Tag: School Supplies

Help! Pushy Parents Are Enough To Make Me Quit

Dear We Are Teachers,

I’m in my second year teaching high school and am on the verge of quitting. The dread I feel knowing that anytime I enter grades for an assignment, send out a newsletter, or make a new announcement on Google Classroom, I’m going to be met with at least five parent emails is debilitating. They want exceptions, explanations, additional help, and special assignments. I understand that this is part of my job, but with pushy parents on this scale, I can’t get anything done. Are there any kind of boundaries I can set, or should I just switch schools?

—Back Off

Dear B.O.,

My first recommendation is, when possible and appropriate, ask for parents to give students an opportunity to advocate for themselves and have them ask you these questions. Let that be something you stress at the beginning of next year in your parent letter/syllabus.

My other big three recommendations center around these ideas:

Transparency goes a long way.

Pushy parents tend to be at their pushiest when they don’t quite understand what’s going on. A weekly newsletter (check out our free customizable templates here!) and shared calendar with important dates and updates can go a long way. See what you can do to make sure parents know enough to not feel totally lost.

Work smarter, not harder.

With pushy parents, it can feel tempting to go into robot servant mode to keep them happy. Spending hours crafting careful emails, bending over backwards for bonkers parent requests, saying yes before you’ve had a chance to even fully process their question.

But remember: You are here for their kids first. Save the bulk of your energy for teaching, providing feedback, and meeting their needs. Conserve the energy you normally expend on parents by keeping emails polite but short (anything longer than a couple of short paragraphs should be a meeting), set up form emails for common questions, and bookmark our suggested responses for tricky questions.

Think ahead.

Start restructuring your syllabus for next year now. Make a note of what kinds of questions you get most often and use those to create policies, systems, or information hubs that will cut down on work for you next year. See how teachers on your team keep parents at bay. Don’t wait until next summer to work on your syllabus—you’ll forget!

Dear We Are Teachers,

I’m a paraprofessional working on my teacher certification. I’m with a new teacher this year who is struggling but is super-resistant to feedback from me. She has trouble getting the class to quiet down, listen to her, or get any work done. When I’ve suggested strategies to her that I’ve seen work, she totally shuts down and tells me she’ll take advice from me when I have my certification. Should I go to my principal?

—Just Trying to Help!

Dear J.T.T.H.,

Oof! I feel for you both.

On one hand, it’s great when a para and classroom teacher can have a mutualistic relationship: learning from each other and making each other better without either having to sacrifice. However, on the other hand, both giving feedback and receiving it gracefully are VERY delicate processes: ones that have to be based on trust.

For now, I would work on building trust between you two and keep the feedback to yourself. It’s someone else’s job in an official capacity to evaluate her performance (her appraiser). If your professional relationship gets to a place where you feel like you can weigh in again, great! If not and things stay hostile, request a different classroom teacher for next year.

Dear We Are Teachers,

This is my first year teaching middle school. At the beginning of the year, I set up a care closet for my students with snacks, hygiene products, school supplies, and other products they or their family might need. I also provide a stocked pencil cup and fidgets drawer. But here’s the issue: Almost everything is gone in a matter of days—sometimes in a matter of hours. I want to keep providing these things, but I also want to make sure that the students who need them are getting them, not just the students who want them. Does that make sense? Am I a bad person?

—Caring Is Sharing … Right?

Dear C.I.S.R.,

First of all, you’re not a bad person. You’re a good person for wanting to connect your students with what they need! I would venture to guess that the strain is on your finances, not on the notion that the products are being used. Totally understandable.

I would encourage you to consider that the students who want them and the students who need them might be one and the same. BUT that doesn’t mean that you have to burn through your money meeting these needs.

Ask others to help stock your closet: your principal first, then crowdfund among family and friends. Create a schedule for when you restock the closet—let’s say once a month—and make sure your students know when the day is coming. Finally, rotate the class period where the care closet is first open to make sure your last period students aren’t always left in the dust.

I would, however, retire the free fidget dispensing. You can reserve those in your desk for your students with IEPs.

Do you have a burning question? Email us at askweareteachers@weareteachers.com.

Dear We Are Teachers,

It’s my third week of teaching at a new school this year, but my 10th year overall teaching 8th grade. My new principal called me in last week and said several parents have complained that I’m “overstepping” my boundaries as a teacher by inserting my opinion on “nonacademic, nondisciplinary issues.” When I asked for examples, he brought up that I told a student we don’t use the word “gay” pejoratively and we don’t use the “R-word” at all. Another parent complained that I corrected a student who rolled his eyes when he found out he was in the same group as another student he didn’t like. I waited for my principal to confirm that he was on my side, but he never did! I don’t want to get on my new principal’s bad side, but I genuinely thought kindness was a part of my job. Should I get clarification from him?

—Copping a Bad Rap

Kelly Treleaven

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October 18, 2024
41 Best Board Games and Other Games for Kids, According to Teachers

Whether it’s cooperation, strategy, academics, or just fun, there’s a game for that! From classic to brand-new, here are 41 of the best board games and other games for kids. These games also make for great classroom play staples for indoor recess, centers, and skill building. And they’re great gifts for family nights and ways to occupy kids on rainy days at home.

Cooperative Games for Kids

These games challenge kids to work together to achieve a goal or complete a task.

Amazon

1. Outfoxed!

This is a classic whodunit where students work together to figure out which fox stole the pie. It’s a combination of strategy and cooperation and will never be the same game twice.

Teacher review: “I love this game. I’ve been teaching first grade for 25 years and I think this is one of my favorite games for my students (and I have HUNDREDS). The kids catch on quickly and absolutely LOVE this game. It’s one of their favorites!”

Buy it: Outfoxed!

Amazon

2. Camelot Jr.

Create paths between the princess and the knight with these 48 puzzles of increasing difficulty. The classroom bonus of this logic game (along with Castle Logix, Three Little Piggies, and Little Red Riding Hood from the same company) is in the built-in flexibility. This is one of the best puzzle games for elementary students and beyond, as students can work alone or with peers, progress through the series at their own pace, and check their own answers.

Parent review: “Probably my favorite game my almost 5-year-old twins got this Christmas. They quickly learned how to set up and work through the challenges. Love also that they can play alone or problem solve together.”

Buy it: Camelot Jr.

Amazon

3. Hedbanz

This fancy version of the “What am I?” game is hilarious and a language booster. Use the cards provided or make your own to review vocabulary or content information.

Family review: “I gave this to my nephew (6) and niece (4) and the whole family enjoyed it. It doesn’t require reading skills, all clues are pictures of kid-recognizable items and the little ones can play along with the ‘big kids.’ Good time for everyone.”

