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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Get Ready!



Alright parents, we are sure you are all almost ready for school to start. Are you prepared with all of the crayons and pencils, paper and folders? How about the books that will help your kids get their new school year started off right?

We would like to help you out. For those of you who have kindergarteners or first graders, you might be interested in purchasing your child(ren) these books from Cedar Valley Publishing.

The Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten is a brightly illustrated, interactive Kindergarten book that features the core curriculum. Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten, written by and for parents, kids and teachers, features 32 pages of wonderfully illustrated core Kindergarten curriculum. Intended for use by small children, the book is easy to hold, interactive and very durable

Let's Get Ready for First Grade is a book that's geared to the First Grader - It's easy to read and comprehensive! Learn about everything in the First Grade curriculum from the three branches of government, the solar system, addition, subtraction, and punctuation to vowel sounds. A first-rate book for every First Grader! Let’s Get Ready For First Grade, written by and for parents, kids and teachers, features 40 pages of wonderfully illustrated core First Grade curriculum. This book is also intended for use by small children and is very durable.

EZ School Supplies offers parents a super fast and easy way to order all the school supplies their children need. No need to hassle with going to the crowded stores and hoping that not all of the items you need for back to school shopping are gone.They also offer a way for schools or teachers to create supply lists.

All of the Mommies have received a box of EZ School Supplies... Make sure you check out our blogs to see what we all thought.

Enter to win:

To enter to win ONE of the above THREE prizes, just leave us a comment on this post telling us about one product you feel is a must-have for back to school prep.

(Invalid comments will not qualify - Make sure that you have read and are following our Contest Guidelines.)

For extra entries you may do the following:

  • Blog about this giveaway, or the event, on your site and leave us an extra comment
  • Add our main banner to your sidebar and let us know!
All giveaways will end on September 5th

To see ALL the giveaways for the Back to School Event you can find them here.

143 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure that this counts as a product for back-to-school prep, but a checklist is definitely needed. It helps to know what supplies have been bought for which child and what supplies still need to be bought.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

One have to have for my kids are a fresh new box of crayons. They just expect the first day of school I will have a brand new box waiting for them at their seat(homeschoolers) Thats one of our favorites. Would love to win, I have a preschooler and 1st grader this year. I also have your banner on my sidebar.

Thanks
Angela

Ellerenee said...

We bought everything on our supply list for our son to start kindergarten this year. He was a little upset to learn that these things go into a "pool" for all the kids to share, so we made sure to buy him new box of crayons, a new pack of markers, and a packet of paper for him to do his homework at night. He felt good knowing that these were his own special school supplies.
laylarenee[at]cfl.rr.com

Z said...

Our oldest daughter is going to the second grade, so we make sure she reads a lot and also got some math workbooks for her.

With the younger, we discovered that the best way to have them 'practice' before school is to get some pre-K and K workbooks, take them apart and laminate pages (our local Staples store does that, but I'm sure there are other places that can laminate). We use laminated pages as placemats and allow kids to draw and practice their letters and simple math problems. If them mess up, it's no biggie: the "mats" wipe easily with a damp cloth. And having the variety of pages ensures that the kids won't get bored quickly. (We also take these laminated pages on car trips and when we're going out to eat and anticipate a wait - this keeps our little ones occupied and us - sane)

Thanks for such a terrific giveaway!
We are keeping our fingers crossed and will spread the word about your generosity :)

CanCan said...

I think workbooks (used over the summer months) are a must. This keeps skills sharp and gives my kids confidence!
I think having one special "non essential item" that I let my own kids pick out for themselves helps them to get excited about school. It might be an "expensive" item like a new lunch bag, or something smaller like a really cool pen or eraser!

CanCan said...

I have your banner up on my blog: http://mygreening.blogspot.com

CanCan said...

I blogged the contest here: http://mygreening.blogspot.com/2008/08/mommies-united-back-to-school-event.html

noreen said...

new crayons, two boxes, one for home and one for school

noreen said...

new crayons, two boxes, one for home and one for school

Blessings Abound said...

