Serenity Soul Space is a health and wellness space that empowers you to find balance, joy, and fulfillment in your everyday life. Our mission is to support your personal development and well-being through practical tips and inspiring ideas. Explore our resources to enhance your mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and discover a path to a more serene and enriched life.
Building a strong and meaningful connection with someone you like is an exciting journey. Whether you're just starting to get to know each other or you've been friends for a while, asking the right questions can deepen your relationship. These questions, which we call "Relationship Deepeners," help you understand each other better and create a bond that lasts.
What are Relationship Deepeners?
Relationship Deepeners are thoughtful questions that go beyond small talk. They encourage meaningful conversations, allowing you to discover more about each other's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. These questions are designed to help you connect on a deeper level, making your relationship stronger and more fulfilling.
Why Are Relationship Deepeners Important?
When you like someone, you naturally want to know more about them. Simple questions can only take you so far. Relationship Deepeners open up new avenues of conversation, helping you understand each other's values, dreams, and perspectives. They build trust and intimacy, essential components of any strong relationship.
The "Someone You LIKE" Factor
When we talk about "someone you like," we mean a person who piques your interest and makes you want to spend more time with them. This could be a friend, a crush, or even someone you’re getting to know better. Using Relationship Deepeners with someone you like is especially important because it can transform a casual acquaintance into a meaningful connection.
Here are 25 questions to strengthen your bond with someone you like:
1. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
2. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
4. What’s a book or movie that changed your perspective on something?
5. What are you most passionate about?
6. How do you like to spend your weekends?
7. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn or try?
8. Who has been the most influential person in your life?
9. What’s your favorite way to relax after a long day?
10. What’s a goal you’re currently working towards?
11. How do you handle stress or difficult situations?
12. What’s a talent or skill you’re proud of?
13. What’s something that always makes you laugh?
14. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
15. What’s a favorite memory you have with your family?
16. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
17. How do you define success?
18. What’s a quality you admire in others?
19. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
20. What’s a fear you’ve overcome?
21. What’s something you’re grateful for today?
22. How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
23. What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
24. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
25. What’s something you’d like to accomplish in the next year?
Using Relationship Deepeners can make a significant difference in how well you connect with someone you like. These questions help you explore each other's personalities, dreams, and values, fostering a deeper and more meaningful bond. Next time you’re with someone you like, try asking a few of these questions and see how your relationship grows.
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of essential clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create many outfits. It helps simplify your closet, save money, and always have something to wear. Here's a checklist for both men and women to build their own capsule wardrobe:
For Women:
1. Basic T-shirts (3-5)
- Solid colors like white, black, and gray
- Can be dressed up or down
10. Sneakers (1 pair)
- White or black
- Comfortable for everyday wear
Building a capsule wardrobe doesn't happen overnight, but it's a rewarding journey. Start with these essentials and adjust as you go. Remember, the goal is to simplify your life and boost your confidence, not to limit your style. With these versatile pieces, you'll always have something to wear and feel great in. Your perfect capsule wardrobe awaits – embrace the simplicity and discover how liberating a curated closet can be.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating content. Thank you for your support.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating content. Thank you for your support.
Your body speaks volumes before you utter a single word. With a slight shift in posture and a knowing glance, you can transform from wallflower to center stage. Welcome to the hidden language that shapes our world – body language.
Body language is a silent conversation we're always having, whether we realize it or not. It can reveal our true feelings, boost our confidence, and even help us achieve personal growth. In this post, we'll explore three powerful body language secrets that can transform your life and relationships. These tips are backed by research and easy to implement in your daily routine.
I. The Power Pose
Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart
Put your hands on your hips
Lift your chin slightly
Hold for two minutes
Try this before important meetings or challenging situations. You'll feel more confident and ready to tackle any obstacle.
Check out this posture corrector to help you maintain a powerful stance throughout the day
II. Mirror and Match
Mirroring is a technique where you subtly copy the body language of the person you're talking to. It's a powerful way to build rapport and trust. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that mimicking others' body language can make you more likable and persuasive.