Buy it: Hedbanz

Amazon

4. Rivers, Roads & Rails

Players create a growing map by matching tiles that include rivers, roads, and train track routes. We love leaving this out as a “community game” for students to stop by and play a few turns during a free moment. It is an excellent extension during a mapping unit too.

Teacher review: “Many different ways to play this game. There are easier versions and more difficult ones. You can play it using colors, shapes, or both. A good beginner game. I use it in my kindergarten classroom and we play the more difficult game, using shapes and colors together. Easily learned.”

Buy it: Rivers, Roads & Rails

Amazon

5. Sloth in a Hurry

If you’re looking for simple board games for kids that offer both structure and fun, try this one. This game of classroom charades awards participants for creativity in acting out silly scenarios. It’s easily adaptable for team play during a whole-class brain break.

Teacher review: “Lovely game, great concept. My young students love the spinner. 3rd time playing they have solved it as much as possible. Beautiful product, simple game.”

Buy it: Sloth in a Hurry

Amazon

6. Ice Cool

Students flick and spin penguins through a game course made from nesting cardboard boxes. Up to three students must race around the board to collect fish from various locations, while another student is the hall monitor who tries to bump the penguins and win their fish. The students racing can work together to collect fish and out-spin the hall monitor.

Teacher review: “I have never played a game like this. The graphics are cute, the game takes some skill but you can still win even when you’re not very good at it. Rules are not very complicated, but you have to do a practice game while you explain the rules. You flick weeble-wobble player pieces from room to room (cardboard boxes that attach together firmly and quickly) and either collect fish pieces or try to catch the other players. A round of the game with three players might take about 15 to 25 minutes. My 5th grade students go crazy for this game.”

Buy it: Ice Cool

Amazon

7. Gnomes at Night

In this cooperative maze game, players work as a team to maneuver a gnome around the maze. The trick is they have to move quickly to find the thief who stole the queen’s treasures.

Teacher review: “Everyone loved this game at Xmas family functions, from 5 to 70. Bought it as a joke for my boyfriend, who turns into an amazing gnome at Halloween. Turns out it’s a great team & language building tool. Can’t wait to take it to school as an educational game for 1st-5th graders. Love that is cooperative and no one is a loser.”

Buy it: Gnomes at Night

Amazon

8. Karuba

Each player has an island-shaped game board. The players choose how to set up the adventure figures and temples. Then, a lead adventurer selects and calls out which tiles to use for each turn. Players decide whether to place the tile on the board or redeem it to move an adventurer toward the temple. There are special tiles that kids can land on along the way for gems or gold pieces.

Teacher review: “Definitely different from most board games. Nice quality, easy to learn. My students enjoyed it. Game is short enough to play in short amount of time.”

Buy it: Karuba

Amazon

9. Express Your Feelings Memory Match Game

Looking for SEL games for the kids in your classroom? Build memory skills and explore diverse feelings with this fun, interactive memory game! The Express Your Feelings Memory Match Game features a wide variety of expressive faces that reflect how emotions can look and feel different.

Teacher review: “Picked this up to reinforce facial identification and emotion labeling for a child with autism. It seems to support some of our therapy goals in a playful way. I like that there are two ways to match for play. Only con is some of the expressions or labeled emotions are a little obscure/a stretch imo, but we have no problem finding something else appropriate to label them alternatively.”

Buy it: Memory Match

Strategy Games for Kids

These games require kids to think through different approaches and ways of solving a problem or completing the game.

Amazon

10. Blokus Trigon

A take on the original Blokus version (for up to four players), this allows even more students to play. Be the player to get as many of your pieces onto the board before being blocked.

Teacher review: “My 12-year-old son and I play this game a lot. I work with high school students and they enjoy playing this too.”

Buy it: Blokus Trigon

Amazon

11. Rush Hour

Here’s another well-loved logic puzzle game that students can play alone or with peers. We love having this on hand for kids who need an extra challenge.

Teacher review: “I am a high school math teacher, and I find that the Rush Hour game is great even for older kids! Although they might scoff, they are in fact fascinated by it and keep challenging each other. And if teenagers can’t break it, I don’t know who can.”

Buy it: Rush Hour

Amazon

12. Mastermind

Whether you’ve held onto a vintage set or you want to snag the newer version with updated colors, this code-making-and-breaking game is a perennial favorite for indoor recess or kids who finish their work early.

Teacher review: “I used to play this game with my son who has Asperger’s syndrome. It’s a fun game and I think it builds brain function. 20 years later, I’m a 7th grade (12 yrs. old) teacher and my students play it during free time. They get to pick from 7 different games and this one always goes first. They love it!”

Buy it: Mastermind

Amazon

13. Brix

This Connect 4 and tic-tac-toe hybrid requires no setup and encourages kids to think one step ahead. Stack X and O blocks to try to get a row of four—but with different colors and symbols on each block face, students need to be careful their move doesn’t inadvertently win the game for their opponent.

Teacher review: “Fun and easy game to learn … use it in my classroom, ordered 2, students really like it.”

Buy it: Brix

Amazon

14. Planet

This strategy game also builds geography and environmental knowledge. In Planet, kids build an ecosystem from scratch. Each person has a 12-sided three-dimensional “planet” that they add terrain to and collect animal cards for.

User review: “Planet is a fun game. Basically, you’re trying to create a world that has the most of your element and also attract lots of different animals based on what environment they need. Built on a fun concept, fairly easy to learn, and stays fun. WARNING: Don’t play this game if you don’t like strategy. Probably 70% to 90% strategy.”

Buy it: Planet

Amazon

15. Tetris

If you want to engage kids who love video games, try this low-tech board game version of Tetris. Students have to think through a strategy for completing their Tetris board while also thinking about what other students are going to choose.

Teacher review: “I bought a bunch of rainbow-colored games to spice up my review games for my students. They have to read and spell a word before playing their turn in a game. I bought the rainbow Tetris game and the rainbow Jenga. I call it rainbow review day and the students love them.”

Buy it: Tetris

Amazon

16. Battleship

The classic game of coordinates and planning ahead is fun to play and even more fun to win! Be the first to sink your opponent’s battleship.

Teacher review: “I am a middle school teacher and bought this for school to be played during an end-of-the-day activity period. As expected, it’s a hit. The newer design isn’t flimsy like I feel some newer games have become—there’s a little initial setup (punching out plastic boats and dividing up the pegs between 2 boards), but after that, it’s smooth sailing (pun intended). It’s a great game for a variety of ages, easy to catch on, fun to play, and keeps kids occupied a while. I am as much a fan as I was when I played as a kid!”

