Let’s Clear Some Teacher Supply Lists!

Plus, a new kid-themed multiples spreadsheet filled with shopping recommendations for lunchboxes, backpacks, and more.

My sweet O getting a glimpse of his kindergarten classroom on the first day of school last year.

How is it already August?! As the first day of school rapidly approaches here in Los Angeles — which, ugh, too soon IMO! — I have started back-to-school shopping for my three children. There’s a Groundhog Day feel to this annual expenditure. I find myself reaching for the same tried-and-true items we bought last year.

It’s in that spirit that I wanted to do a second iteration of the SMT multiples spreadsheet, this one devoted to kids and school supplies. To back up! A few months ago, I was intrigued by the Princess of Wales’s same-style-new-color approach to dressing and dove into the concept of “multiples,” or buying more than one of something. I asked the SMT community: What pieces in your closet do you love so much that you have bought them more than once? You all delivered with the best suggestions! The newsletter I wrote is here, and the spreadsheet of our favorite multiples is here.

With back-to-school season upon us, it felt like the right time to do a kid-themed spreadsheet — you can find it here. With 70 suggestions and counting, there are recommendations for backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles and more school supplies, as well as clothing and shoes.

Have something you’d like to add to the SMT Multiple Kids spreadsheet? Please fill out this Google form. Any affiliate revenue generated from these links will go to buying school supplies for teachers within the SMT community.

📝 My personal multiple list: We’re on our third year of buying new Pottery Barn backpacks (get the large size, you’ll need it, trust me) and our third year of re-using the same Bentgo lunchboxes (so satisfying to fill those little slots) as well as Thermos insulated water bottles (they keep the water cold and come with replaceable straws — they hold up, too! The only reason I keep buying them is because my kids keep losing them 🙃).

SMT Clear the List 2023 📚

Before I shine a spotlight on some of the incredible teachers among us, I want to underscore how absurd it is that we have put educators in this position to begin with. This is a systemic failure that must be addressed. Please call your representatives — click here for a list based on your address — especially the local ones! 

Last year, through Instagram and this newsletter, we were able to “clear the list” for a number of teachers from the SMT community. Let’s try again this year, shall we? I asked teachers to share their supply lists — more than 175 people responded. SO MANY TEACHERS. I’ve compiled their submissions into the SMT Clear the List 2023 spreadsheet.

A note on how it is organized: The first sheet is sorted by first name, the second is sorted by state. To add your list to our spreadsheet, please fill out this Google form.

I’ve pulled a sampling of teachers from the spreadsheet to highlight below. I will share more on Instagram in the coming weeks, too. If you are able to help, I know it would mean so much. Thank you, friends, and THANK YOU, TEACHERS.

“Last year I was included on your spreadsheet and my life has been forever changed since! I cannot thank you enough for doing this for teachers AND for sharing this important message. My students were able to learn with resources that they would never have otherwise been able to if it was not for the generosity of your followers and YOU! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — Maggie M.

LAURA

Richmond, Virginia

***Click to shop Laura’s list***

“I work at a Title 1 elementary school. Most of my students are language learners & low SES. I appreciate any help as I provide supports for social, emotional, academic, & basic needs! My students are so kind and hardworking. Most of all their resiliency amazes me every day. I appreciate any help!”

ELEANOR

Charlotte, North Carolina

***Click to shop Eleanor’s list***

“Sugar Creek Charter School serves the most vulnerable students in our area.  100% of our students are on free lunch and come from generational poverty. From 8 AM - 3:30 PM, they are provided stability, love, and they SHOW UP ready to leave the instability of home behind and learn. We are the only school on the state where 100% of our students graduate accepted to college, with scholarship and a 5 year life plan.” 

MEGAN

Zumbrota, Minnesota

***Click to shop Megan’s list***

“I’m a 29 year old speech-language pathologist at a small school in Minnesota! I work with students aged preschool through 2nd grade as well as some high school students. I teach students how to make speech sounds as well as different language skills, like retelling a narrative or answering ‘wh’ questions. I would love to diversify my library and add some more games for kids to play!”

