school supplies

Grandparents Checklist for Grandkids Back to School Preparation

It's that time of year again, back to school. so what can a grandparent do to help get the school year off to a great start?

School supplies teachers don't want you to buy

  • Overly large pen/pencil case. You're just giving them room to put their phone in and play when class is in session. Since highschool I've never used a pen/pencil case.
  • All of the fidget toys. 90% of kids don't need them and they are a perpetual distraction. Especially putties that end up in the carpet, and those cubes that make clicking noises hey are distracting for the other kids .

    What teachers do want and need you to provide for school supplies

    • Pens, Pens, Crayons, Dry erase markers, and notebooks -- but not all "70 pack" at one time with the child. Consider donating them to the teacher for class use instead.
    • Tissues, cleaning supplies
    • Donations for the class, check to see if they have an Amazon Wish list
    • For younger kids, donate snacks to their class like small pre-packaged snack packs (no peanuts)

    Things Grandparents can do to help grandkids this school year

    • Take tweens and teens shopping, set a budget and pick a department store or reseller like Marshalls or Plato's Closet. Best if you can wait a week or two after school starts so they have a sense of what's in style this year, no value in buying clothes they end up not wearing
    • Supplies required by the school, check with the parents and ask if they would like you to buy half or all of the supplies if you can afford it
    • Shoes ( all ages)- set a budget and stick to it, no matter the pleas
    • Pay for school lunches - ask the parents if you can put some money on account, even if they usually pack their lunch, there are always day they forget their lunch
    • Hand sanitizer
    • For younger kids shopping consider Target, Carters, Old Navy, and Kohl’s.
    • Help with Homework, often the kids do better with Grandma or Grandpa than when parents help
    • Volunteer to go on a field trip
    • Plan an educational trip that matches what the kids are studying in school
    • Help with a Science project, here are some ideas for science projects
      • Safe Water,test the safety of your city's drinking water
      • Harmonics in Harmonicas
      • Effects of Plastic on the Environment
      • Uses of Desalinated Salt Water
      • The Effectiveness of Headgear in _______(Soccer, baseball, football, etc)
      • Will Heavier Bowling Balls Knock Down More Pins?
      • Can Fruits and Vegetables Light a Lightbulb?
      • If the Music is Louder, Will your Heart Beat Faster?
      • Does hand sanitizer really work?

      Sharing Community Activities with your Grandchildren

    • Follow your grandchild's interests. Most public schools do not have the staff or resources to allow students to fully investigate areas they have a personal interest in. So, whatever your child is tuned in to, make the time to help nurture their inquisitive mind. Is your daughter interested in bluebirds? Research ways to attract bluebirds to your home and how to build birdhouses for them; join a local bird watching group to find out where to spot them in your community. Is your son a fan of cars? Find a local evening program that teaches basic car care and mechanics and have him help keep the family car in tune. By taking the time to nurture your child's interests they may find a new path to learning that they would not have experienced otherwise.
    • Stay informed about political issues impacting education. Local schools and districts no longer have the sole ability to determine what skills to emphasize in the classroom. Often, national politics play a larger role than ever before in determining what students will learn. By keeping up-to-date on current educational issues and making an informed vote at the local and national level, you can help to shape you child's educational experience.
    • Expose you grandchild to science topics. Sound intimidating? It's really not- you don't even have to be a scientist to do it! Most large communities have natural science museums, children's museums, nature centers, state parks, or other science-based resources that are very interactive and age-appropriate for school children. By allowing your child to take part in the activities and offerings of these institutions you will help to foster a natural sense of inquiry and wonder in the scientific world.

    Source: List compiled from surveys of parents and teachers.

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