How to practice mirroring:
Observe the other person's posture and gestures
Gradually adopt similar positions or movements
Be subtle – it should feel natural, not forced
Use this technique in conversations to create stronger connections and improve your relationships.
Improve your observation skills with this body language guide book.
III. The Eyes Have It
Eye contact is crucial for effective communication and building trust. A study in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior found that maintaining appropriate eye contact can make you appear more confident, honest, and competent.
Tips for better eye contact:
Aim for 50-60% eye contact during conversations
Look at one eye, then the other, or at the bridge of the nose
Break eye contact naturally by looking to the side, not down
Practice these techniques to enhance your charisma and make lasting impressions.
Boost your confidence with these stylish glasses that draw attention to your eyes.
Mastering these body language secrets can lead to significant personal growth. By adopting power poses, mirroring others, and maintaining proper eye contact, you'll exude confidence, build stronger relationships, and open doors to new opportunities. Remember, small changes in how you carry yourself can make a big difference in how others perceive you – and how you perceive yourself. Start practicing these techniques today, and watch as your personal and professional life transform.
As educators, we’re in this thing together, facing similar challenges day in and day out. I’m not here to preach to the choir or claim I have all the answers — far from it. What I’m about to share is simply my personal journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and the strategies that worked for me.
Every classroom is unique, every student is different, and what worked in my situation might need tweaking to fit yours. I’m sharing my experiences in the hope that they might spark an idea, offer a new perspective, or simply remind you that you’re not alone in this rewarding but often challenging profession. So, let me tell you about a student who changed the way I teach…
On that first day of school a couple of “Augusts” ago, I could never have guessed that Jay would end up transforming the way I do my job. He didn’t enter the classroom looking like a stereotypical trouble-maker or even an underachiever. While he was noticeably new to the area and to my middle school campus, the quiet, slight boy wearing all black wouldn’t draw attention to himself. As I called his name off the attendance sheet and handed him a Unit 1 syllabus, I perceived him as a shy, student in need.
Jay would not make eye contact with anybody. He kept his head down, his shoulders hunched like he was trying to become invisible. He shuffled to the back, his steps slow, like he was trying not to be seen, and slipped into a seat at the rear.
And after literally 3 weeks into the new school year, I was beginning to recognize that, regardless of what I did, tried, discussed, instigated or coaxed, Jay would always score at the bottom of class assignments, projects, quizzes, or tests. It wasn’t just one subject — it was everything. Reading, math, science, history — Jay struggled with it all.
When I tried to teach the class new concepts, Jay seemed lost. He would either put his head down and disconnect from the world around him or doodle on whatever scrap piece of paper he had, barely participating. He would act out during lessons out of frustration. Examples of his “acting out” would be making jokes at inappropriate times, making inappropriate jokes and comments both silently and aloud, disturbing the kid next to him or their belongings in order to get a reaction from them — just being a complete ass.
It was obvious Jay was struggling every single day and hated to go to his classes, and I didn’t know how to help him. Little did I know, figuring out how to reach Jay would end up teaching me more about being a good teacher than any professional development training I had ever had.
Here’s what my lowest-performing student taught me about teaching:
Differentiation is key: I realized that my one-size-fits-all approach wasn’t working for Jay or many other students. I knew about differentiation; I was just slacking at the time. I implemented a literature circle model in my English class, allowing me to work closely with struggling readers like Jay while others engaged in deeper text analysis or creative writing. Seeing the spark of comprehension in Jay’s eyes as he connected with a character during our small group discussion was a defining moment for both of us.
Support systems make a difference:Jay’s progress accelerated when I paired him with a peer tutor and study buddy from one of my honors English classes. This not only helped Jay improve his reading comprehension but also boosted the confidence of his tutors. It taught me the power of creating a community of readers and writers.