Buy it: Battleship

Academic Games for Kids

These are some of the best board games and other games to get kids practicing reading, math, and content knowledge while playing together.

Amazon

17. Proof!

Here’s a great option that allows advanced and upper elementary students to sharpen their mental math skills. Players create equations hidden among nine number cards.

Teacher review: “It’s a bit expensive on a teacher salary, but my students absolutely love it! What’s best is it’s automatically differentiated because they do what they are able to do!”

Buy it: Proof!

Amazon

18. Time-Telling Game

Games and puzzles from EeBoo always win for visual appeal, but this one also scores high for being educational. Tackle a skill that all kids need to learn in a fun and engaging way. Adaptable for telling time to the hour, half hour, five minutes, and a minute—this is a ready-made math center. If you’re looking for board games that teach kids how to tell time, give this one a try.

Teacher review: “Fun game! Used in my 2nd grade classroom. Kids loved it!”

Buy it: Time-Telling Game

Amazon

19. Apples to Apples Junior

Players must match noun cards to relevant adjective cards. This is one of our fave games for vocabulary development, especially for ELL students. It’s simple to customize it to utilize words you want to target too.

Teacher review: “I bought this for my classroom. Since the cards are all kept in one box, it is hard for my students to keep the green and red cards separate when cleaning them up. Otherwise, this is a great game for kids.”

Buy it: Apples to Apples Junior

Amazon

20. Scrabble

Do your students a favor and introduce them to this classic word-lover’s pastime. Kids can play with each other or join forces to beat the teacher.

Teacher review: “I teach English overseas and Scrabble is a great way to teach/reinforce vocabulary; students enjoy it too.”

Buy it: Scrabble

Amazon

21. Dixit

This unique storytelling game is an awesome addition to the ELA classroom. Players must describe fantastical cards in creative ways and decipher the descriptions of others. We love how this game can give striving readers and writers the chance to shine creatively.

Teacher review: “I use this game with a small group of gifted students and it is amazing. Will get some expansion packs to keep interest high. The cards are beautiful art in and of themselves.”

Buy it: Dixit

Amazon

22. Guess in 10

These card games are like 20 Questions (well, 10 questions) with themes. There are Guess in 10 games for animals, states, and American cities. Students combine questioning skills with recalling facts, and they build knowledge about whatever topic they’re asking about.

Teacher review: “When we combine end-of-the day free time with kindergarten, a teacher and I go head-to-head with 2 or 3 students on our teams. The kids love it. Some kids outshine the adults. Great times with lots of laughs.”

Buy it: Guess in 10 Animal Planet

Amazon

23. Ticket to Ride

A lesson on geography and a board game? Count me in! Connect iconic North American cities across a map of 20th-century USA and build your train routes to earn points.

Teacher review: “A totally enjoyable game! I bought it to play with my family and with my ESL students – works well in both cases! Absolutely worth it! Will probably buy TTR Europe as well.”

Buy it: Ticket to Ride

Amazon

24. Top Trumps

Capitalize on kids’ love of trading cards with this card game that allows students to choose the statistic that will “trump” opponents. Decks come in many topics, from Harry Potter to geography to dogs. Don’t see a deck on the topic you want? Once they know the game, kids love to create their own decks too.

Teacher review: “Great easy, fun game for students and families. I use them both in school (and during distant learning—great facts and fun for students to use) and at home. Easy car game for family trips (teens even join in and enjoy). Great way to incorporate social play and learning with students. Fun way to get students to learn and compare while thinking they are just playing a game. Many students after playing a topic want to gather more information about the various topics!”

Buy it: Top Trumps Card Game

Traditional Games for Kids

These classic board games are fun and teach kids all the social skills (taking turns, patience, how to win and lose) one round at a time.

Amazon

25. Trouble

The Pop-o-Matic bubble is what makes this game so much fun! Be the first to get your player around the board to win.

Teacher review: “I purchased this for students and it’s always being used during our Friday advisory … look out, Uno, here comes Trouble! Haha.”

Buy it: Trouble

Amazon

26. Operation

Teaching an anatomy lesson? It’s time to break out the Operation game! Cavity Sam is under the weather, but students can make him feel better again.

Teacher review: “My students liked this game but were rough with it. This one had to find a home at the house to take a break. I grew up playing this game with my siblings and one of them was my brother who could not be beat, but he taught me some tricks to get the pieces out without setting off the buzzer.”

Buy it: Operation

Amazon

27. Monopoly Builder

This is a different spin on the classic Monopoly game. Here players buy property and physically stack buildings with the building blocks. It’s one of the best board games for elementary students that teaches money and negotiation skills.

User review: “Most Monopoly games take a long time to play. Not this one. It was easy to learn and fun to play and doesn’t take an hour or more to play. I like that we can sit down for half hour-ish and get through a game. Gives time together without taking away half a day.”

Buy it: Monopoly Builder

Amazon

28. Clue

This classic game involves strategy and deductive reasoning to figure out whodunit.

Teacher review: “Students are fascinated by the game. Needs more notepads or a downloadable template to print more!”

Buy it: Clue

Amazon

29. Sorry!

Do you have students who need to learn how to follow directions and both win and lose with grace? Let this old favorite board game do the teaching.

User review: “This classic game never gets old. Even kids who spend hours on their devices will stop to play this oldie but goodie!”

Buy it: Sorry!

Amazon

30. Guess Who?

Make sure to add this to your classroom collection of classic board games for kids. This enduring game is one of our favorites on the list of best board games for elementary classes. Its deductive reasoning builds vocabulary and language skills, and beyond the original cast of characters, there are limitless possibilities for adapting this game to help students review content information. Just replace the cards with pictures related to your curriculum.

Teacher review: “I bought this to use with students. Like other reviewers mentioned, it does feel a little flimsier than other versions. I just laminated the cards to make sure they withstood little hands constantly messing with them!”

Buy it: Guess Who?

New Classics

These games check all the boxes for great games and are sure to become favorites on your game shelf.

Amazon

31. Tenzi

Simple to learn and easy to adapt and extend, Tenzi makes for the perfect classroom math game, especially for kids who love to go fast. Be sure to check out our other favorite dice games for the classroom.

Teacher review: “Bought this for my classroom and my students love it! Can become very competitive!”

Buy it: Tenzi

Amazon

32. Qwirkle

There’s something so satisfying about these smooth wooden tiles. Scale down this attribute-matching game for younger students, or unleash older kiddos to wage full-on strategy battles.

