Setting up a Preschool Classroom Wishlist + Free Printable Display

Setting Up a Preschool Classroom Wishlist + Free Display

Looking for a creative way to display your classroom wishlist this year? In this blog post, we'll explore a powerful tool that can enhance your classroom experience – setting up a preschool classroom wishlist to accept donations for your program. Join us as we delve into ways to effectively solicit community support, making a positive impact on the educational journey of the young minds under your care.

Table of Contents

What is a Preschool Classroom Wishlist
Organizing a Wishlist Drive
Items Typically Found on a Preschool Classroom Wishlist
Popular Educational Brands for your Wishlist
Download your Free Wishlist Display

What is a Preschool Classroom Wishlist

A Preschool Classroom Wishlist is a curated list of items that educators, teachers, or preschool programs create to fulfill specific needs within their learning environment. This list typically includes a variety of materials and supplies aimed at enhancing the educational experience for young children. The items on the wishlist can range from basic classroom supplies to educational toys, books, art materials, and even furniture.

The purpose of a Preschool Classroom Wishlist is to invite support from the community, parents, caregivers, and sometimes businesses or organizations. By sharing the wishlist, educators seek donations or contributions to ensure that the preschool environment is well-equipped and conducive to fostering a positive and enriching learning experience for the children.

Organizing a Wishlist Drive

Let's explore practical steps to initiate and organize a successful wishlist drive within your community. Organizing a Preschool Classroom Wishlist Drive involves planning and executing a campaign to engage the community, parents, caregivers, and local businesses in contributing to the needs of the preschool classroom. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to organize a successful wishlist drive:
1. Identify Classroom Needs:

• Collaborate with fellow educators to identify specific needs within the classroom. Consider a diverse range of items, from basic supplies to educational tools and comfort items.

2. Create a Comprehensive Wishlist:

• Develop a detailed and visually appealing wishlist that clearly outlines the items needed. Include descriptions, quantities, and, if possible, links to specific products.

3. Choose a Platform for the Wishlist:

• Select a platform to host your wishlist. This could be a dedicated classroom bulletin board with a printed display, a section on the school's website, a shared document, or an online platform specifically designed for wishlist campaigns.
  

4. Set Clear Goals:

• Define specific goals for the wishlist drive. Whether it's reaching a certain donation target or acquiring a particular set of items, clear goals help keep the campaign focused and measurable.

5. Promote the Wishlist Drive:

• Utilize various communication channels to promote the wishlist drive. This includes:
  • Sending out newsletters to parents and caregivers.
  • Sharing information on social media platforms.
  • Creating posters or flyers for display in the school and local community.

6. Engage Local Media:

• Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, or community newsletters to share your wishlist drive. A feature story can amplify your reach and encourage broader community involvement.

7. Utilize Social Media:

• Leverage the power of social media to spread the word. Create engaging posts, share updates, and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

8. Host an Event:

• Consider organizing an event or gathering related to the wishlist drive. This could be a kickoff event, a progress update celebration, or a final thank-you gathering.

9. Collaborate with Local Businesses:

• Reach out to local businesses and organizations to seek their support. They might be willing to donate items or promote the wishlist drive through their channels.

10. Provide Regular Updates:

• Keep your audience informed about the progress of the wishlist drive. Regular updates, whether through social media, newsletters, or the chosen platform, create transparency and excitement.

11. Express Gratitude:

• Show appreciation for every contribution, big or small. Consider have your class design a thank-you note or acknowledgments video for donors.

12. Monitor and Adjust:

• Keep track of the wishlist drive's progress and adjust your strategy if needed. If certain items are not receiving attention, consider emphasizing their importance through additional communication.

13. Coordinate Collection and Distribution:

• Clearly communicate how and where donations can be made. Once the wishlist drive concludes, coordinate the collection of items and their distribution within the classroom.

14. Celebrate Success:

• Conclude the wishlist drive by celebrating its success. Share the impact of the community's support and express gratitude to all contributors.

Items Typically Found on a Preschool Classroom Wishlist

Now that we understand the importance, let's take a closer look at the types of items that can make a significant difference in your classroom.
Basic Classroom Supplies: Crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, and other essential materials for hands-on activities.
Educational Games and Toys: Learning tools that engage children in a playful and educational manner, promoting cognitive development.
Art and Craft Materials: Supplies for creative expression, such as paints, brushes, colored paper, and craft kits.
Comfort Items: Pillows, rugs, or soft furnishings that create a comfortable and inviting space for young learners.
Books and Reading Materials: Diverse and age-appropriate books to encourage a love for reading and language development.

Popular Educational Toy Brands for your Wishlist

I know early childhood educators are always on the hunt for good quality educational toys. Below you will find several suggested toys and games from companies offering quality products for the young children you care for. Many of these toys I've owned for use in my own home childcare program, or have been recommend by educators in our FB community over the years  and would make great additions to your classroom wishlist.