Tons of PRAISE and POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT:I always had a classroom incentive (rewards) plan but never had I ever had to use it to the extent that I did with Jay. When given immediate positive feedback, I saw a dramatic change in Jay’s attitude. Earning “Literacy Points” for not only completing reading assignments but also participating in discussions gave him a sense of accomplishment he’d never had before.
Parent involvement is crucial:Jay’s mom wasn’t there to walk her son into his new school on the first day. Jay’s mom wasn’t in attendance at “Meet the Teacher” night. Jay’s mom never attended parent-teacher conferences. Jay didn’t have a computer or wifi at home; therefore, sending emails was pointless. Jay’s mom would either not answer her phone or give us a wrong phone number, so I started meeting her in the parking lot during dismissal time at the end of the school day. I didn’t even bring up how hard it was to get in contact with her. I just flooded her with accolades on what a great job she was doing as a parent (attract with honey not vinegar) and how smart Jay was and how much he was improving. The compliments [more-so about herself] made her uncomfortable. She knew she wasn’t doing her job at home; yet and still, Jay was thriving. She was very respectful and appreciative, nevertheless.
Focus on depth, not breadth:I adjusted my curriculum to emphasize critical reading skills and deeper literary analysis. Instead of racing through a list of books, we spent more time exploring themes and character development in books and film. Jay’s engagement soared when he could dive deep into a story rather than struggling to keep up with a demanding reading schedule.
Frequent assessment is vital:Implementing daily reading response journals allowed me to quickly get a snapshot of when Jay (and others) were struggling with comprehension or analysis. This enabled me to adjust my teaching in real-time, preventing Jay from falling further behind in his understanding of the texts.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as academics:Starting each class with a brief journaling exercise on a subject of interest to him (sports, video games) and first thing “emotional check-ins” helped Jay regulate his emotions better. This improved his ability to engage with challenging literature and express himself in writing throughout the day.
Clear, consistent routines foster accountability: I implemented a structured weekly reading and writing schedule with clear expectations and deadlines. Each Monday, we’d review the week’s reading assignments and writing tasks together as a class. I created a visual calendar that stayed on the classroom wall, detailing daily goals and upcoming deadlines. This predictable structure helped Jay understand what was expected of him each day. He could see his progress throughout the week, which motivated him to keep up with assignments. The consistency and transparency of this system actually reduced Jay’s tendency to either avoid or rush through work. He began to take more ownership of his learning, often checking the calendar independently to prepare for upcoming tasks.
Personalizing learning through adaptive strategies: I created a system of leveled reading packets tailored to Jay’s needs. Each packet contained short texts of increasing difficulty, along with comprehension questions and writing prompts. During our advisory period, Jay would work through these packets at his own pace, allowing him to progress without feeling overwhelmed. I regularly reviewed his completed work, adjusting the difficulty and focus of subsequent packets based on his performance. I ALWAYS WANTED JAY TO LEAVE MY CLASSROOM FEELING SUCCESSFUL! To provide extra support, I arranged for Jay to use the school’s computer lab during lunch breaks, where he could access reading software that tracked his progress since he didn’t have access to wifi at home. During class, I used insights from both the packets and the software to guide our one-on-one conferences, focusing on specific skills Jay needed to develop. Within a semester, Jay’s reading fluency and comprehension showed marked improvement. This experience taught me the power of combining flexible, personalized materials with targeted instruction to meet individual student needs, even without home access to technology.
Tapping into personal interests fuels motivation: I introduced a “Reader’s Choice” project where students could select any book that interested them, regardless of its traditional “academic” value. Jay, who I’d noticed doodling superhero comics, chose a graphic novel. At first, I was hesitant, but I decided to embrace his choice. We worked together to develop a project where he would analyze the storytelling techniques used in the graphic novel and then create his own short comic strip applying these techniques. Jay threw himself into this project with an enthusiasm I’d never seen before. He meticulously studied the panel layouts, character development, and dialogue in his chosen book. When he presented his own comic strip to the class, explaining the narrative choices he’d made, I saw a confident, articulate student I barely recognized. This experience showed me the power of connecting curriculum to students’ personal interests and allowing them to demonstrate their learning in creative ways. It taught me that engagement often comes from giving students agency in their learning process.
