{Free Printable} Teacher Survival Kit

Back to school is upon us. Teachers are working hard preparing their classrooms, getting things ready for their new group of students. Kids are anxiously awaiting their class placement and meet the teacher nights before the exciting first day of school. This year I was fortunate to experience both, as a parent of a little one excited for a new year and as a teacher.

Something I always taught in my classroom (and will touch on immediately with my new class) is empathy. My students know that I view our class as a family. We’re together for as long as their with their parents each day and it’s important to establish a positive classroom environment. Teaching them how to have empathy for each other is an important part of that environment.

As a mom, not only is it something I’ve taught but it’s something I’ve witnessed AG doing. When AG first started going to school, she would cry. She had never been away from me and it definitely took her a bit to adjust. Everyday we talked about her feelings, her days and eventually she became used to the new environment. About half way through the year last year, she started talking about a little boy in her class who always missed his mom and would be sad. I asked her if she helped the little boy when he was sad and she said no. It was the perfect “teachable moment” as a parent. We talked about things that help her when she feels sad and things she could do to help her friend. The next week, she told me again about this little boy and then said “but I helped him mama, I brought him a toy when he was sad.” Even at three years old, she was able to understand his feelings and help in her own way.

Definitely a proud mama moment.

Today, I want to share a new program with you that the Kleenex® brand is sharing this back to school season. A program that is challenging everyone to show they care with everyday opportunities. Below, you’ll see an easy way to show your child’s teacher you care on the first day of school.

All it takes is one soft tissue to make a difference, something you can share all year long. What better way to start the year than with a little survival kit. A gift that doesn’t take a lot of time to put together, but includes some necessities to get through the school year.

In the survival kit, I included Kleenex® tissues, rubber bands, paper clips, bandiads, Snickers bar, gum, notepad and erasers. I put all of the items on a bed of crinkle paper in a crafty box I picked up from the dollar spot. I’ve included the printable below for you to use to make your own survival kit.

While you’re out picking up supplies for this gift, make sure to grab a few extra boxes of Kleenex®! Bring them with you to meet the teacher or send them on the first day of school,
I’m sure the teacher would greatly appreciate it!

You can download your free printables by clicking on this link.

In partnership with researchers at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Kleenex brand is conducting a social experiment to equip students with one item less likely to make back-to-school supply lists: empathy. Watch how these students use CARE to build self confidence and get ready for middle school.