We all know it’s back-to-school time and the reality is setting in if it hasn’t already. This list? Well, we’re just keeping **** real here and suggesting a few items you may need beyond pencils & gluesticks!
First, about that official supply list from school, remember, it’s a community list. It is about more than the list: sharing, helping others, and embracing the idea of being part of something bigger. And as they get older, those lessons will stick.
To the incoming kindergarten families: welcome to the club! You’re about to experience the magic of back-to-school season. To those heading out with their high school seniors, share what you have learned along the way HERE. You’re a wealth of knowledge and there should be a grade school parent mentor program and this is an idea for another day.
Here’s a list of things they don’t tell you you’ll need, but trust us, you will. As what some may call “veteran back-to-school moms,” we’ve got a few ideas to add to your radar.
Now, beyond the pencils & glue sticks:some extras they don’t tell you about yet you may need.
But first, some inspiration for this post. The Soccer Mom Blog (on Facebook) recently nailed it when she shared a list of “real life” back-to-school items: all the extras they don’t put on the official supply sheet but you’ll wish you had later.
Here’s her post: facebook.com/thesoccermomblog
And here is The Soccer Mom Blog list:
image from The Soccer Mom Blog Facebook page
This is fun and we are not complaining at all about the celebrations of days, events and the extras! It’s a great list and we love that school incorporates so much FUN into the school year! We’d also like to add a few more things we have learned along the way.
And these are in no particular order:
- Small but thoughtful gifts or gift cards for Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, Administrative Assistant Day, and other staff celebrations. You never know who will become your child’s go-to adult this year and kids love sharing a little thank-you.
- 30 Valentine’s Day envelopes – (yes, 30!). Buy them now so when it’s time to fill them, you can just slip in the treats. Why 30? A couple of extra in case there’s an “oops.”
- Dollar store battery string lights trust us, they’ll need sparkle for a themed dress-up day, a Taylor Swift party, or “shine bright” day.
- Winter Break countdown gear – why? In some schools, every December day has a theme leading up to break. And not much will snowball out of control faster than a 7yo at 8am realizing there isn’t a red-and-white striped shirt for “Dress Like a Candy Cane Day.”
- Special pajama day PJs – Considering there may be a GLAM-kid who is still wearing 5T Old Navy jammie pants because they are, “soooooo comfortable….” even though they are now capris. The cozy ones they wear at home may not be the best for school. Your call.
- A show and tell or favorite toy – why? They get to bring a show and tell toy sometimes and then sometimes they get to bring a “special” item at times. Don’t send the one they still may like to snuggle up with at night to either. It may be lost, wrecked, etc. And talk about the show and tell idea before the morning of, that too may lead to a whirlwind of a meltdown just before leaving for school.
We are not saying or suggesting you need to go on a shopping spree or stress about it, just keep these ideas in mind as the school year goes on.
This is the fun stuff and I hope you enjoy every bit of it.
Now that you know about what you may need beyond pencils & glue sticks, are you interested in reading more about back to school, school ideas, teacher treats and more? Visit any of the links below!
🍏 Back to School Ideas from GLAMoms
🍏 Veteran tip: plan to dine out or carry out the first week of school, 10+ Places for Kids Meals – Discounted and Kids Eat Free
🍏 Water Bottles That Make Hydration Easy (For Moms and Kids!)
🍏 Want something simple to do one day this week? Maybe map out where you would go for the Downtown East Lansing Scavenger Hunt
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Do you have an idea to share or one we should learn more about of just want to say hello? Contact us here, we would love to hear from you.
