It's almost the big day -- back to school! Every year we get copies of the official school supply lists and until this year, I always stuck to that list. (I'm sure this is no surprise to my regular blog readers, who are already aware of my list obsession.)
However, this is my 13th year of back-to-school shopping for my children. I vowed to prepare differently this year and not blindly follow that printed list. This is my confession.
I am tired of seeing the items that are untouched all year long. I've found these items are requested by one particular teacher, but not used by my child's teacher. I despise finding the notebooks and folders that have been used one time (usually during the first week) and never again, or the stack of supplies that would supposedly be needed later in the year but remain in my supply stash.
I am also frustrated by the massive list of items for my middle school students that are aimed at keeping them organized, but do not include the direction for how to use them. Frankly, the sheer number of extra items can be overwhelming. I firmly believe that there is not a universally applicable organizational system. You have to do what makes sense in your own head because that is a system you can maintain. Granted, my gentlemen require some direction, but that involves an open discussion of their preferences and habits, NOT a standardized list.
Don't tell the teachers, but I threw out their lists this year and decided to try something new. Some of my gentlemen have accordion files. Those who prefer to write in pencil have more pencils than those who prefer to write in pen. My gents that need to have a perfectly sharpened point on their pencil will be using mechanical pencils instead of wooden ones. The student that likes three-ring notebooks with dividers has one. Another gent has color coordinated folders, spirals, and book covers, which will be placed in separate string bags according to his class schedule and designated locker stops.
This year, my gents get to experiment with using items that fit their own learning and organizational styles. I believe this will help them be better prepared for the rest of their lives. Imagine that.
However, this is my 13th year of back-to-school shopping for my children. I vowed to prepare differently this year and not blindly follow that printed list. This is my confession.
I am tired of seeing the items that are untouched all year long. I've found these items are requested by one particular teacher, but not used by my child's teacher. I despise finding the notebooks and folders that have been used one time (usually during the first week) and never again, or the stack of supplies that would supposedly be needed later in the year but remain in my supply stash.
I am also frustrated by the massive list of items for my middle school students that are aimed at keeping them organized, but do not include the direction for how to use them. Frankly, the sheer number of extra items can be overwhelming. I firmly believe that there is not a universally applicable organizational system. You have to do what makes sense in your own head because that is a system you can maintain. Granted, my gentlemen require some direction, but that involves an open discussion of their preferences and habits, NOT a standardized list.
Don't tell the teachers, but I threw out their lists this year and decided to try something new. Some of my gentlemen have accordion files. Those who prefer to write in pencil have more pencils than those who prefer to write in pen. My gents that need to have a perfectly sharpened point on their pencil will be using mechanical pencils instead of wooden ones. The student that likes three-ring notebooks with dividers has one. Another gent has color coordinated folders, spirals, and book covers, which will be placed in separate string bags according to his class schedule and designated locker stops.
This year, my gents get to experiment with using items that fit their own learning and organizational styles. I believe this will help them be better prepared for the rest of their lives. Imagine that.
3 comments:
Another Mom free of that ever dreaded teachers list!! I broke free a couple of years ago and faced the irratation of 3 girls for going against the teachers rules...oh my not going against teachers rules, how dare I? :) The results by the end of the first year was wonderful to see though, no feeling of having waisted money on supplies that NEVER got used. Little Bug still wants to fight with me about this every year, but I think slowly even she is seeing that we do a better job with her school supplies and what she will actually need and use. So YAY for you and the gents breaking free and experimenting this year!
Good for you. You are the not the first mom i have heard this gripe about this. I am not looking forward to having to deal with those list. However I beleive I might follow your lead. Get what i believe they need and not something that will sit on a shelf that was supposed to be a must have!!
What a great idea! I always look at those silly lists as the "end all be all". Breaking the school supply mold...I love it!
Post a Comment