Basic supplies are a must as well as some novelty items to keep it fun! Thanks!

akblessingsabound[at]gmail.com

Blessings Abound said...

Your banner is on my sidebar! Thanks!

akblessingsabound[at]gmail.com

Kelley said...

well, seeing as how this is day 4 of kindergarten and my son already lost his lunch box.... I would say have some lunch bags on hand until you can get a new one or the old one is found.

Anonymous said...

With my oldest going into first grade, a sturdy insulated lunch bag was a necessity this year. I'm still on the prowl for a hot/cold jar, but hopefully I'll be able to find one soon. Until then, it'll have to be sandwiches!

Kimber

Anonymous said...

I think a good backpack is really important! If you can have everyting in your bag organized, it makes it much easier on the child and the teacher! I would love to give the kindergarten book a try!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

Channah said...

A new backpack is a must for back to school!

Channah said...

Also, I blogged about your giveaway.
http://getagripmom.blogspot.com/2008/08/back-to-school-giveaway.html

Channah said...

And your button is on my sidebar!

Sky said...

A brand spankin' new backpack is a must have to go back to school! I always let my son pick one out, along with a lunch bag. It's a great way to start new!

seeryusfam@msn.com

Unknown said...

must have prep in my house is definitely the backpack.. it is the one thing that the kids "must" pick out themselves to reflect their style!

Anonymous said...

I promise I'm not just copying the comment above but our son insists on a backpack too! Actually he will pick out a backpack instead of a toy:) I blogged about your back to school event last week too!
Thanks so much!
bookroomreviews@hotmail.com

Ginny said...

I'd love to win the ez school supplies! I also posted the banner on my contest site sidebar & blogged the main event!

elaina said...

I put your banner on my blog's sidebar.

smalltownbeatnik at gmail

http://elainarodriguez.blogspot.com/

elaina said...

New paper and new pencils are some of my favorite things in the whole world. They smell good, they fell good, they look good. I love school supplies.

smalltownbeatnik at gmail

ya ya's mom said...

the best thing is a good attitude :) (can you tell i teach first grade?) tee hee....but seriously...i appreciate a well rested and ready to learn short person that walks through my door daily. i can feed him/her, but cannot make sure they're well rested and come with an "i can learn attitude".

thanks for the great giveaways!

Eryn said...

The product that we just HAVE to have for back to school (that can be bought in a store lol I can't find anyone to sell me time, sanity, or patience) is a GOOD planner. Too bad every year we burn through a couple of them that aren't up to snuff :(

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win school supplies..!

Rebecca said...

The one must have for Back -to-School in my opinion is talking to the kids about what you expect when they get home from school BEFORE the first day. We always talk to the kids a few days before and make sure they remember the rules. Backpacks not dumped in the doorway, snack then homework, no TV until all work is done, etc.

That way everyone knows how things will go and everyone will be prepared for homework on the first day.

legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

Rebecca said...

I have your button on my blog

Here

legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

Rebecca said...

I also blogged about this giveaway!

http://mommyhoodisthankless.blogspot.com/2008/08/four-back-to-school-giveaways-at.html

legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

Unknown said...

The best products for back to school preparation are of course the supplies you will need! Also prepping your child from the day they are born by reading and teaching them is always a must too!

phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com

kristinialeanna at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Blogged here:

http://kristiniac.blogspot.com/2008/08/back-to-school-with-mommies-united.html

phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com

kristinialeanna at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Your button has been up!

phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com

kristinialeanna at yahoo dot com

Dani' said...

A good backpack! My oldest dd's pack broke on the first day of school. Also a good binder. I am going to be returning dd's binder also *sigh* it broke yesterday.
solta(at)hotmaildotcom

Dani' said...

blogged here http://bee-mused.blogspot.com/2008/08/wednesday-giveaways.html

plhill2000 said...