Working with Jay didn’t just change my teaching — it grew me up and changed my heart. There were days when I didn’t want to (we get like the kids sometimes, ya know). I didn’t want to be a cheerleader. I wanted to give up on him because that’s easier. It doesn’t require much to give up.
Some days, I didn’t even want to address him because I knew how much energy and resources it took to try to reach Jay. Every day was not successful. But you know what? I never let Jay feel or know this. I never wanted him to feel like I confirmed the negativity of what he was already feeling academically. It wasn’t about me. I had to put my “big girl teacher panties on” and remove my lazy feelings out of the equation.
Not every day sucked and it was on those days that I realized that every small victory, every tiny step forward, reminded me of why I became a teacher in the first place.
I remember the day Jay finished reading his first full novel. It was in the second semester in March right before Spring Break. He didn’t say anything. He just quietly placed the book on my desk with a sly smile and let me know that that book was the first book he had ever finished on his own and that it was a good book.
That smile said more than words ever could. It was a moment I’ll never forget, a reminder that our job isn’t about test scores — it’s about lighting sparks, instilling confidence, and nurturing flames. This is how you measure academic growth and not some asinine standardized test.
As teachers, we often focus on what WE need to teach our students. But Jay taught me so much more than I ever taught him. He showed me the power of patience, resilience, consistency, and the magic that happens when you truly believe in a student’s ability.
To all my fellow teachers out there with your own “Jays” in your classrooms: I feel you. I know the appleskin hours you spend worrying, the extra hours you put in trying to find (researching) that one approach that might work. It’s not easy, and some days it might feel impossible.
Whatever you do, don’t give in. Don’t give out. Don’t give up. You may need a couple of “choir practices” to help you along the way (smile); but just know that student who challenges you the most, who drives your blood pressure up, who pushes you to your limits — they need you more than anyone. They’re not just a problem to solve or a test score to improve. They’re a young person with hopes, dreams, and potential waiting to be unlocked.
REMEMBER YOUR WHY! Why you became a teacher? Recall that feeling you get when a student — who has been laboring at a subject, not quite getting it, suffering in silence because others in their vicinity just seem to get it so easily— eventually gets it. It clicks. Here comes that shine in the eye. That’s why we do it.
So, keep innovating. Keep trying new things. Keep believing in your students, especially when they don’t believe in themselves. Because one day, that challenging student might just surprise you. And in that moment, you’ll realize that you didn’t just teach them — they taught you how to be a better teacher, and a better person.
It’s not an easy job. But what we do is so valuable. We don’t simply teach subjects, we build futures. All of these students, and especially the ones who struggle the most in our classes, have a future. And if you are a teacher who doesn’t quit, who continues to learn and adapt, they will soar.
Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for being the teacher that every “Jay” out there needs. You’re making a difference, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it. Keep going. Your students need you, all of them, exactly as you are — caring, persistent, learning.
Are you tired of laundry clutter taking over your living space?
Let's face it: Managing dirty clothes can be a constant battle, especially in smaller homes or apartments. But what if there was a way to keep your laundry organized, your space tidy, and your daily routine streamlined? Introducing the revolutionary solution you've been anticipating.
A Stylish Storage Solution
The key to a clutter-free home is having the right tools, and when it comes to laundry, that means investing in a high-quality hamper. A well-designed laundry basket not only keeps your dirty clothes out of sight but also adds a touch of elegance to your living space.
Imagine a tall, sleek hamper that blends seamlessly with your decor while efficiently storing a week's worth of laundry. With its generous 26-gallon capacity, you'll find yourself doing laundry less frequently, saving time and energy.