Melissa & Doug

From Puzzles to Dramatic Play props, It's really difficult for me to only list a couple of products from this great company. The Melissa and Doug Wooden Grocery Store stand is very popular with our members, you can see some of the ways our members have transformed it in their spaces here.

Safari Ltd.

Children love creating their own small worlds. From Animal habitats to far off countries Safari Ltd. has you covered with their large assortment of figurines. 

Safari Ltd. offers a huge selection of almost any kind of animal you would ever need! From domesticated animals, to forest animals. They are great to teach young children  science concepts such as a habitats, and classifying (which animals fly, have fur etc). Check out how a community member used these to create a Penguin habitat for her sensory bin. They also offer a variety of "Bulk Bag" options perfect for larger centers or programs.

Learning Resources

If you are looking to incorporate hands on fun with learning, Learning Resources is your place. They offer a variety of vibrant toys that focus on counting, literacy, colors, and shapes. Not to mention some must have items for your childcare space such as math link cubes and their great selection of math counters. Over the years I've owned many of their products which have outlasted many other brands.

Pretend Play Calculator Cash Register: This sturdy Cash Register is on my must have list. It had to be one of the most used items I owned. From pretend Grocery Stores, to Restaurants this register always had a home. 

Primary Science Lab Set: If you are looking for items for your Science center, be sure to check out the early Science products from Learning Resources. From lab equipment for young children to early experiments to help young children better understand the world around them-you can find it there.

Educational Insights

Educational Insights offers toys for Children of all ages. You may already be familiar with some of their award winning products such as Hot Dots, and Geo Safari.

Educational insights offers a great collection of early board games for young children.

Shapes Bean Bags: A good set of Bean Bags is on my short list of must have items for educators. In addition to helping with hand eye coordination, and improving gross motor skills they can be used to create fun activities to get kids moving. Educational insights offers different sets, but I like this one because it can be used to practice shapes & colors.

Little Folks Visuals-Flannel Board Stories

Children love flannel boards and flannel board stories. They are great for literacy and encourage young children to create and re-tell stories. I was so pleased to find these high quality felt pieces by Little Folks Visuals.

These are printed on thick high quality felt. All of the pieces are visually stunning. Best of all they are Pre-cut and ready to play with.

Farm Set: This set includes a great selection of Farm animals-and is perfect to accompany your next rendition of "Old MacDonald".

Trucks, and Trains and Planes: This set was so popular in my Childcare program. Most of the time it made it's way to the transportation area!

Marvel Education Company-Diverse Figures

Their name may be a little less familiar, but Marvel Education Company shouldn't be overlooked when you are looking for items for your childcare program. Some of my favorite products of theirs are their pretend people, and outdoor sand toys. 

Friends with Diverse Abilities: Marvel education has a HUGE selection of play people. This is one of my favorite sets. They help facilitate conversations with young children about people with differing abilities.
Pretend & Play Hispanic Family: Marvel's section of Multi-Cultural and Multi-Generational pretend families are amazing.

Professionals: Like their other sets this set of professionals doesn't disappoint. These are fabulous toys to use when talking about community helpers and people in our towns.

HABA Wooden Toys

I have to admit I'm a sucker when it comes to wooden toys and fabric play food. HABA has so many adorable and educational choices.

3. Block and Tackle Pulley: HABA has a Terra Kids collection that encourages exploring an building, This pulley provides hours of fun.

T.S. Shure Educational Magnets

T.S Shure Is well known for their Travel Games, and Crafts sets. They should be on your radar if you are looking for educational magnet sets too!

From Pets to Dinosaurs they have a large variety of magnets you can use in your program.

Magna-Tiles

Magna-Tiles: Every time someone in our Community asks about the "Most Played with Toy" Magna-Tiles are always on the list. This fun building toy allows you to build all kinds of sculptures. The company has a variety of different sets and accessories that interchange with each other. Keep your eyes peeled during the Holidays for some great deals on this top toy.

Download your Free Wishlist Display from my Shop!

This display is simple to assemble!
Directions
1. Choose from one of the 2 provided designs:
2. Print the Tree Mat
2. Print the giving pieces
3. Laminate Tree Mat (or place inside a page protector)
4. Cut out & personalize your giving pieces and hang with tape on the laminated tree.
To use:
Parents simply select a giving piece from your tree!
Keep reading for a list of fun ideas to inspire your classroom wish list, these free signs can be found via the link to our shop at the bottom of this post!

Classroom Wishlist Donation Signs Free

$0.00

Shop

Summary & Sharing

By following these steps, you can organize a Preschool Classroom Wishlist Drive that not only meets the needs of the classroom but also strengthens the sense of community and shared responsibility in supporting early childhood education. Do you have tips for setting up a classroom wishlist in your program? Share your thoughts in the comments!