SALLY

Springdale, Arkansas

***Click to shop Sally’s list***

“I teach 4th grade English Language Arts at a Title 1 school with high-poverty, high English Language learners with a mission of growing all learners in our school community in Arkansas. It's a truly special school with the greatest kids and dedicated educators. Thank you so much for considering donating to our classroom! These items will be such a huge help. Thanks again!”

ALISON

Weatherford, Texas

***Click to shop Alison’s list***

“This is my second year and I’m teaching 1st grade again! Many of my students come without school supplies so I try to have extra in my classroom. I also have a small Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry on my desk, as well as the Princess Diana purple bear. 😁 we are a Royal Family and Swiftie-loving classroom!”

EILEEN

Carlsbad, California

***Click to shop Eileen’s list***

“I am switching classrooms and subjects this year, so this overwhelmed middle school Social Studies teacher is grateful for anything that will be donated! I will have about 150 students total, which is why certain items have a higher quantity than other items. If any parents/guardians can help us find out where the pencils go every day, I will send YOU an Amazon gift card! Haha!”

ANDREA

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

***Click to shop Andrea’s list***

“Kindergarten teacher in urban school where 93% of my students live in poverty. Would adore help starting out the school year with some healthy snack options and fine motor games to help build our finger muscles to be strong writers- so many of my students have never held a crayon or pencil!”

SHELBY

Cincinnati, Ohio

***Click to shop Shelby’s list**

“I teach English to about 170 ninth grade students! We read several of the classics, but every year, our favorite book to read together is Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. People are often shocked by this information, but my students and I really get into topics surrounding toxic relationships, co-dependency, and family relations. My hope is that our discussions and activities allow them to identify those ‘red flags’ in their own current and future relationships. We also get to act out different scenes and I’m always surprised at how many of them want to perform in front of their peers. I think part of it has to do with the sense of community we build in my classroom. My students and I work hard to create a fun and safe environment where we can all learn, grow, and try new things, like acting out scenes or sharing something vulnerable and personal with their peers. 

Also, every Friday we do First Chapter Friday, which is when I read them the first chapter of a young adult literature book. We do this ever Friday with a different book from my classroom library. It only takes about 10 minutes, but students say they look forward to it all day and love listening to a new book. If they are interested in the book, they can check it out and read it independently. My goal is help students become lifelong learners, readers, and writers. Any help in reaching that goal is greatly appreciated!”

JAYMEE

Meridian, Idaho

***Click to shop Jaymee’s list***

“Hello, my name is Jaymee Lancaster! I teach 4th grade in Meridian, ID at Prospect Elementary. This is my third year as a 4th grade teacher, but ninth year overall. My number one goal as a teacher is to create an environment where kids love to come to school. If they love being there then they will have the desire to learn. My classroom has a boho rainbow theme. 💕”

AMANDA

Valparaiso, Indiana

***Click to shop Amanda’s list***

“I teach special education K-5! There is a huge shortage of special ed teachers and I’m taking extra coursework as well to enhance my education. My items are to enhance my classroom and make it a fun and special place since my time with them is working on their most difficult skills.”

KATIE

Bronx, New York

***Click to shop Katie’s list***

“I teach 2nd Grade in NYC. My class is a mixture of students from low to middle class. My school luckily provides basic necessities such as paper and pencils but I love to have a variety of supplies for my students to choose from. I want my classroom to feel like a home to them and I want them to be excited to come in and learn every single day.”

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit this list! Make sure to check out the full spreadsheet for more.

Questions for me? Send me a note at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com.

“I’m not submitting this year, just wanted to say thank you!!! Last year you highlighted my list in your newsletter and it was completely cleared. My PreK students had so many more opportunities last year than they would have had without the center activities, art supplies, recess toys, and so much more that was donated! I was blown away by the generosity of the SMT community!” — Jennifer M.