Backpacks.....

[MissAnn]

I know this is an "end of the world" problem.....but I would like some suggestions or input....

I asked each parent to bring a backpack for the kids to bring home the things they make during the day. I only have preschool kids, so the kids pack items from their cubby into their backpacks at the end of every day. I asked that each parent provide a backpack big enough to hold large construction paper projects. Most parents did just as I asked. One parent brought a baby backpack for her son. He is almost 5 years old. Another parent uses the backpack for extra clothes because a grandparent picks up every day. Both of these kids cannot possibly fill their backpacks without crunching up every piece of work as they try to cram it into their backpacks. One day I sent home a tote bag along with the backpacks because they could manage that. I did not get either tote back. I mention the problem to both parents and they just kind of shrugged it off. They don't really care if their kids have to wad up their work. Thing is......the kids do care! They get frustrated.

So.....Would just keep letting the kids get frustrated? Both of these parents are teachers....so you'd think they would be a little more compliant. I don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill.....but I am all about self-help skills and these parents are making it impossible for them to succeed in this one little task.

Ok......load on the suggestions!

[nannyde]

Have a supply of used plastic grocery sacks and pop the art in that for the kid or have them hand carry it out.

[MissAnn]

Maybe the plastic sacks.....but the hand carry out won't work. We are outside at the end of each day and I detest chasing after papers blowing in the wind. Maybe those kids will only bring their "stuff" home on Fridays too. If I had a hidden camera parents would see how it does affect their kids. They want to be self sufficient and to pack their own backpacks like everyone else. I'd rather punish the parents than the kids....:-( (I'd put a real smilie/frownie....but I don't know how).

[mismatchedsocks]

I say you bring a container out of papers from the kids outside with you. Then as parents pick up you can HAND it to them. OR you can have all the work in plastic bags in container, so they dont blow around. We use a laundry basket and it keeps all their things together before pick ups if we are outside.

Even regular size paper will get crumbled in a backpack comfortable enough for preschools to carry.

[hoopinglady]

save it in a binder and send home at the end of a few months? The kids can pick out what they want to go in their binder.

[mommiesherie]

I send it home in a folder. If it does not fit in a folder I put it in a plastic bag. Ask parents to return folders. Most will comply. Have a replacement fee for not returning the empty folder.

[MissAnn]

save it in a binder and send home at the end of a few months? The kids can pick out what they want to go in their binder.

I went to Walmart last night and bought vinyl folders the kids can put their work in and cram into their backpacks. They also have another folder just like this for parent/teacher communication. So...these 2 boys will have 2 folders....but at least it gives them a place where they can pack their "stuff" and cram into their backpacks without too much damage. Thanks!

[Kaddidle Care]

Good luck getting the folders back.

We had homework folders in the past but our Teacher has given up on them. One child lost theirs 3 times last year and while they aren't an expensive item, not once did the parent replace it.

It's sad when the parent's don't appreciate the artwork. To me it's the best part of the job.

We keep one favorite piece aside each month and have an art show in May with little scavenger hunt sheets for the parents and their children to check off so that they see everything. They are not placed by class on the display but mixed thoroughly. Thankfully it is an event that is well attended and the children are so proud of their work.

Sadly, when it's time for all of this artwork to go home, a few bags sit and sit because the parents really don't care to take it home.

[MissAnn]

Good luck getting the folders back.

We had homework folders in the past but our Teacher has given up on them. One child lost theirs 3 times last year and while they aren't an expensive item, not once did the parent replace it.

It's sad when the parent's don't appreciate the artwork. To me it's the best part of the job.

We keep one favorite piece aside each month and have an art show in May with little scavenger hunt sheets for the parents and their children to check off so that they see everything. They are not placed by class on the display but mixed thoroughly. Thankfully it is an event that is well attended and the children are so proud of their work.

Sadly, when it's time for all of this artwork to go home, a few bags sit and sit because the parents really don't care to take it home.

I know....it's very sad. And to top it off....if you don't have anything for the kids to bring home on one day.....the parents will say.....You don't ANYTHING to bring home?????? It's like they think that if they are not bringing home some sort of
artwork or paper...they must not have DONE ANYTHING that day!

I have folder for each parent for communication.....If I need something signed or whatever. The parents have been great about keeping the folders in the backpacks. Next years parents may be a whole different situation...who knows. But since the communication folders are working well....I am hoping that for these 2 kids....they will keep the artwork folder in the backpack as well. They may never EMPTY it though! ugh

[mrsp'slilpeeps]

Have a supply of used plastic grocery sacks and pop the art in that for the kid or have them hand carry it out.

Thats what I do too!

[wdmmom]

Grocery sacks, folders or large ziplocs. Ask the parents to supply 1 box of gallon size ziplocs. When it gets ruined or not returned, take another out of the box. When the box is empty, tell the parent you need more.

[Blackcat31]

Have a supply of used plastic grocery sacks and pop the art in that for the kid or have them hand carry it out.

This is what I do. Anything left at the end of the day gets tossed.

I have only had one parent actually ask me where little Johnny's art project was (Nevermind that it was done and put in his cubby 2 weeks prior) and I told her, it is your job to check your child's cubby daily. Anything left overnight is tossed. I think she only asked because the child was asking. I don't think she really cared.

[Crystal]

You guys make me sad. My parents LOVE their children's artwork and are happy to take it hom every day. Most of them hang it up....some even frame the work!

I don't use bags, folders, etc. I just have the children grab it and hand it to their parents at the end of the day.

[Hunni Bee]

I have struggled with this for years. Only half of the kids have backpacks, and only half of them bring their folders/homework back, and its the same kids.

I give one folder...you lose, destroy or don't bring it back...your kid brings their papers home in a stapled bunch. Honestly, I don't think its asking to much to take the papers/projects out of the folder and hand it back to me once a week. Its also not hard to find a bag you're not using and let your kid carry it around....but hey, thats why I'm here. To care about stuff like that

[Michelle]

I could never throw out any child's artwork :confused::confused:

I would hang it up in my playroom or give it to the parent bragging about how hard Johnny worked on it.