Functionality Meets Design
But it's not just about looks. The best laundry hampers combine form with function. Look for features like:
1. A secure lid to keep odors contained
2. Sturdy handles for easy transport
3. Durable materials that withstand daily use
4. Internal support to maintain shape, even when full
These thoughtful design elements can transform your laundry routine from a chore into a breeze.
In recent years, bamboo has become increasingly popular in home goods, and for good reason.
Bamboo
It's eco-friendly, durable, and adds a natural, warm touch to any room. Hampers featuring bamboo elements, like pull handles, offer a perfect blend of modern functionality and organic aesthetics.
Maximizing Space in Small Living Areas
For those living in apartments or homes with limited space, every square foot counts. A tall, narrow hamper utilizes vertical space efficiently, leaving more floor area for you to enjoy. By choosing a hamper that's both capacious and space-saving, you're making a smart investment in your home's organization and your peace of mind.
The Benefits of a Well-Organized Laundry System
Implementing an effective laundry storage solution does more than just tidy up your space. It can:
- Reduce stress by eliminating visual clutter
- Save time on laundry days
- Improve air quality by containing dirty laundry odors
- Encourage better laundry habits among family members
When selecting a laundry hamper, consider your specific needs. How much laundry does your household generate? Where will you place the hamper? What style complements your existing decor?
By choosing a hamper that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, you're not just buying a storage container – you're investing in a more organized, efficient, and pleasant living environment.
Transforming your laundry routine doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right hamper, you can significantly improve your home's organization and your quality of life. Say goodbye to laundry scattered across the floor and hello to a tidier, more serene living space.
Take the first step towards a more organized home today. Your future self will thank you for it!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I believe will provide value to my readers. Your support through these links helps maintain this blog and allows me to continue providing informative content. Thank you for your readership and support.
In today's fast-paced world, efficiency and convenience are key. Whether you're a college student, a busy professional, or someone looking to optimize their living space, having a compact refrigerator can make a world of difference. Let's explore how a small refrigerator can transform your daily routine and living area.
One of the main advantages of a mini fridge is its versatility. These compact appliances can fit seamlessly into various settings, from dorm rooms to office spaces. With dimensions that typically don't exceed 2 cubic feet, you can easily place them on a desk, under a counter, or in a corner without sacrificing too much floor space.
Energy Efficiency: A Cool Way to Save
Modern mini fridges are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They consume significantly less power than their full-sized counterparts, which not only reduces your carbon footprint but also keeps your electricity bills in check. This makes them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers and budget-minded individuals alike.
Quiet Operation for Undisturbed Living
One concern many people have about adding appliances to their living or working space is noise. Fortunately, today's mini fridges are engineered to operate quietly. The low noise levels ensure that your sleep, study sessions, or work calls won't be interrupted by unexpected humming or buzzing.
Freezer Compartment: A Game-Changer
While many mini fridges only offer refrigeration, some models come with a built-in freezer compartment. This feature is a game-changer, allowing you to store frozen meals, ice cream, or ice cubes without the need for a separate appliance. It's perfect for those who want the full functionality of a regular refrigerator in a compact size.
Ideal for Multiple Settings
The versatility of mini fridges makes them suitable for various environments:
1. Dorm rooms: Keep snacks and drinks close at hand during late-night study sessions.
2. Offices: Store lunch, beverages, and perishable snacks right at your workspace.
3. Apartments: Great for studio apartments or as an additional fridge in larger homes.
4. Bedrooms: Perfect for keeping medications, skincare products, or midnight snacks within reach.
1. Use stackable containers to maximize vertical space.
2. Invest in small organizers or bins to keep items sorted.
3. Regularly clean and declutter to maintain an efficient storage system.
Key Takeaways:
A mini fridge is more than just a scaled-down version of a standard refrigerator. It's a solution that combines functionality, energy efficiency, and space-saving design. Whether you're looking to upgrade your dorm room, enhance your office space, or add convenience to any area of your home, a compact refrigerator could be the perfect addition to your lifestyle.