Teacher review: “I played this game in a college class and came to love how it can help develop planning ahead and different math concepts. I teach 6th grade math and my students play when they are done with their work.”

Buy it: Qwirkle

Amazon

33. Q-bitz

Q-bitz is a game of visual perception and speed. Players race to make their set of blocks match the design on the card that’s drawn.

Buy it: Q-bitz

Melissa & Doug

34. Suspend

It takes patience, a steady hand, and thoughtful consideration to place wire pieces on the game structure without toppling it. This is a fun game to connect to STEM explorations of structures or balance.

User review: “Great visuospatial and strategy game for 1 or more players. High-quality pieces and a small storage footprint.”

Buy it: Suspend

Amazon

35. Rhino Hero Super Battle

Players create wobbly towers and bridges, then watch out for spider monkeys and engage in rhino battles. This game will be a favorite during indoor recess.

User review: “This game is amazing. I work with kiddos of many ages and each loves it. This is a well-requested game. It helps with knowing body awareness and thinking through the next step. The spider monkeys make the game just that much more! I would highly recommend.”

Buy it: Rhino Hero Super Battle

Active Games for Kids

Sometimes the best games get kids up and moving. These games are a great way to get kids out of their seats.

Amazon

36. Twister Ultimate

For indoor recess or a movement break, this updated version of the standby group game will get everyone out of their seats and laughing. The larger play mat lets more kids join in the fun!

Teacher review: “I used this in class with students to review the alphabet. I used masking tape to create letters on each of the circles, and then we played like Twister. All in all, great game!”

Buy it: Twister Ultimate

Amazon

37. Throw Throw Burrito

A card game plus dodgeball with toy burritos. Students collect cards, earn points, and throw burritos to win.

Teacher review: “Any reason to throw things at each other! The game gets very competitive and generates lots of laughs. It was great for the last week of school when we were done with curriculum.”

Buy it: Throw Throw Burrito

Amazon

38. The Floor Is Lava!

One of the best games for kids that needs no explanation. Students create Floor Is Lava challenges using the mats and cards.

Teacher review: “I bought this for indoor recess and an end-of-the-year countdown. I teach kindergarten so I was worried about how chaotic it would be … but it was SO MUCH FUN! Any teacher should buy this even if you teach older kids. It is a nice way to take a break and get active!”

Buy it: The Floor Is Lava!

Amazon

39. Tap It!

This game uses four different-colored game pieces that players tap to win. There are four different variations: Each one involves assigning a student a color and then tapping it along with the game—within 60 seconds, in an order, in a pattern, etc. It’s a fun way to improve response time and hand-eye coordination.

Teacher review: “I am a teacher and a mom and I use this game all the time to teach colors, reaction time, direction, and more! I love it.”

Buy it: Tap It!

Amazon

40. Super Skills

This is one of the best award-winning board games for kids. It delivers excitement with its diverse array of challenges where participants can showcase their agility and cleverness through tasks like stacking cups into a pyramid blindfolded, bouncing a ball off a wall and catching it behind their back, or balancing dice on a chopstick.

Teacher review: “I am a teacher and I have two boxes and small classes. The kids teamed up and we used one deck of cards. Each team challenged the others till we had one team winner. We were laughing and really enjoying ourselves. I might start the school year off this way so the kids and start off having laughs.
We really had a lot of fun!”

Buy it: Super Skills

Amazon

41. Beat That!

Players dive into a series of outlandish dexterity-based challenges, where they’ll need to bounce, flip, stack, hop, roll, blow, balance, and catapult their way to the top.

Teacher review: “Super fun game! I used this in my classroom and with my family. The challenges are so much fun for adults and kids! I highly recommend!”

Buy it: Beat That!

What do you think are the best board games for kids? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the best board games for preschool.

We Are Teachers Staff

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July 19, 2024
Classroom Deal of the Day: 24 Post-It Pads for Less Than $13 – We Are Teachers

It’s that time of year—while you might not be ready to think about back-to-school, retailers are offering big discounts on school and classroom supplies. That’s why we’re sharing a special classroom deal for every day in July. This week, the savings are massive with Prime Day happening today and tomorrow. And here’s one of our favorite Prime Day deals: this adorable school bus of 24 Post-It pads is only $12.74.

There are so many uses for sticky notes in the classroom

We highlight some of our favorites right here. This sticky note whiteboard strategy is also a game changer. Plus, did you know that you can print on sticky notes to create your own exit tickets, desk fairy notes, and more? Any way you slice it, it’s a good idea to stock up on Post-Its when you see deals like this, so go ahead, add to cart!

We’re curious—what else can we help you save on this month?

Email us at editors@weareteachers.com and we’ll try to include your suggestions in our deal roundups. Happy shopping!

We Are Teachers Staff

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July 17, 2024
Prince George’s Co. helping students get school supplies for the new year – WTOP News

Prince George’s County, Maryland, is hosting a drive to collect new backpacks and essential classroom supplies to support its students.

This is part of WTOP’s continuing coverage of people making a difference in our community, reported by Stephanie Gaines-Bryant. Read more of that coverage.

Buying school supplies can be difficult for some families, especially if they’re already struggling to put food on the table. That’s why Prince George’s County is back with its annual Stuff TheBus Back to School Supply Drive.

As a part of the program, the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation will be collecting new backpacks and essential classroom supplies to support students in the county.

The opening event is Monday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at the Department of Public Works and Transportation’s headquarters in Largo, Md. The drive will run through Friday, August 16.

“The Stuff TheBus Back to School Supply Drive is one of our premiere events of the year. We are Prince George’s Proud to provide families with opportunities to receive backpacks and school supplies during these financially challenging times,” Michael D. Johnson, director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation, said in a news release.

Since the Stuff TheBus program began, they have collected and distributed tens of thousands of backpacks and other school supplies.

“We encourage residents to visit [the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation] office in Largo and donate school supplies to help our students get ready for the upcoming school year,” Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said on her Instagram page.

The school year for students in Prince George’s County begins on August 26.

For students outside of Prince George’s County, Operation Backpack, run by the Volunteers of America’s Chesapeake & Carolinas chapter, continues to collect school supplies for D.C.-area students in need.

For more information on how to participate in Prince George’s Stuff TheBus program, visit their website or contact Angela Rouson, spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Transportation, at AJRouson@co.pg.md.us.