My grandkids all want good backpacks. I also keep a selection of school supplies here since I babysit them when they come home from school till their mothers get home. I sit them all done with a snack and to do their homework before going home. It makes it easier on their mothers who work full time.

Jara said...

gotta have the new crayons, just for the smell of them:), a new backpack, new haircuts, and new shoes! I love preparing for this! Thanks for offering all the wonderful giveaways!

Bebemiqui said...

Since mine's in 1st grade, markers are a must!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

Z said...

your button is up on my blog :)

Belinda said...

My daughter's not quite ready for school, but I would think the most essential thing is making sure she has a fun new crayon box and filling it with a fresh supply of crayons, pencils, erasers and the like!
belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda said...

Your main button is on my bloggy sidebar.
belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

furygirl3132 said...

One thing that I thingk is definitely needed is a backpack, because that way everything else you need for school can fit into it. And definitely new clothes! Thanks for the giveaway!

Eloise
furygirl3132@comcast.net

yyeres said...

lots of sharpened pencils are a must! thanks for the contest

Anonymous said...

I think a backpack is essential for kids to put their school supplies in.

said...

A must have for back to school is germ x in the bookbag!

Anonymous said...

MY GRANDSON WOULD LOVE THIS HE WILL BE GOING IN THE 1st GRADE. LOVE TO WIN

lace said...

My one product that is a back to school necessity is a water bottle that is bpa free. It's important to get enough water throughout the day.

Mandy said...

I think a backpack is one of the most important and fun things for back to school. What little one doesn't love to pick out a great fun new backpack.

Tarasview said...

Indoor school shoes with non-marking soles and velcro straps (no laces)... I think I have been told that is vital about a hundred times from my kids' school!

Julie Donahue said...

Lists. With 3 kids in different grades, it was not fun buying school supplies. We ended up with extras of somethings and short of others.

Teresa690 said...

A pencil sharpener! It seems like my kids are always losing these! Thanks!

judybrittle said...

A backpack is essential for going to school. Thank you so much!

Miss Spoken said...

I'd say a good backpack is essential for any grade.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I always feel guilty buying a new book bag if the other one is in decent shape but this seems to get the kids excited about school. Plus the older backbacks can be used for other things - over night trips, car trips, etc.

Unknown said...

http://misaacmom.blogspot.com/2008/08/back-to-school-giveaway.html

blogged about it here!

Unknown said...

your button is in my sidebar

Kristie said...

I think a lot of supplies depend on the age, but one 'must have' for school would be a backpack.

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Audrey B said...

Must have is the new backpack & a planner for mom, we started prek this week

Stephanie said...

I have your banner on my sidebar at www.enoughloveforall.blogspot.com.

Also, I would love to have the Let's get ready for Kindergarten book and the whole box of supplies.

Stephanie said...

I have your banner on my sidebar at www.enoughloveforall.blogspot.com.

Also, I would love to have the Let's get ready for Kindergarten book and the whole box of supplies.

Anonymous said...

A good backpack

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

Uniquely Yours said...

A book bag sized for your child.

wigget said...

an ice pack to keep the child's lunch cool if the school doesn't have a fridge

Rockin' Mama said...

I think gear is really important to kids (backpacks, lunch bags) It's something they look forward to shopping for

jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

I also have the banner on my site
http://rockinmama.net

Tracey said...

I have always used the workbooks over the summer for my children. I think that is the best prep they can do. It gives them a head start. They dont go in blind not knowing what kind of work they will be doing. It is especially important for younger children who are still learning basics.

Amanda A said...

The must have that I buy a couple of each year when school supplies go on sale is Crayola Crayons. I can't live with out my crayons and I hate the cheap kind. It has to be Crayola and I have to have a couple to last through my kids coloring.
andrusinaz@juno.com

Staci A said...

I have to get mini packs of tissues for the little one, always get sniffles at the start of school. As well as new crayons and notebooks. Thanks for the giveaway!
princess3sah(at)cs(dot)com

Sherri said...