Remember, when choosing a mini fridge, consider factors like size, energy efficiency, noise levels, and additional features like a freezer compartment. With the right choice, you'll enjoy the perfect blend of convenience and functionality in a compact package.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I believe will provide value to my readers. Your support through these links helps maintain this blog and allows me to continue providing informative content. Thank you for your readership and support.
This is an actual school supply list for the 2024–2025 school year.
With inflation at an all-time high and the new school year just around the corner, parents everywhere are making decisions about how to best spend their money. This is especially true when it comes to back-to-school shopping.
School supply lists are often extensive and push parents to purchase extra items that aren’t really essential. With the growing trend of communal supplies — where parents purchase items that are shared by the entire class — it’s even harder to justify spending your hard-earned money. Parents face the frustration of not knowing if their child will actually have access to the items they bought once they are distributed among all students.
Here’s a list for the 10 most wasteful products that parents are often asked to buy at the beginning of each school year, and the best practical Amazon alternatives to save you money without sacrificing quality.
1. Fancy Binders with Multiple Sections
Why It’s a Waste: Fancy binders with multiple sections can be expensive and bulky. Many students end up not using all the sections, making them an inefficient choice.
Solution: Opt for simple, single-section binders or durable folders. These are more practical, less expensive, and easier for children to manage.
Why It’s a Waste: Boxes of Kleenex are often bought in multiples and added to the communal supplies pile, meaning your hard-earned dollars are supplying the entire classroom. Additionally, some students keep their own Kleenex boxes, opting to use the communal supply instead. By the end of the school year, when it’s time to clean up and clear out, you might find that the brand-new pack of 6 Kleenex boxes you bought back in August/September is still sitting unused.
Solution: Instead of buying large quantities, consider contributing one or two boxes.. This ensures you are not solely supplying the class while still participating in communal needs.
Why It’s a Waste: Designer or themed backpacks can be significantly more expensive than their plain counterparts. They might not even last the entire school year due to wear and tear. Additionally, many campuses have recently moved to requiring clear backpacks for safety and security reasons. This means that your expensive, non-clear backpack could quickly become unusable if your child’s school implements this policy.
Solution: Invest in a high-quality, durable backpack with a neutral design. These backpacks are more cost-effective in the long run and can last multiple school years.
Why It’s a Waste: In the age of technology, students tend to not use as much paper as students of the past. Many supplies like spiral notebooks, looseleaf notebook paper and index cards get over-purchased and under-used, as more and more assignments, notes and even textbooks are digital. Many schools now require assignments and a majority of class projects to be stored and submitted via online platforms like Google Classroom.
Not only does this gross overbuying of paper products waste your money, but it often creates unneeded clutter in your kid’s backpack. Using digital tools can simultaneously save you both money and space, while keeping up with modern pedagogical practices.
Solution: Limit the purchase of paper products and opt for digital tools whenever possible. Invest in a single notebook for subjects that require handwritten notes and use apps or software for note-taking and assignments. This approach not only saves money but also reduces paper waste.
3 examples of digital tools include:
Google Docs: Ideal for creating, sharing, and collaborating on documents in real-time.
Microsoft OneNote: Great for organizing notes, drawing, and inserting multimedia content.
Quizlet: Excellent for creating and studying flashcards and interactive quizzes.
This approach not only saves money but also reduces paper waste, helping your child stay organized and efficient in their studies.
Smart Alternatives:
Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook: I have one of these and absolutely love mine. This is a reusable notebook that allows you to write notes by hand and then scan and upload them to cloud services like Google Drive or Evernote. It combines the benefits of traditional note-taking with digital storage, reducing the need for multiple notebooks.
