What Your Child’s Teacher Could Really Use for Christmas
The Christmas season is upon us and everyone is working on their holiday shopping lists. Before you buy that apple mug or school themed Christmas ornament for your child’s teacher, you may want to make a few minor adjustments to your list and purchase a more practical item that he or she could really use for Christmas this year.
It’s a common fact that most teachers purchase classroom supplies out of their own pocket. Yes, schools provide many teachers with some basic supplies or a small stipend for classroom expenses, but that money is long-gone by the first day of school and all subsequent supplies come straight from the teacher’s personal budget.
The best part? Many of these items are available on Amazon Prime so you can shop in your pajamas and enjoy free shipping!
Glue sticks
There is something about young children and glue sticks… they go through a ton of them! Chances are, your child’s teacher is running very low on glue sticks from all of the holiday projects. This box of 30 glue sticks is the perfect way to replenish her classroom supply.
Dry Erase Markers
These are a classroom essential! Show your child’s teacher that she is extra special with this 16-pack of Expo dry erase markers. It includes so many great colors!
Skinny Dry Erase Markers
If the traditional (fat) style of dry erase markers are perfect for teachers, the skinny markers are essential for students. I started with a few dozen brand new markers this past fall. Many of those markers are now nearly dry and the tips are all smashed it. This tale is all-too-common in classrooms right now. Give your teacher the gift of fresh new dry erase markers!
Crayons
It’s hard to find a good deal on Crayola Crayons that comes anywhere near the 25 cent deals that are popular during back to school season. I found this great 6 box pack of 24 count crayons on Amazon for less than $7.50. It’s not 25 cents each, but it’s a great deal!
Dot markers
I use these Do-A-Dot-Art markers all the time in my kindergarten classroom. They are wonderful, but at $15 for a box of 6, they are expensive for a teacher’s budget. I would be so thankful to receive a box of these as a Christmas gift!
Papermate Flair Pens
These are seriously every teacher’s dream pen. Papermate Flair Pens write beautifully and come in such vivid colors. If they are not your child’s teacher’s favorite pens, it’s just because she hasn’t discovered them yet!
Sharpie Fine Print Markers
Sharpie markers are a classroom staple. They are permanent and write on virtually any surface. Most teachers carry around the standard black variety of Sharpies, but I have a great affection for color and I highly recommend this 24 pack of markers.
Tempera Paint
Early childhood teachers go through a lot of paint in the classroom. Buy a few bottles of Crayola Tempera Paints
Pencils
Every classroom is like the Bermuda Triangle for pencils. They come into the room, then are never seen again. I personally suspect that some children eat the pencils (eraser and all). Regardless of what happens to pencils in the classroom, the fact of the matter is that teachers always need more of them. Spare your teacher some of that expense and add a pack to her Christmas gift.
Cardstock
White cardstock is one of my classroom essentials. I go through about 500 sheets of it every year. It’s not cheap but it’s the perfect material for so many wonderful paper crafts. Any teacher would be THRILLED to get a package of bright white cardstock as a Christmas gift.
Tape
Papers rip in the classroom ALL THE TIME and teachers go through a lot of tape. Replacement rolls are inexpensive and make for very happy teachers!
Clear Contact Paper
This is, hands-down, one of my most essential classroom supplies. I use Clear Contact Paper on seasonal window decorations and to attach student nametags to their desks.
Thermal Laminating Sheets
Elementary teachers laminate a lot of papers. Help your child’s teacher laminate to her little heart’s desire with the gift of thermal laminating pouches . Replenish her supply so she never runs out!
Thermal Laminator
Most teachers already own a thermal laminator, but they really deserve to own two: one for the classroom and one at home. Buy a second laminator for an extra special teacher so she can laminate at home while she watches TV!
Clorox Wipes
Classrooms are germy places and teachers do a lot of disinfecting in an effort to keep everyone happy and healthy. Buy your teacher a pack (or three) or Clorox wipes. It’s a gift for the teacher AND your child!
Kleenex
Speaking of germs, runny noses are a regular occurrence in the classroom. Many teachers replenish they own classroom tissuesupplies throughout the school year. Help your child’s teacher out this Christmas and send some extra boxes of Kleenex her way.
Sandwich Bags
Teachers use Ziploc bags for everything. The sandwich size bags are cheap and just the right size for a myriad of classroom supplies. Tuck a pack of these into your teacher’s stocking and she will know she was on Santa’s nice list! While you’re at it, you may also want to pick up a box of snack, quart, or gallon size bags too.
WIN a Laser Printer and Other Resources for the Classroom
Have you heard the news? Right now there is a HUGE Christmas for the Classroom giveaway happening. You could enter to win a wireless laser printer (valued at $500) and other classroom essentials. Stop by and enter. If you’re not a teacher, this would be the ultimate gift to give your child’s classroom teacher.
Parents, what are you planning to get for your child’s teacher for Christmas this
Teachers, what would you add to the list?
The post What Your Child’s Teacher Could Really Use for Christmas appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.