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© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Stephanie Gaines-Bryant

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July 14, 2024
10 Best Science Lab Equipment Suppliers for Schools

Setting up a school science lab and maintaining it throughout the year can take a lot of time, effort, and funds. That’s why it’s important to know who offers the best science lab equipment for schools and classrooms. Teachers need sturdy apparatus that can hold up to lots of use, as well as affordable supplies like chemicals and specimens. The science lab equipment suppliers here are trusted names in the business, and many cater directly to schools. You’re sure to find what you need at these sites (and more!).

Amazon

As you might expect from a site that offers just about everything, Amazon can be a great source for affordable science lab equipment and supplies. When you know exactly what you need, check Amazon for the best prices and shipping times. This is especially convenient if your school has an Amazon account, as it can make purchase orders and other requirements a whole lot easier.

Top science lab picks from Amazon:

Arbor Scientific

Physics teachers: This is your lab supplier! Arbor specializes in physics and physical science equipment and supplies, including their popular car kits for teaching concepts like acceleration, solar energy, and more. Note that the website can be a little difficult to browse—it works best if you have a specific item in mind from reviewing their catalog first.

Top picks from Arbor Scientific:

Carolina Biological Supply

Don’t let the name fool you: This company offers an incredibly wide array of science lab supplies and equipment for all STEM subjects. This is probably the best site for biological and organic specimens, including living and preserved organisms. But you’ll also find chemistry supplies, lab furniture, physics equipment, and even e-learning resources. Fun fact: Carolina got its start more than 90 years ago, when a college professor made money by selling extra specimens he had collected in the field for his own classroom!

Top picks from Carolina Biological Supply:

Home Science Tools

Homeschool families are the target audience for Home Science Tools products, with smaller quantities and complete kits geared toward learning at home. Their items cover chemistry, biology, earth science, space, physics, and engineering, with equipment and kits for all ages, pre-K to 12. Frequent shoppers can join their Rewards program, which offers 2% to 6% back every time you shop.

Top picks from Home Science Tools:

Fisher Scientific

This science lab equipment powerhouse supplies professional-grade labs, making them a great place to find more specialized chemicals and lab instruments. Start on their Classroom Science Equipment and Instruments page to find items best for schools and students. They also offer helpful tools like a Microscopes Buying Guide and their Headline Discoveries newsletter, with clever tips and lesson ideas for science educators.

Top picks from Fisher Scientific:

Flinn Scientific

For many science teachers, Flinn is their top one-stop shop for equipment, supplies, and even curriculum needs. Their lab safety courses are a perennial favorite, providing top-notch training for students with minimal teacher stress. They also offer everything from dissection supplies, chemicals and other consumables, STEM kits, lab furniture, and beyond. If you can’t find it here, your classroom science lab probably doesn’t need it!

Top picks from Flinn Scientific:

PASCO Scientific

PASCO’s specialty is STEM technology made specifically for classrooms and students. Though they offer a range of lab instruments and supplies, this company is better known for cool products for physics labs like projectile launchers and sensor equipment. PASCO also offers curriculum and textbooks for K-12 students, plus science kits and bundles to make shopping easier.

Top picks from PASCO Scientific:

School Outfitters

This company supplies furnishings for every kind of classroom, including a wide selection for science labs. This is a terrific place to find furniture like lab tables and workstations, along with must-haves like fume hoods, safety equipment, and chemical storage. If you’re setting up a whole new science classroom, start here for school-centered solutions and ideas.

Top picks from School Outfitters:

School Specialty

Many schools use this company for their various supply needs, and their selection of science equipment covers all the basic subjects. We especially like School Specialty for their Makerspace section, which helps educators stock on up STEAM supplies that inspire kids to create. You can also find supplies made with elementary students in mind, which not all science lab suppliers offer.

Top picks from School Specialty:

Ward’s Science

Ward’s Science

This supplier strives to make things easy for educators by providing helpful resources along with lab supplies. Use their Recommended Materials Center to begin stocking a new lab from scratch, or order custom kits that include everything you need for specific experiments or demos. Beyond that, shop by subject or area to find instruments and equipment, including in cool subjects like forensics and healthcare science.

Top picks from Ward’s Science:

What are your favorite sites for buying school science lab equipment? Come share your opinions and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, get these Free Printable Lab Safety Rules Posters!

Jill Staake

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January 23, 2024
50 Surprising Things Teachers Often Have To Buy For Their Classrooms
It’s that time of year again. Bright backpacks, yellow pencils and pink erasers adorn storefronts and shopping sites, evoking the fresh promise of a new school year.

But for all the lip-service that we pay teachers, it’s one of the only professions in which workers are routinely expected to provide the supplies necessary to do their job. Fostering a love of reading is a tall order, one made virtually impossible without funds to purchase books. Imagine asking a surgeon to come to work with their own scalpel and sutures.

If you haven’t had a child in a public school or worked in one yourself, you might assume that most teachers are given “the basics” — but the teacher wish lists you may have seen online tell a very different story. Some schools and districts are well-funded, down to the electric pencil sharpeners, but a shocking number are not.

Kelly Gallagher, a science teacher in New Jersey, told HuffPost: “I buy supplies for labs that aren’t ordered from the science supply [company] (oil, baking soda, bleach, sugar, Q-tips, cotton balls, etc.). … I’ve done teacher wishlist programs to get things for my class, like stethoscopes, lab coats, pulse oximeters, supplemental books, and while those are technically donations, they take my time, which does have value.”

Sometimes the regulations governing purchases are downright nonsensical.

Sandra Riek Gill, who taught preschool in Bowling Green, Kentucky, told HuffPost, “The district provided a nice laser jet printer but did not provide the ink. We were told to use our classroom budget. Our yearly budget was $300 and the ink was $295.”

When students’ families don’t have the resources to provide them with basics, such as food, clothing and toiletries, teachers often step in and help out. On every level, and often at their own expense, educators chip away at the profound inequities that define our society.

Staci, a physical education teacher for 32 years, tweeted that she has purchased “clothes, shoes (tons of sneakers), personal items such as toothbrush, paste, brush, comb, towel.” She has also provided class time for elementary students to shower. In addition, she has bought “school supplies, backpacks, coats and food for the weekend” for her students.