Apple iPad with Apple Pencil: If you can invest in this device, you can enjoy it way longer than a piece of paper and you won’t be sorry. This is a versatile device that can be used for everything: note-taking, assignments, accessing digital textbooks, etc. Apps like Notability or GoodNotes, allow you to write, draw, and organize your notes efficiently while minimizing the use of paper.
Actual ridiculous amounts of UNUSED index cards left at the end of the school year
5. Excessive Art Supplies
Why It’s a Waste: Many schools already provide basic art supplies, so purchasing extra sets of markers, crayons, or paints can be unnecessary and wasteful. Not only do these extra purchase items often go unused, but they also clutter your home, as well as cost you unnecessary money. Back-to-school shopping deals can sometimes feel too good to pass up, and parents find themselves buying more than their children will actually use, resulting in wasted money and resources. Plus, kids often gravitate towards using their favorite few items anyway, leaving the rest to gather dust.
Solution: Check with your child’s teacher before adding extra art supplies to your shopping cart. Often, a basic set will do for most projects.
Why It’s a Waste: Buying massive amounts of sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer is a waste of money and resources, especially since the majority of U.S. schools have sanitizing stations and cleaning procedures in place. Additionally, with all the new awareness and protocols about hygiene post-COVID, your child will likely be washing their hands regularly throughout the day as supervised by the campus.
Solution: Buy a decent amount of hand sanitizer and wipes for personal use.
What is considered a “decent amount?”
*Hand Sanitizer: One small, portable bottle (2 to 3 ounces) that can be refilled as needed. Typically, this size should last about a month with regular use.
*Sanitizing Wipes: One travel-sized pack containing 20–30 wipes. This should be sufficient for personal use over the course of a few weeks.
This way, your kid will always have enough to stay clean, but not so much that it’s both a product and financial waste to your wallet. Instead of buying in bulk, assess the actual usage over a few weeks to understand the real need.
Why It’s a Waste: Mechanical pencils are often seen as a necessary upgrade, but they are not essential for most students. They can be more expensive than regular pencils, not pick up well when scanning scantron tests, and the lead can break easily, causing frustration and disruption during class. Additionally, younger children might find it difficult to manage the mechanical components, leading to frequent replacements and additional costs.
Solution: Stick to good old wooden pencils that are robust, cheap and easy to use. Wooden pencils can be sharpened many times and are far more practical for standard schoolwork.
Why It’s a Waste: Parents frequently purchase backups of certain school supplies they think they their child is going to need, often going way over-the-top. They keep this backup supply at home so they won’t have to go back out at a later date and buy some more of the same supplies. I get it!
The most commonly overbought items are pencils, pens, erasers, notebooks, looseleaf paper, glue sticks, and folders. Purchasing too many items leads to a waste of both space and money. On top of that, no matter how many back-ups a child has, there is always an equal amount of items that they lose or misplace, so back-up items don’t actually alleviate the problem.
Solution: Conduct an inventory check before heading out for school supply shopping. Assess what your child already has from the previous school year and determine what genuinely needs to be replaced. Create a precise list based on actual needs rather than buying in bulk. For items that are frequently lost or used up quickly, like pencils and erasers, consider purchasing a moderate quantity and setting a system for replacing them as needed.
a parent’s waste — brand new pencils left at the end of the school year (still unopened)
9. Personal (Handheld) Pencil Sharpeners
Why It’s a Waste: Small personal pencil sharpeners are usually discouraged by teachers. Students sharpen their pencils at their desks leaving pencil shavings all over the floors. They can also be a distraction to some who can’t handle the little apparatus maturely. These handheld sharpeners make a mess and can be disruptive to the learning environment.
Solution: Most classrooms are equipped with a class electric pencil sharpener. It sharpens faster, makes less noise and less mess, if any. As a result, students don’t need to bring their own handheld sharpeners.
