Classroom struggles might be pointing to a bigger issue...

With school back in session homework and classroom routines are in full swing. Students everywhere are learning new skills and brushing up on old ones. While students are busy working hard both in and out of the classroom it is important to make sure they are prepared with all of the tools they need to succeed. While most parents make sure students have the school supplies they need, quiet time for studying and plenty of reading materials, sometimes the most important tools are overlooked....like prescription eyeglasses.

As teachers we see it every year as the new school year begins. Students complaining about school and becoming frustrated and overwhelmed. They sometimes complain of headaches or not understanding what is happening during instruction time. The signs are generally very subtle but they all point to one thing...your child needs glasses. 

Most children especially young ones have a hard time conveying that they are having difficulties seeing, so as parents and teachers we need to be vigilant in looking for some early warning signs like holding items at an angle or closer than normal to read, squinting, finding closer seating during whole group instruction, and headaches or other signs of strain or tension. These signs can all be indicators that your child might need a vision screening and be fitted for eyeglasses. 

Teaching first grade I have had my fair share of parents whose children showed signs of vision impairment, all were screened early and fitted for some pretty cool eyeglasses. Glasses now are very durable and made for young ones in mind. There are fabulous colors and styles that help your child to express their true style. Places like GlassesUSA.com offer affordable options that are both kid friendly and for parents on a budget.

If it's time to buy glasses let your child be the one who picks them out this will help their self esteem, change is hard especially a change in appearance. So if they go for the neon pink ones, let go of the control and encourage them to express their own style. After all they are the ones wearing them day in and day out.

So as your kids settle in to the new school year watch your child as they work, listen to their complaints and don't always assume that they just don't comprehend the material being taught. Difficulty in the classroom might just be related to a vision or hearing impairment, so be diligent and ask your school nurse or pediatricians office for a hearing and vision screening to ensure your child is as successful as they can be. 

Have your children test out this fun new way to try on glasses and find the perfect pair!

  

Special Deal just for Simply Sprout Readers! STOREWIDE OFFER - Take 15% off your entire order amount + FREE shipping (orders over $50). Code: FS15 Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

 

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Get organized with our clasroom forms kit and cute printable pennants!

As classroom teachers we know the importance of keeping information organized and at your fingertips, especially in the beginning of the year. This kit is designed with organization in mind. The classroom forms kit has several templates that you can personalize and use to fit the organizational needs of your classroom. With open house and meet & greets with your new students on the horizon, you want to focus on getting to know your new students and their families, not organizing papers or gathering information.

Start your school year off organized. Keep track of anything and everything with this back to school classroom forms kit. Perfect for open house or back to school night.

This kit icludes classroom forms:

Open house sign in

class roster (2)

money collected

classroom forms collection sheet (2)

field trip

parent volunteers (2)

Colorful pennant banners in Black and white polka dot, school bus pattern, red and white polka dot, and yellow and white polka dot. Letters a - z

(Just hole punch the corners of these and attach together with ribbon. Perfect for bulletin boards or classroom signs.)

Open House sign in foldable sign

Supplies foldable sign

parent volunteers foldable sign

supply labels (markers, pencils, paper, highlighters, scissors, crayons, glue, binders, folderspencils, ziploc bags, matc, clorox wipes, kleenex tissue,sanitizer)

Welcome to Open House door sign

As you head back to school be sure to keep all of your student information at your fingertips. Just print the 5X7 image below onto cardstock

(right click and save the image and insert into a word document, place 2 per page and print)

TEACHER TIP:  I like to laminate cards, hole punch and attach onto a metal ring. You can keep student information at your fingertips throughout the year. Perfect for emergencies, field trips or quick contact information. Just hang on a hook by your phone in your room.

You might also like our Open House Powerpoint Kit

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A Little Note: Free Lunch Note Printables

Here's a little note to let you know that we're busy bees around here!  We're working hard behind the scenes to get some classroom design and organizational ideas ready for the start of the school year.  Amanda has been brainstorming and writing, and Marcy is designing away.  To see a sneak peek of some of our back to school designs check out our Teachers Notebook site.  

We wanted to leave you a sweet note (or a few) to let you know that we're thinking of you!

These super cute lunch notes are a great way to drop a line to your favorite student during the day.  Print, cut, and pop in a lunch box or two!  You can also find them in our Teachers Notebook store for FREE!  Who doesn't love a smile or word of encouragement during the school day!?

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