Thank you for a great contest!!! I am commenting - I have blogged -- and I have put a button on my blog!!!

siddons69 said...

i think a good backpack is the most important thing to have

Nicole Brady said...

Definitely the box of supplies. We took advantage of sales but since I'm a first time schooler (daughter just started kindergarten) I didn't know I would have to restock the supplies throughout the year! I should have bought 2-3 of each item while on sale but didn't!

Anonymous said...

I have both of these books and just wanted to mention how much I love them! As does my two year old. This is a GREAT resource for working with your toddler and preschooling and getting them ready for school.

Anonymous said...

Notebooks are essential!

Maude Lynn said...

Must have a backpack!

Stacey said...

A labeler!! So we don't lose anything!

Half-Redneck said...

My daughter isn't quite ready for school yet (But she's close) - I would think you would need a good backpack.

Svr said...

A Backpack, we were two short this year! Oops!

butterflyny said...

lunch boxes!!

Anonymous said...

One product, that I feel is a must-have for back to school prep, is calendar... to keep up with all the deadlines.


roseinthemorning[at]comcast[dot]net

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

For a second entry, I blogged about this here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Suzanne/574495/.

Thank you.

roseinthemorning[at]comcast[dot]net

indie said...

We spend some time trying to find a good backpack. My daughter walks to school, so I dont want her to carry all those heavy books in a backpack that isnt good for her back.

Anonymous said...

For a third entry (as per your guidelines), I also added your banner/button to my sidebar.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Suzanne/ContestsGiveaways/#Giveaways

Thank you, again!

roseinthemorning[at]comcast[dot]net

Sarah said...

I'm addicted to Back to School supplies. It just isn't fall without a new pack of pens for me, and some new crayons for my kids. Maybe a notebook. Glue sticks. See? I have issues.

Michele P. said...

Writing instruments/crayons/markers all needed from Kindergarten up to high school-definitely a back to school prep and I try to stock up on the different items needed for my first grader and 10th grader.

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Fiddledeedee said...

My girls love VERY SHARP pencils. And they prefer plain vanilla #2's. So, a good sharpener.

bison61 said...

we have a list from the school that goes into a pool for everyone, so we let the kids pick out their new backpacks

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

jceko77 said...

I must have a daily planner
jceko77@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My must have is 100% all natural cheese and wheat crackers...it's a great mid-morning snack for my son in Pre-K and gives him the boost he needs to make it through 'til lunch!

Jolie Molino said...

I would love the lets get ready for kindergarten!!

kevnjacks said...

For us, it's a great lunch bag since they will use it almost everyday! :) And for the first day, it'll be filled with fun, yummy surprises!

Michelle said...

one must have product is a good, sturdy backpack!

Christi S said...

One of the things I love about a new school year is fresh, new, unused notebooks! And for the lower grades, who doesn't love a new box of crayons?!

Anonymous said...

One must have item is a pack of different color paint so my daughter can showcase her creative side.
liandxp@yahoo.com

Rachel said...

a new backpack is fun. essential would be new clothes that fit! and new crayons too.
r5ocky at yahoo dot com

Donna said...

New pencils are a must.

stacey said...

I think it's really important for kids to have shoes that fit! That way they really can put their best foot forward. :) My feet always seemed to grow a ton during the summer so this was pretty important for me as a kid.

staceylea at gmail dot com

marlena said...

I love starting the year off with brand new markers and crayons! There is something about those pointy crayons!!

Marisa May said...

Books books books! We've been reading all summer to keep my son ready for first grade.

Jenn W. said...

Crayons for sure! There is something about a box of crayons that just brings back memories of when I was in school. It's nice to share these things with my little one now as she goes into her first year of school!

Anonymous said...

It's important to have at least one new thing that they LOVE! Doesn't matter what it is, from a cool pencil case, to a set of pencil crayons they're dying to break in to, or that special back to school outfit! If they can be excited about the going back to school items, they will be excited to go back to school to show them off/use them!
natasha_sacopaso[at]hotmail[dot]com

Alyce said...

