Back to school supply lists are everywhere. 2 glue sticks, 2 highlighters, pencils, NO MARKERS (why such hatred for markers these days?), hand sanitizer, etc. We become obsessed with purchasing the items from our lists. We make sure they have the perfect backpack, the perfect lunchbox, and the ever coveted back to school shoes.
Upon completion of the list, we, as parents, feel a sense of accomplishment. There, now you have everything you need for back to school. You are ready to take on the next grade!
But are they?
Does the perfect pencil pouch somehow secretly prepare our children for the perfect first day? I think we all know that what lies beneath that overstuffed backpack is our most important back to school priority. We know that the clothes really do not make the girl. We also know that the character supply list is much more difficult to obtain than the school supply list. As a teacher, I have an alternative supply list that runs through my head. In my perfect world, my students would come through the door with a few physical supplies in their backpacks, of course. But most importantly, I hope that each student comes equipped with a nice mixture of the following, ensuring a successful first day in which they leave feeling empowered, excited, and motivated to learn! (Yes, I am a dreamer!)
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You will find out what it means to me the minute you walk into my classroom. I value respect above all other things. Respect for yourself. Respect for others. Respect for your property, and respect for others’ property. Self respect, self esteem, and positive relationships are all intertwined. Talk to your children about respect and manners before they head off to school!
Ambition. Does your child have goals for this school year? Have you discussed with them what they would like to achieve? Or how they are going to achieve it? Does he or she have an agenda they will use to keep them on track? How will you support them to achieve their goals? These are all great conversations to have with students of all ages.
A pencil. Because you never know when you are going to need one.
