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As I get ready for another school year, I feel a mix of emotions. I'm excited to meet my new students and parents, inspire young minds, and learn from them as well. Even after all these years, I still get a bit anxious about the challenges of changes that lie ahead.
We all know that teaching is a calling that requires our full selves - our energy, creativity, and resilience. It's a job that can make us feel drained and not valued enough.
But, there are moments of pure magic in teaching. Like when a student understands something new, a quiet child speaks up, or a struggling student gets it. These moments show us the impact we can have.
As teachers, we have the power to change lives, spark passions, and create a lifelong love for learning. So, as we start another year of early mornings, planning lessons, and grading, let's remember our impact. Let's find inspirational messages and positive affirmations to keep our spirits up and our hearts full.
In this article, I've collected fresh, heartwarming quotes and messages. They celebrate the joy and importance of teaching. I hope they remind us of why we teach and bring light on tough days.
The Power of Inspirational Quotes for Educators
As an educator of 30 years, I've seen the ups and downs of this profession. Teaching is more than a job; it's a calling that needs dedication, compassion, and resilience. Inspirational quotes help us remember our purpose and the impact we have on our students.
Inspirational messages and positive affirmations can reignite our passion when we're burnt out. They give us a fresh view, reminding us why we started teaching. Quotes about kindness, setting high expectations, or the joy of watching students grow can fuel our motivation.
We have the privilege of shaping the next generation. We're not just teaching facts; we're building character, creativity, and a love for learning. It's a big task, but rewarding. Inspirational quotes remind us of our work's value when we feel overwhelmed or under-appreciated.
Appreciation for teachers isn't always easy to find, but inspirational quotes remind us our work is valued. They're like a pat on the back, showing us we're making a difference.
By keeping these messages of hope close, we stay positive and keep showing up for our students.
To my fellow educators, let these quotes be your support. Keep them in your classroom or lesson plans. Let them motivate and inspire you as you shape your students' minds and hearts. You're making a difference, and your work is crucial.
Quotes to Inspire a Fresh Perspective
As educators, it's easy to get stuck in a routine. But a unique saying or an inspirational message can change our view and bring back our love for teaching. These quotes remind us of our big impact on students and the joy teaching brings.
This quote shows us teaching is more than just sharing facts. It's about sparking curiosity and a love for learning. With this view, we make a place where students want to explore their interests.
We get to help our students discover who they are. By giving them new views and making them think deeply, we help them find their strengths. This quote reminds us our job is to help them grow and learn, not just tell them what to do.
By using these sayings and messages, we can start each day with new purpose and excitement. They remind us of the special role we play in shaping our students' lives. And they show us the lasting impact we can have.
Uplifting Quotes for Teacher Reflection
It's not breaking news that inspirational messages give us the boost we need on those hard days and share heartwarming sentiments that really hit home.
This quote shows the big impact we have on our students. We can make each child feel special, valued, and capable of great things.
Fred Rogers, from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," knew how important it is to guide and support children. This quote reminds us that our work is truly heroic.
These quotes highlight what makes a great teacher. They encourage us to inspire, support, and guide our students and help them find their strengths and passions.
If You Remember Nothing Else, Remember This:
See yourself as a source of inspiration and motivation for your students.
Look for new quotes to keep your outlook fresh.
Share these quotes with your "teacher friends" to build a supportive community.
Adding thesequotes for teacher reflection to your day can boost your energy and purpose. Let these inspirational messages remind you of the big difference you make in your students' lives every day.
Quotes to Remind Teachers of Their Impact
We work damn hard, giving our all to change students' lives. Sometimes, the challenges feel too great for us to handle, and we wonder if we're making a difference. Inspirational messages and teaching appreciation help us keep going. These quotes remind us of the big impact we have on our students and how it spreads far beyond the classroom.
Quotes to Celebrate the Joy of Teaching
Through it all (if you truly love doing what you do) teaching brings joy. These heartwarming sentiments and inspirational messages act as positive affirmations. They celebrate the happiness and satisfaction of shaping young minds and impacting students' lives.
Reflecting on my teaching journey, I feel deep teaching appreciation for special moments with my students. Seeing understanding in their eyes or getting a heartfelt thank you note reminds me of teaching's true joy.
This quote highlights the dedication and love teachers put into their work. It shows that our role is more than just teaching knowledge. We get to shape and nurture our students' hearts and minds.
Every day in class is a chance to positively impact and celebrate teaching's joy. By embracing this mindset and finding gratitude, we can work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
To my fellow educators, let's cherish our special moments with students and find joy in our work. Let these inspirational messages and positive affirmations guide us as we continue to make a difference in our students' lives.
Quotes to Promote Self-Care and Well-Being
As an educator, it's easy to get lost in lesson planning, grading, and classroom management. But, it's key to put self-care first to avoid burnout and keep your love for teaching alive. These inspirational messages remind you to care for yourself, both in body and mind.
This quote tells us to take breaks and step away from teaching's demands. Just like we reset our devices, we need to recharge and reset ourselves when stressed or overwhelmed.
Self-care isn't selfish; it's an essential. It's vital to have hobbies outside of the classroom to keep balance and perspective. Activities like yoga, reading, or spending time with family are key to avoiding burnout and staying well.
Conclusion
Thinking about these uplifting quotes for teachers reminds us of our huge impact on students. These messages are like positive affirmations. They help us keep going through tough times and enjoy teaching's happy moments.
Quotes from famous people like Fred Rogers, William Butler Yeats, Anne Lamott, and Kid President give us fresh views on teaching. They show us the value of our work.
Whether we're starting a new school year, in the middle of a school year or at the end of a school year, let's find strength in these words. They tell us our work is important. New or experienced, these quotes encourage us to grow, take care of ourselves, and connect with our students.
So, my fellow educators, keep these inspiring quotes close to you each day. Let them motivate and remind you of your "why" --as in why you became a teacher.
Face challenges, celebrate wins, and remember your impact. We are our students' heroes.
Disclaimer: 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
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.
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.
Disclaimer: 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.
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