Moms help. Kid's school question. First time in school.?

I went to school overseas. I'm not familiar with school in the United States. My 4yr old is starting preK at the public school next week and I'm clueless.





Why do they require duplicates of things? Like 2 sets of crayons, markers etc?


Do we have to buy the brand on the supply list?


Do we get them back at the end of the year? Do you all label your stuff with your kid's name?


Are washable markers and crayons really better than the ones which are not labeled washable? (My son uses markers at home and has never gotten the stains on his clothes so I'm wondering).


Can kids wear closed sandals to school and change to sports shoes when it's time to play?





I really am clueless about everything. The system was different where I went. We wore uniform and kept our tennis shoes in a locker for PE time. Any help would be appreciated. Also stuff that I may not have thought to ask.





Thanks, moms!

Moms help. Kid's school question. First time in school.?
Why do they require duplicates of things? Like 2 sets of crayons, markers etc?





They don't exactly require them, it is mostly a precaution so if your child runs out they will have another set.





Do we have to buy the brand on the supply list?





No, but some brands do tend to be better than others, for crayons, markers and colored pencils I would recommend Crayola and for glue and glue sticks I would recommend Elmers, but for everything else it doesn't really matter what the brand is.





Do we get them back at the end of the year?





Yes, unless they are an item for the classroom, such as tissues.





Do you all label your stuff with your kid's name?





Some schools request that you do it, but they usually do not require it. I believe it is a good idea to label if you have a young child, but always label backpacks and lunchboxes.





Are washable markers and crayons really better than the ones which are not labeled washable? (My son uses markers at home and has never gotten the stains on his clothes so I'm wondering).





To tell you the truth I have never noticed any big difference in the two, either kind you choose should be fine.





Can kids wear closed sandals to school and change to sports shoes when it's time to play?





That decision is usually the schools choice, but it is usually permitted.





Also, I'm not a mom, just a regular 15 year old kid, haha. Hope I answered all of your questions ; )
Reply:I would say label your child's stuff. That way the teachers knows what child has what things.


Washable markers are better than non-washable. Children can tend to get messy.


They may require duplicates because crayons can brake and markers can dry out. They want to make sure your child will have what is needed.


You should get back what ever you purchased at the end of the year. I'm not really sure about the brand name on the supply list. But I guess they may want that brand or they would just say crayons or markers and not bother naming the brand.


I would wear shoes on your son that he can easily play in. I don't think the teachers would take time out to help each child change his/her shoes.
Reply:Hi,


I have five children this year 4 kids are going to school.If you can't afford the items on the list.Just let the teacher know overtime you will be sending the supplies on the list.They usually understand.And all the supplies on the list is because most of the items in kindergarten they share.also this goes for pre-K .At the end of the year the teacher will send home with each child what is left.The reason also for the named brand items,the colors last longer,there brighter.Scissors are safer...trust the teachers I know its pain for all the items.But teachers alot of times spend money out of there own pocket to provide items for our children education.There on a budget.I hope this help.Communicate with the teacher and she wont mind I am sure about maby buying non named brand school supplies-Oh one more thing before christmas break or early spring there will be another list again sent home,to buy new stuff for your kids.Be prepared!


P.E. for pre-k should not be crazy.Its when they get into K that the new shoes are left at school for P.E.Enjoy the usa and good luck!
Reply:Hi! My daughter isn't in school yet, but I'll answer as a seasoned elementary school teacher. I can tell you that all teachers are different, and have different reasons for things like requiring duplicates or certain brands, but it sure makes things easier when parents just go with the flow. Duplicates are probably because it's easier to have a classroom supply of extras for when crayons/markers run out, rather than having to notify individual parents on all different dates when their kids' supplies run out. At the end of the year, my students took home what was left of their supplies if they kept up with them all year (a miracle if they all did). Personally, I always preferred when kids wore sneakers to school, because it's a nightmare getting all the kids out to the playground together at once anyway, without some of them needing to change shoes. However, your child's teacher might not mind, so I'd just ask him/her what their policy is. I never minded parents asking why I did things the way I did, unless they gave me a hard time about the answer. Good luck to your sweetie pie in preschool!



myspace