We asked our HuffPost Parents Facebook community about the items people are surprised to learn that teachers often have to buy for their classrooms. Here’s what they told us:
Fans: “Most of our building isn’t air conditioned, and we return on August 14th.” —Heather Mcalpin-Berkemeir, high school English teacher, Cincinnati, Ohio

Furniture and books: “Bookcases, shelves, hundreds of books for a classroom library.” —Kathie Hilliard

Technology and accessories: “A stand for a projector, extension cords, a computer for a student.” —Merry Mc @merrymclellan

Cleaning supplies: “Wipes for messes” —Louise Dewaele

A desk and chair: “Somehow not provided and we aren’t allowed to use our $75 in supply money to purchase. Also, can’t use that money for tissues, sanitizer or basic needs for students.” —Rebecca Nitterauer McCord

Carpet: “I desperately need a new one this year, and I am not allowed to use my district provided funds.” —Sarah Underwood

Storage: “Storage bins, posters, curtains, and sometimes furniture.” —Kim Mecum

Decor: “Bulletin board paper/borders, incentive charts/stickers/prizes, any decorations” —Denise Iannascola Matarante; “Anything that makes it more ‘homey’” —Britany Tuetken

Food: “Snacks for students” —Catherine Sullivan
We also scoured teacher wish lists posted online and collected some popular items:
Tissues

Adhesive bandages

Menstrual care products

Hand soap and lotion

Plastic baggies

Play-Doh

Legos

Popsicle sticks

Rubber bands

Glue

Crayons

Scissors

Markers

Stickers

Sticky notes

Folders

Visual timer

Poster paper

Clipboards

Broom and dustpan

Laminator and film

Whiteboard

Dry erase markers

Whiteboard erasers

Doorstops

Flashcards

Puzzles

Games

Paint and paintbrushes

iPad chargers

Headphones for audio books and other listening activities

Rocking chair

Rug

Flexible seating options, such as exercise balls

Pencil sharpener

Copy paper

Heavy-duty stapler

Staples

Staple remover

Paper towels
Source link
October 9, 2023
Los Angeles Mission Helps Prepare Homeless Children to Start the New School Year at Its Third Annual Back-to-School Fair & Supply Giveaway

LOS ANGELES, August 10, 2023 (Newswire.com)
–
On July 29, Los Angeles Mission, in collaboration with foster agencies Guardians of Love, Coco’s Angels, and Inner Circle, launched its Third Annual Back-to-School Fair & Supply Giveaway. The event, which took place at Iglesia Cristiana Sembrando Esperanza, supported over 350 foster families currently in the foster care system.

“Our deepest desire is to ignite a spark of joy and readiness within the hearts of these children so they can eagerly embrace the arrival of the new school year,” said Pastor Troy Vaughn, President and CEO of Los Angeles Mission. “Every student deserves to step into their educational journey with a heart filled with hope and the essential tools to thrive, irrespective of their financial circumstances.”

The presenting sponsor CVS Health made a generous check presentation of $50,000. This gift will help kick-start mental health services at Los Angeles Mission and increase access for children and families experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. The Project Health mobile van provided by CVS Health also helped make it an extra-healthy occasion, offering free physical and mental health screenings to those most vulnerable Angelenos. This donation is more than just a financial gift; it’s a symbol of hope for the community.

“The Los Angeles Mission is such an incredible organization, working to ensure equitable access to the support and resources children and their families need to thrive,” said Jeff Hermosillo, West Region President, Aetna, a CVS Health company. “We are helping to increase their impact to support the launch of Los Angeles Mission’s mental health services program because we believe high-quality mental health services should be available to everyone and that mental health is just as important as physical health.”

This resource fair featured free clothes, shoes, backpacks, food, school supplies, music, haircuts, manicures, and a range of activities for kids ages 0-17. Target, which set up a bespoke shopping experience, mobilized 50 employee volunteers to distribute much-needed back-to-school supplies.

“As parents, it is heartbreaking to witness the struggles that children in foster homes face when it comes to their education,” noted Kinikki Fullerwood, CEO of Guardians of Love. “Many of these precious kids dread going to school due to the lack of brand-new clothes or trendy items, fearing they will be singled out or bullied. The Back-to-School Fair aims to uplift and support these children, providing encouragement and igniting a flame of motivation within them, allowing them to thrive academically.”

Race To Feed is a program launched by Los Angeles Mission in October 2021. It is a response to food insecurity which helps individuals stabilize and reinvest resources in their communities. Since its inception, this program has provided over four million meals to struggling families across L.A. County. Through this program, attendees left the back-to-school event with a full week of groceries.

Vaughn concluded by stating “The Los Angeles Mission is grateful to all of our partners, including Supervisor Hilda Solis, Walmart, Chick-Fil-A, CVS Health, Project Health, Target, Guardians of Love, Coco’s Angels, and Inner Circle, who together made this event a major success.”

For more information about Los Angeles Mission or this event, please contact Ellis McGinnis at j.ellis@lamission.net.

Source: Los Angeles Mission

Related Media

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August 10, 2023
50 Surprising Things Teachers Often Have To Buy For Their Classrooms
It’s that time of year again. Bright backpacks, yellow pencils and pink erasers adorn storefronts and shopping sites, evoking the fresh promise of a new school year.

But for all the lip-service that we pay teachers, it’s one of the only professions in which workers are routinely expected to provide the supplies necessary to do their job. Fostering a love of reading is a tall order, one made virtually impossible without funds to purchase books. Imagine asking a surgeon to come to work with their own scalpel and sutures.

If you haven’t had a child in a public school or worked in one yourself, you might assume that most teachers are given “the basics” — but the teacher wish lists you may have seen online tell a very different story. Some schools and districts are well-funded, down to the electric pencil sharpeners, but a shocking number are not.

Kelly Gallagher, a science teacher in New Jersey, told HuffPost: “I buy supplies for labs that aren’t ordered from the science supply [company] (oil, baking soda, bleach, sugar, Q-tips, cotton balls, etc.). … I’ve done teacher wishlist programs to get things for my class, like stethoscopes, lab coats, pulse oximeters, supplemental books, and while those are technically donations, they take my time, which does have value.”

Sometimes the regulations governing purchases are downright nonsensical.

Sandra Riek Gill, who taught preschool in Bowling Green, Kentucky, told HuffPost, “The district provided a nice laser jet printer but did not provide the ink. We were told to use our classroom budget. Our yearly budget was $300 and the ink was $295.”

When students’ families don’t have the resources to provide them with basics, such as food, clothing and toiletries, teachers often step in and help out. On every level, and often at their own expense, educators chip away at the profound inequities that define our society.

Staci, a physical education teacher for 32 years, tweeted that she has purchased “clothes, shoes (tons of sneakers), personal items such as toothbrush, paste, brush, comb, towel.” She has also provided class time for elementary students to shower. In addition, she has bought “school supplies, backpacks, coats and food for the weekend” for her students.

