreciate it.

Answer 10

i think it is a great idea if you want to do it i am sure it will help them out!i personally would spend the money on something for my family like an activity that can be reused game or something or a day out but this is an okay idea i can't imagine them being anything but appreciative.

Answer 11

I'm also a teacher and I commend you for wanting to do this for your child's teachers.  I, as a teacher, spent about 1/3 of my salary on things that I needed in the classroom in order to give my students a better learning environment.  Your child's teachers are extremely lucky to have you!  We as teachers need more parents like you!!!!!

Answer 12

Great Idea! good for you. I to buy extras for my sons classroom.

Most schools send a list on the first day of school and have items that are need for the class. Most parents ignore the list and assume other parents will do it. Not always the case. You can never have enough. It is sad that most schools have the teachers purchase their own items for the class. Your such a good mommy!!!!

Thank you for supporting your child's classroom.