Your Suggested COVID School Supply Additions
When schools let out in March, no one knew what to expect. By the end of the year, school supply lists were the last thing on everyone's mind, since we didn't know what school would like like in the Fall. As schools start to open up, there are some things that may not be on your supply list, but you may want to take them into consideration. Affiliate links are provided for your convenience.
**Please check with your individual district/school/teacher for their restrictions.
1. Mechanical Pencils
It's a common practice for students in classrooms to share pencils. Typically, we have a a basket for sharp pencils and a basket for dull pencils. Students can switch out their dull pencil for a sharp one during class so as not to disturb lessons with the sound of the pencil sharpener. Mechanical pencils would greatly decrease touch points around the pencil sharpener and avoid the sharing of germs on whole class used pencils. Don't forget to buy extra lead! The thicker the lead, the better, because it will result in less breakage.
2. Personal Pencil Sharpener
In the case that your student is using pencils, a personal sharpener would be ideal. They won't have to share it with anyone and can sharpen their own pencils when needed.
3. Water Bottles
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If your teacher allows it, let your students bring their own water bottles to school. Let it be reusable and wash it between school days. Water fountains will be a major touch point, if they're even open for use. Let's keep our own germs to ourselves where we can! Be aware that some schools are asking for clear or transparent water bottles so the contents can be seen.
4. Lysol/Hand Sanitizer
If you see any at the store- BUY IT. Keep some at home, and donate some to the classroom. Teachers will be cleaning like never before and it's hard to find these supplies right now! Lysol sprays will be the fastest to clean between students, but Clorox wipes would be helpful as well.
5. Headphones
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It's no secret that technology will be a major push this year. Whether your school model is all virtual, hybrid, or in person, devices will be used to enhance learning. Make sure your child has their own set of headphones to carry with them. Cheap earbuds would suffice and can be easily stored in something as simple as their pencil pouch or an Altoid container.
6. Wireless Mouse
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With virtual learning, comes technology. We find a bluetooth or USB enabled mouse helps students on Chromebooks/laptops. Their hands are able to work it easier. Also, practice typing! We find a lot of parents, and even the students themselves, get frustrated because their children don't type "fast enough". Think about how this will be the first time they ever really have to. An Ipad or phone isn't the same as typing on a keyboard. We work typing practice into our school schedule the first few weeks of school. Get started early with Typing Club or another practice website for your children.
7. Face Mask
Listen to your school's rules on if these will be suggested or not. But, if they are and you feel your child should wear a mask, let your child pick it out! Just like the school supplies, having your child pick out their own mask will make them more excited to wear it. There are plenty of designs online and even plain ones if you know someone who can put their initials/favorite saying on it!
Other things to consider:
Let Your Student Pick Out Their Supplies
Does anyone else remember going to the store to pick out their school supplies?! A new lunchbox with your favorite TV show character, new pencils with the coolest designs, a new booksack in your favorite color... this was so motivating to me! I couldn't WAIT to go back to school and show it off. Times are tough. We have to get back to the basics. Let your children pick out their own school supplies so they're invested in using it and motivated to get back to work!
Shoes
Chances are when your shoes have laces, they'll have to be tied at some point during the day. Teachers do this for students all the time without thinking twice- except now they will. Those laces have been tracking around bathrooms, hallways, cement, and everywhere else your child goes. Consider going velcro or slip on for your younger children this year.
Lunches
Similar to above, teachers help students with their lunches all the time in younger grades. That easy Lunchable you send with your kindergartner? Chances are they can't open it without help. Poking the hole through the juice box? Teachers do it! When thinking about lunches this year, consider helping your child practice opening each container so they can do it themselves this school year. Added bonus- it will give them more time to eat if they aren't waiting for help!
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