Elementary School Supply
Who Should Provide Students with School Supplies?
Pencils are in high demand these days, but often classrooms do not have even one to spare. Is it the responsibility of the school or the parents to supply the basics?
Who should supply the student with school supplies?
As a substitute teacher I am frustrated to be in a classroom where there are no spare glue sticks, markers, crayons, or pencils for the students. In the primary grades they will misplace their pencil numerous times in the day. Some are scattered on the floor, others are left at the teacher’s desk, but a majority get lost within their desks. Everyday, I have a handful of students ask for a pencil but the classroom does not have one pencil to spare. With the kindness of the other students I am able to find a pencil for the student but the frustration that it takes minutes to find a pencil is overwhelming.
Pencils, crayons, and glue sticks should be available to all students no matter of their economic status. Many of the schools I supply at are middle to high income schools, but there is always a shortage of pencils. It does not matter a letter has been sent home in September telling parents to supply pencils to their children. Some children never seem to have a pencil and the ones who do are sweet souls and are continually lending them out but they are never returned, so they are left with only one. As a teacher, I find it exasperating that a student needs to waste their time looking for a pencil, glue stick, scissors or any other simple school supply.
My theory is a teacher should not assign any work unless they are willing to provide the appropriate supplies. If a teacher wants a student to cut and paste, be certain every child has a glue stick and scissor to complete the task. Too much time is wasted with a student waiting to share another student’s school supply.
As well, sharpened pencils should be traded for dull pencils during class. This decreases movement in the class and keeps the student more focused on their task. Select a few students a week to be in charge of sharpening pencils at recess, so no child ever has to use a dull pencil.
My thought is the school should supply the student with school items and teach them how to be responsible with their belongings.
