If you have a child who learns differently, the transition back to school can be anxiety provoking. The normal wave of excitement over new teachers and a fresh start fades as you contemplate starting this next marathon. With budgets tighter than ever, it is even more important that we target our shopping to what students need and will help them the most this school year.
Function over Fashion
When buying any school supply ask yourself: is this going to set my child up for success? One of the biggest mistakes I see when it comes to school supplies is impulse purchases that match interests without thinking about how that product will function for 180 days. That shark folder may be cool, but does it have the clips in the middle that the teacher requested? Those sparkly pencils are fashionable, but do they have a dud eraser on the end? Rolling backpacks make it easier to carry textbooks home, but do they easily fit in the locker with a winter coat? For most, fashionable supplies are motivating for a day or two, but once the initial hype wears off so does their utility.
As always, consider the unique needs of your child. I had a student with Autism who had all Sonic the Hedgehog folders, backpack, and notebooks. His favorite character made him feel safe, empowered, and comfortable in school. For him, this empowerment was the most important function of his school supplies. Take a moment and ask yourself: what does my child struggle with in school? What supplies will best support their specific needs?
Simplify over Style
In middle school, as students are just beginning to express their individuality, the prevalence of Knick-knacks and edutainment soars. Companies prey on insecurities and try to convince us that students need these extras. Especially if your student struggles with executive functioning, try to simplify the stuff that you send to school. Less is better once you’ve bought everything on the required list.
Book covers look cool, but they cover up the title of your textbook and make it harder to easily grab what you need for your next class. Magnets (magnetic locker mirrors, calendars, and “organizers,”) are fun but they fall, they break, they get stuck in locker doors and floors. Floating shelves are notorious for falling. When they fail, so too does any chance of a functional organizational system in your student’s locker.
Buy only what your student needs. Remember, school supplies go on clearance in September and you can always buy this stuff later if you decide that it is going to support your child’s needs. At that point, whatever you buy will be available at a discount.
Trapper Keepers, Accordion Folders, Binders, and Switching Classes
In my time as a middle school and middle grades teacher, I have never seen a student with executive functioning challenges succeed with trapper keepers or binders at school. There are executive functioning coaches who swear by these approaches, but they have not worked for me or my students. For me, I prefer folders for school and more permanent binder systems for home storage (as needed).
Whatever system you use, consider the process of switching classes. Sit down with your student and develop a game plan for switching classes. Start with these essential questions: when do I usually have to use the bathroom? How far apart are my classes in terms of distance? When will I not have enough time to go back to my locker in between classes? What exactly do I need for each class every day? Visualize and map out each step of the class switching process and create a checklist of what the student will need when switching each period. I’m not a fan of locker magnets, but a personalized magnet with what your child needs specifically each time they come to their locker is a great support.
Color Coding
Especially when it comes to switching classes and executive functioning skills color coding is key. For a lot of students, this means thinking of colors we associate with each class (green for science, for example). For students who use a paper planner or agenda, I recommend color coding your homework assignments using the same key.
In middle and elementary school, teachers often ask for specific colors when it comes to folders and notebooks. Please listen to these specifications. If you have ever planned any event for a group of people, you know how hard it is to keep everything organized. Teachers plan an educational “event” for 30+ students multiple times per day. When you ignore these specifications, you make it much harder on your child’s teacher. It also makes a bad first impression sending the message I don’t care what you think, I’m going to do what I want, even if this is not the intention. Buying these specific supplies helps your child’s teacher stay organized and often are picked specifically to eliminate challenges for students with executive functioning challenges.
Teacher Gifts
Teacher gifts are not required, especially when funds are tight. However, extra school supplies are really appreciated. Most people are unaware that most teachers, even though they earn the lowest white collar salaries, spend thousands of dollars on their classroom each year. Limiting this financial burden is incredibly helpful. When students have showed up with Target, Walmart, or Office Max gift cards, this has made my heart very happy. An extra pack of number two pencils, black pens, or dry erase markers will make your teacher’s day.
Want to get your school year off to a good start? Contact us at Bass Educational Services to see how we can be a part of your team and help your student achieve their goals for the 2024-2025 school year.