School Supplies at The Glen Montessori
Where’s My School Supply List?
With the first day of school just around the corner, this is one of the most common questions we hear at The Glen—
and one we love to answer!
The answer is simple: you won’t need one.
At The Glen, students don’t bring individual supply kits. Instead, they share supplies from a common classroom supply area—a practice rooted in both practicality and Montessori philosophy.
Why Shared Supplies Matter
Sharing supplies ensures that every child has access to the same high-quality, carefully chosen materials. Teachers select these items based on their experience with what works best for student learning, using a monthly budget to replenish consumables as needed.
This approach means:
No child feels “more than” or “less than” because of the supplies they have.
No stressful shopping trips or tricky decisions about brands or styles.
The emphasis stays on the work itself, not on the tools.
Real-World Skills in Action
Just like Montessori materials, shared classroom supplies are intentionally arranged for beauty, accessibility, and function. Teachers consider exactly how many pencils, scissors, or markers to provide—and where to place them—so children can gather what they need independently.
Sometimes, that means a student discovers a classmate is already using the item they need. In that moment, they practice patience, make another choice, and return later—executive functioning skills that matter far beyond the classroom.
A Thoughtful Part of the Prepared Environment
From the number of supplies to their placement on the shelves, these details are a conscious part of the Montessori-prepared environment. They reflect our commitment to fostering independence, collaboration, and respect for shared resources—lessons that will serve our students for life.
At The Glen, it’s not about owning the supplies. It’s about using them well, together.