Questions about my son and pre-k?

Question

My son is starting pre-k this upcoming week and there are some things i dont understand.

1. Why are all the supplies we bring in put in one big unit for the whole class to share? I expected my son to have his own items and wouldnt have spent all the money on the items if i knew they werent going to be his alone.

2. Is it normal to have to supply things like classroom cleaning supplies, dry erase markers, cups for th whole class, snacks for the whole class, a huge pack of plain white paper, boxes of tissues, packs of napkins, ziplock bags.. etc.?

Thanks for any answers to this, it just seems like we are providing everything for the class except the classroom itself and i just dont understand it.

Also, how did you parents handle your first child going to school? I know im going to cry but i know he will be ok and i wont cry in front of him, lol.

Answer 1

Our preschool just requires a $35 fee per year. Then we pay $5 a month for snacks. We have a $35 fee for the elementary ages kids, and then at 3rd grade, they give us a long list of supplies. It is very normal nowadays. I am surprised that you have a list for pre k. Each teacher does what they want with the supplies. Our teachers said we could label my daughter's, so they are just hers.

When my oldest went to school I was ok. (It was kindergarten) When I really cried was when I put her on the bus the first time. With the other ones I have been ok.  

Answer 2

I remember pre-k. trust me i am 14. yes we did have to share our supplies with the class. in pre-k no kid has to worry about bringing stuff to look out for themselves. at that age they enforce the kids that sharing is a good thing and the whole "sharing is caring" motto.

Paper and tissues is always asked for from adults whether the kid is in pre-k or there 5th grade. in middle and high school they never ask for paper, or tissues, or napkins, the school provides those. but in pre-k that is for future reference for when there is a party or a class project

Answer 3

The short answer is that schools are broke and without the parents providing items the classroom would do without. I know it can be a financial burden as a parent to be asked for all these supplies but you do want his experience to be a good one, right?

There are some families that cannot afford everything on the list or can only afford off brand or more inexpensive items which is why everything is put in a common area and shared among the children. There isn't room for everything in the child's individual desk or cubbie so it's all shared among all the children.

The first day of school will likely be harder for you than it is for your child. He'll be excited about the newness of everything and will be so happy to play with the other kids. Just keep your composure and cry all the way back to the car like all of us will :) My son starts next year and I know I'm going to be a big cry baby.  

Answer 4

Our school also puts all the supplies in one bin. (well, scissors in one, crayons in one, etc) I like this idea as when I went to buy supplies my first thought was buy expensive, cute items but this way I bought the normal, generic brand as it wasn't his own. I think its like a school iniform idea...all the kids have the same and no one has the flashy or expensive stuff. even my 3rd graders class is doing this. We don't have to supply cleaning supplies though. Just a box of tissues and one box of ziploc bags.

Answer 5

well in public school system, the state does not give the funding needed for all supplies. children get allergies, colds and what not from their environment and its just easier to say 'go get a tissue and wash your hands' instead of 'go find your box of tissues and then find your own sanitizer and wash your hands'.

pre-k spends a lot of time on hands on activities and that includes learning how to share with each other and working together as a group. but just so you know I have had to buy these types of supplies for the 10 years

our state is funded by the lottery so pre-k doesnt cost anything except for the childs breakfast and lunch which everyone eats.

is it really that big of a deal to 'share' these items with the class? maybe you should volunteer with the class and assist in managing 20 children to 2 teachers and still teach to state standards.