Hellobee Boards

Our teachers always let you know their wish list when they give the normal supply list.

ETA I feel like it is always kind of anonymous because the shuffle of the fist day and everything. We just set the bags down inside the room and no one ever really pays attention. The teacher is much more focused on the kids.

@ShootingStar: I would just ask. The teachers we've had so far will happily let us know what else they may need besides what is on the standard list.

Former primary teacher: I would just ask or better yet give a gift card! Maybe a week into the school year once the teacher knows more of what is needed. I don't think anyone would feel like you're bribing them - unless it's like super extravagant. It's always so random what you're missing and there are many times I'd have WAY too much of something (wipes, hand sanitizer, crayons, etc). She could very well have things left over from last year or could've received a random donation from someone else. So I personally wouldn't assume she needs something in particular because it really varies. She will be so grateful you asked instead of just buying what you think she needs. *Sort of reminds me of when people buy stuff for you for your new baby based on what THEY think you need versus what you just have on your registry.*

As a teacher, this would be SO incredibly appreciated. The fall is always so expensive setting up a classroom and buying supplies for students who can’t afford them.

A gift card would be really nice.

I asked my son's first grade teacher last year if there was anything they needed for the classroom. She felt somewhat uncomfortable asking for parents to give anything but I pressed further and she admitted that they did not have a rug for circle time. I ordered a rug from Costco and had it shipped directly to the school. I'd probably ask if there are any specific needs. I rationalized it that as a working parent, I struggle with giving inordinate amounts of my time but that contributing something to the classroom that she needed was something I could do to add value.

@PurplePeony: This was my dream when I was a teacher because:
1) I taught in a low-income neighborhood, so lots of my kiddos wouldn't otherwise have what they needed, so I used my own money to supplement that for them.
2) I could get things SO much cheaper than parents were finding them
3) No fussing over which whatever was whose. They were all "ours." I could also buy things as we needed them, because storage was tight.

I totally get being a bit bummed about not shopping for supplies, though. But really, my 1st grader's list is so specific, there's not much fun in it anyway.

As a former teacher, I would have LOVED a gift certificate. I'll probably do that for my son's teacher this year.