10. Off-Brands
Why It’s a Waste: …because you’re going to end up buying these same supplies again sooner than you’d like to!You might be tempted to buy those cheaper off-brand supplies; but if a teacher has a specific brand in mind, there’s normally a reason for it. Name-brand crayons, markers and other supplies will usually function better than off-brand varieties. It goes back to the old saying, “You buy cheap, you get cheap!” And you’ll just end up having to go back to Square 1 and buy those name brand supplies again anyway.
Solution: Trust your teacher’s expertise on this one and consider shopping for sales during tax-free weekends to stock up on the recommended name brands at lower prices.
What Students Actually Need
What students need has nothing to do with what can be found on store shelves or online. Students need engaged parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors who are present — available to explore the world with them and nurture their thirst for learning. They need far more than positive affirmations and emotional support. Students need structural supports and everyday habits that enable them to successfully navigate their worlds.
Computer Access
Having access to a computer or tablet is a must, a necessity in this 21st century digital age. As a result, schools and parents should work together to ensure that students have the necessary equipment to succeed. Rarely are students’ tests, presentations, projects, and other assignments on paper anymore. Without this technology, students won’t be prepared for the tech-savvy world they will enter.
Reliable Internet Access
A steady internet connection is a necessity in education. Again, almost all assignments, projects, lectures, etc. require a web connection.
By providing reliable internet access, students have a chance to complete their homework faster, take part in online discussions, and take advantage of a wide circle of information.
Emotional Support
It’s no news that positive, supportive adults help students do their best. The way that parents can do this is by asking their children about their schoolwork, praising them when they make progress and being there for them when they fail. Teachers can do the same by making the classroom a supportive environment where everyone’s opinions are listened to and everyone feels valued.
As well as providing emotional and intellectual support, we as a community can also supply these young minds with the sort of practical skills that prepare them for life beyond graduation — the kind of abilities such as time management, critical thinking and clear communication that cannot be bought.
Although we educators can inspire confidence in students and steer them away from narrow and unproductive approaches, the genuine development of such skills derives from practice. This can only come through daily interaction, hands-on experience and the opportunity to try and fail and succeed.
Sleep
Sleep is my favorite time of day, but apparently it is not for some students. The number of students that stay on their devices until the wee hours of the morning on a “school night” is astounding! I have had students tell me that they were on the phone with their girlfriends or boyfriends until 4am- and had to get up for school at 6:30am. How then can we expect excellence from them when they are operating on 2–3 hours of sleep?
Now granted there are some students who would love to get adequate rest before the next school day, but circumstances beyond their control at home prevent them from doing so. Some students live in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment with 4+ other people who are coming and going at all times of the night (and only God knows what else).
We all know that a well-rested mind is more focused, energized, retains more information, and successful. What students really need as part of their school supply list is an environment where they can go to bed at a decent hour (say, 10pm) and get uninterrupted sleep to support their success for the next school day.
As you (parents) gear up for another new school year amid rising inflation, it’s more important than ever to use your hard-earned money wisely when shopping for school supplies. Your money is being stretched to the limits with long, nonessential school supply demands. These extensive school supply lists and the trend of communal supplies can lead to unnecessary spending. By understanding what truly adds value and opting for practical, cost-effective alternatives, you can ensure your hard-earned money is well spent.
Instead of splurging on fancy binders, designer backpacks, or mechanical pencils that often go unused or create more problems, focus on items that provide genuine benefits. Use simple, single-section binders and durable folders. Opt for high-quality, neutral backpacks that comply with school policies. Stick to traditional wooden pencils that are robust and easy to manage.
Limit the purchase of paper products by embracing digital tools like Google Docs, Microsoft OneNote, and Quizlet, which not only save money but also reduce clutter and promote modern learning practices. Avoid buying excessive art supplies and sanitizing products, as schools typically provide the basics needed for a clean and creative environment.
Trust teachers’ recommendations for brand-specific supplies and take advantage of sales and tax-free weekends to purchase quality items at a lower cost. Ensure that your child has access to essential resources like a computer, reliable internet, and a supportive environment at home and school.
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