We asked our HuffPost Parents Facebook community about the items people are surprised to learn that teachers often have to buy for their classrooms. Here’s what they told us:
Fans: “Most of our building isn’t air conditioned, and we return on August 14th.” —Heather Mcalpin-Berkemeir, high school English teacher, Cincinnati, Ohio

Furniture and books: “Bookcases, shelves, hundreds of books for a classroom library.” —Kathie Hilliard

Technology and accessories: “A stand for a projector, extension cords, a computer for a student.” —Merry Mc @merrymclellan

Cleaning supplies: “Wipes for messes” —Louise Dewaele

A desk and chair: “Somehow not provided and we aren’t allowed to use our $75 in supply money to purchase. Also, can’t use that money for tissues, sanitizer or basic needs for students.” —Rebecca Nitterauer McCord

Carpet: “I desperately need a new one this year, and I am not allowed to use my district provided funds.” —Sarah Underwood

Storage: “Storage bins, posters, curtains, and sometimes furniture.” —Kim Mecum

Decor: “Bulletin board paper/borders, incentive charts/stickers/prizes, any decorations” —Denise Iannascola Matarante; “Anything that makes it more ‘homey’” —Britany Tuetken

Food: “Snacks for students” —Catherine Sullivan
We also scoured teacher wish lists posted online and collected some popular items:
Tissues

Adhesive bandages

Menstrual care products

Hand soap and lotion

Plastic baggies

Play-Doh

Legos

Popsicle sticks

Rubber bands

Glue

Crayons

Scissors

Markers

Stickers

Sticky notes

Folders

Visual timer

Poster paper

Clipboards

Broom and dustpan

Laminator and film

Whiteboard

Dry erase markers

Whiteboard erasers

Doorstops

Flashcards

Puzzles

Games

Paint and paintbrushes

iPad chargers

Headphones for audio books and other listening activities

Rocking chair

Rug

Flexible seating options, such as exercise balls

Pencil sharpener

Copy paper

Heavy-duty stapler

Staples

Staple remover

Paper towels
Source link
August 7, 2023
$200,000 worth of supplies distributed to Palm Beach County schools during giveaway event

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — Hundreds of students in Palm Beach County will receive free, new school supplies next week thanks to the annual Tools for Schools program.

For the 20th year, Red Apple Supplies, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County‘s free teacher resource store, partnered with Publix Super Markets to distribute more than $201,000 essential school supplies to teachers from 120 Title I district schools.

Teachers and principals drove up to the Red Apple supply store in Riviera Beach as early as 8 a.m. to receive the supplies from volunteers, forming a line long enough to wrap around the building and continue down the street.

Volunteers loaded cars up with supplies while others served hot chocolate and sweets.

🍎🎉📚 Red Apple Supplies, @EducationFdnPBC free teacher resource store, is distributing over $200,000 worth of essential school supplies to teachers from 120 Title I District schools. This generous donation was made possible by @Publix Super Markets’ Tools for Schools program!💚 pic.twitter.com/zKhzWPQQw4

— The School District of Palm Beach County (@pbcsd) December 3, 2022

Education Foundation Chairman Jim Moore also served as a disc jockey for the event while a barbershop quartet serenaded drivers while they waited for the supplies. Santa Claus even paid a visit to the event.

Palm Beach County Superintendent Michael Burke said the event is especially needed with one in five district students at the poverty level.

“This goes a long way to make sure kids have the supplies they need to stay in the classroom,” Burke said.

Dwayne Dennard, the principal of Pahokee middle and high schools, seconded Burke’s words, emphasizing the need for supplies.

WPTV

Dwayne Dennard, the principal of Pahokee middle and high schools, explains the importance of the free school supplies for his students.

Dennard said 99% of the students in his two schools are on a free or reduced meal program, indicating a significant financial need.

“Without these supplies, a lot of our kids cannot reach their full potential,” Dennard said. “There are some kids that we lost because we didn’t have these types of supplies. It’s a great opportunity for parents and students with the way inflation is now.”

The supplies distributed included everything from notebooks to headphones and more.

Burke said the supplies will be distributed to students in school next week.

Source link

December 5, 2022
Kidoodle.TV® is Proud to #ClearTheList at Rugel Elementary in Mesquite, Texas

What began as fulfilling one second-grade teacher’s Amazon Wish List quickly transformed into a school-wide initiative for 350 students

Press Release
–

Aug 24, 2022

CALGARY, Alberta, August 24, 2022 (Newswire.com)
–
Kidoodle.TV® (owned by A Parent Media Co. Inc.) is proud to announce that after clearing the list of second-grade teacher Mrs. Danielle Tresslar — fulfilling her entire Amazon Wish List for the upcoming school year — the company also cleared the lists for her entire school, providing Amazon gift cards to all other 18 classrooms at Rugel Elementary School located in Mesquite, Texas.

The school’s principal, Dr. Amanda Walker, expressed sincere gratitude, acknowledging the impact it would have on students. “Each year, teachers find themselves spending their own money to buy supplies and books for their students. This generous gift will relieve the burden for them. Kidoodle.TV has gone above and beyond to clear the list for our Rugel classroom teachers.”

A Parent Media Co. Inc. (“APMC“) was motivated to clear the lists of the entire school and, with the assistance of Dr. Walker, surprised teachers and students at an event at Rugel Elementary on Aug. 11, 2022. Rugel Elementary is a K-5 Title 1 school with 350 students. “They saw the need and they are stepping up to help. The impact they have made will go beyond the tangible, [it] will positively change lives,” said Dr. Walker.

This year, APMC placed a high priority on participating in the nationwide #ClearTheList campaign. “We’ve been fortunate to have families across the world choose to include Kidoodle.TV as part of their daily lives, and because of that, we are proud to be able to give back to communities in need,” said Neil Gruninger, President and Chief Product Officer of APMC.

The #ClearTheList movement aims to bring awareness to the lack of classroom supplies in schools throughout the United States while also recognizing and lending a helping hand to America’s deserving teachers through the fulfillment of their Amazon Wish Lists.

“We understand that having the proper tools to succeed in the classroom is an integral part of making children feel safe and fostering personal growth. An initiative like #ClearTheList allows us to extend our passion for keeping kids safe beyond the digital landscape,” added Gruninger.

Mrs. Tresslar’s note, which caught the attention of Kidoodle.TV, read:

“I work in a title 1 district where 90% of our students are under the poverty line. Every student receives free breakfast and lunch! Majority (sic) of the time students can not afford classroom supplies so I end up buying things for them to use in class! We are always in need of pencils, expo markers and books to add to our little classroom library!”

Classroom teachers spend an excessive amount of money out of pocket each year for classroom supplies. In recent years, teachers have taken to Amazon, sharing their classroom wish lists publicly online, allowing parents and donors to contribute and ease the financial burden. As a purpose-driven organization, the Kidoodle.TV team was inspired to participate in support of teachers and students and applauds the #ClearTheList campaign for its commendable efforts.

Other APMC initiatives include its annual donation of 60 million ad impressions to organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation that benefit the health and well-being of children.

Join the Kidoodle.TV Safe Streaming™ family on /www.kidoodle.tv, or download the app and start watching for free today.

About APMC and Kidoodle.TV®

A Parent Media Co. Inc. is a family-based media and technology company focused on providing innovative solutions to consumers and brands, including Kidoodle.TV®, Glitch+, and Safe Exchange Inc. Kidoodle.TV is a Safe Streaming™ service committed to providing children with a safe alternative to stream their favorite TV shows and movies. Available in over 160 countries and territories on thousands of connected devices, Kidoodle.TV provides peace of mind with every show* vetted by caring people committed to Safe and Free Streaming for Kids™. Kidoodle.TV is available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, LG, Samsung, VIDAA-enabled Hisense TVs, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon, Jio, Xfinity X1, Connected TVs, HTML5 Web, and many other streaming media devices, including Miko 3. Kidoodle.TV is certified by the kidSAFE® Seal Program and is the proud recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award®, a Stevie® Award, platinum winner of the Best Mobile App Award, and Parents’ Picks Award – Best Elementary Products. Visit www.kidoodle.tv to learn more.

*Content availability varies by location.

Facebook:   facebook.com/KidoodleTV

Twitter:   twitter.com/kidoodleTV

Instagram:   instagram.com/kidoodletv/

LinkedIn:          linkedin.com/company/kidoodletv

Media Contact:

Contact | media@kidoodle.tv

Source: Kidoodle.TV

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August 24, 2022
10,000+ Backpacks Filled With School Supplies to Be Distributed in Flint, MI

Organizations partner to support a community still reeling from a man-made water crisis

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 25, 2018

FLINT, Mich., July 25, 2018 (Newswire.com)
–
Pack Your Back, STATE Bags and 11-year-old local activist, ‘Little Miss Flint’ Mari Copeny have joined forces to distribute more than 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies timed to the start of the 2018/2019 school year.

Select schools throughout Flint, Michigan will distribute a STATE backpack, filled with supplies for success, to each student on the first day of school. “The only way a student can succeed in the classroom is by having the proper tools and resources needed to do so,” said Galen Miller, Executive Director of Pack Your Back. “We are excited to assist more than 10,000 students in getting those tools.”

The only way a student can succeed in the classroom is by having the proper tools and resources needed to do so.

Galen Miller, Executive Director

Students who do not attend these select schools can still receive a backpack and supplies from a School Supply Distribution on Aug. 31 at the Mott Community College Event Center starting at 4 p.m. Backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pack Your Back and Little Miss Flint have facilitated programming that has already impacted over 3,500 people throughout Flint in 2018 including distribution of water, bicycles and school supplies, among other items.

STATE Bags donates tens of thousands of backpacks to children with immediate needs each year.

“We’re thrilled to dedicate our entire back to school giving efforts to the kids of Flint this year,” says STATE Co-Founder, Scot Tatelman. “This community has been overlooked far too long, and we are looking forward to gearing up its students while shedding light on the continual struggles and resiliency of its residents. We couldn’t be more honored to team up with Little Miss Flint and Pack Your Back as they both perfectly embody what Flint represents.”

To donate to efforts in Flint, Michigan, please visit http://bit.ly/2mFga3z.

For a list of schools directly receiving support, please visit www.packyourback.org.

Media Contact:
Galen Miller
Phone: 989.245.4994
Email: media@packyourback.org

Source: Pack Your Back

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July 25, 2018
LearningRx – Reviews 10 Ways Parents Can Partner With Teachers

Brain Training company LearningRx shares tip on how parents can partner with teachers at learningrxblog.com

Press Release
–

Aug 16, 2016

Colorado Springs, CO, August 16, 2016 (Newswire.com)
–
One-on-one brain training company LearningRx is sharing a list of 10 ways parents can partner with teachers. Here are a few from the list:

1. Offer to help at home. Not everyone can volunteer in the classroom. Parents work, stay home with younger children, take care of sick or elderly family members, or live too far away to make multiple trips to school. But many teachers have things that can be done at home instead. “I have sorted and stapled piles of papers, cut out materials, done online research and sorted art materials into plastic baggies for a craft project,” says one mother of two. If you can spare even an hour a week, ask your child’s teachers what you can do at home to help with materials for the classroom.

I love the tip about how any parent who donates funds to help a classroom can double their money!

Tanya Mitchell, Mom of four school-aged kids

2. Share good deals. Even if you can’t afford to buy a ton of extra school supplies for the classroom, you can share extra-special deals that you run across. “I make a list of businesses that are offering freebies during Teacher Appreciation Week and give them to my kids’ teachers,” says one mom. “It doesn’t cost me anything and they love knowing about places like Chipotle and Chick-fil-A that offer freebies or BOGO deals.” Sites like Donors Choose and Fund My Classroom let teachers in high-needs communities post requests for financial assistance for specific projects, equipment, field trips and events. “I would donate $25 and then use a promo code I’d find online to get a matching the donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, so the teacher would instead get $50 toward her project,” says another mom. “Then I’d share the code with the teacher and other parents, so any parent in the class who donated funds could double their money.”

3. Donate supplies. Time magazine reports that teachers spent, on average, $500 of their own money on classroom supplies. If you have contacts at stores or large companies, ask if they can donate supplies. (Some schools will even supply you with their tax ID number in order for the company to get a write-off.) You can also check yard sales and thrift shops to pick up cheap deals, or ask the teacher to create a list of classroom “needs” and “wants” that you can offer to copy and share with other parents.

To see the full list, visit: http://media.learningrx.com/files/2016/08/PrintablePartnerWithTeacher-copy.pdf

LearningRx, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the largest one-on-one brain training organization in the world. With 80 Centers in the U.S., and locations in 40 countries around the globe, LearningRx has helped more than 95,000 individuals and families sharpen their cognitive skills to help them think faster, learn easier, and perform better. Their on-site programs partner every client with a personal brain trainer to keep clients engaged, accountable, and on-task — a key advantage over online-only brain exercises. Their pioneering methods have been used in clinical settings for 35 years and have been verified as beneficial in peer-reviewed research papers and journals. To learn more about LearningRx research results, programs, and their 9.6 out of 10 client satisfaction rating visit http://www.learningrx.com/.

Source: LearningRx

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August 16, 2016