We read all summer and do the library reading program to make sure my son is ready for school. As far as shopping for school, we of course have to have new clothes for the growing boy! I always get him extra pencil sharpeners because he somehow manages to break them frequently.

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Alyce said...

I blogged about the event here:
http://flutemom.blogspot.com/2008/08/mommies-uniteds-big-giveaways.html

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Alyce said...

I posted your button in my sidebar.

flutemom.blogspot.com

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

Well I always buy the kids new crayons every year whether they really need new ones or not. I love the brand new box or fresh un-used crayons.

LivingforGod said...

Plenty of sharpened pencils.

serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com

Amy said...

New crayons...i love that smell
maddox_amy@yahoo.com

Rebekah (monkeygirlsmama) said...

My oldest daughter just started kindergarten, and the item I felt was most important for her to have was a good backpack. She needs something is the right size for her, but still big enough to hold any papers, books, crafts, etc she should have to bring home each day.

Please enter me in your draw.
Thanks!
Rebekah
littleminx at cox dot net

Cherie Nelson said...

I'm going to say a good calendar so I can keep everything straight with all the activites and such!

Michele said...

A backpack with folders for organization.

Thanks so much!!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com

Danielle said...

It is a toss up between new crayons and new pencils for the ONE back to school item, but I guess I will pick pencils.

ldsmom2201 at yahoo dot com

kamewh said...

Definitely workbooks to prepare them for what is to come!

Anonymous said...

I could defiantly use the box of supplies because i have 5 children and all of them needs school supplies this year!Also it was really difficult to find the supplies at low prices!
misz.chrisbrown101@yahoo.com

Ane said...

For Kindergarten it was definitely Crayons and Glue sticks. Now that our oldest daughter is in 1st grade, it seems like she is doing more writing, so pencils and erasers are a must have!

kenzkween at hotmail dot com

Ane said...

I have your button up!

kenzkween at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I find my color laser printer to be my most indispensable "(home)school supply" -- well, that, and my laptop.

Anonymous said...

I added you to my sidebar.

http://janne.cc/blog/

Nicole Brady said...

Your button is on my sidebar at SAHM Ramblings.

nancy said...

A must have is a brand new outfit for the first day of school!

Anonymous said...

A sturdy, but fashionable backpack is a must-have for back to school :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

ols[dot]moonmaiden[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I blogged about the giveaway for an extra entry:

http://cherylfree.wordpress.com/2008/08/30/mommiesunited-giveaway3/

ols[dot]moonmaiden[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Your main banner is in my sidebar for an extra entry :)

ols[dot]moonmaiden[at]gmail[dot]com

Andrea said...

Definitely a nice, strong backpack to carry all your stuff in! Oh...and a lunchbox too :)

Gina lee said...

My daughter is going to pre school. I think one of the essential thing she need to bring, is the lunch box. It ill give me a secure feeling that my daughter is not starving during the day :-).
And of course, I will put extra clothing in her backpack.

I also blog about you giveaway.buttons in my sidebar :-)
Here's the link : http://www.ginahpeters.com/2008/08/mommies-united-back-to-school-giveway.html. Thank you for this giveaway.

mginah_lp@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I blogged about the contest here:
http://janne.cc/blog/2008/08/30/great-giveaways/

cpullum said...

My daughter of course votes on the box full of products!!!
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Melissa said...

I make sure my son has everything on the supply list and that over the summer we review all the concepts he learned the previous year.
verypissedoff at verizon dot net

Anonymous said...

I blogged about the back-to-school week & giveaways here:
http://aspritzofsis.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/mommies-united-celebrate-back-to-school/

Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

I think a new lunch box and backpack are necessities. thanks, ecfreitas579@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

The Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten Book would be perfect for my daughter, who will be going to kindergarten next year!

Thanks!

Email: x@jenn.nu

kaylee8 said...

I would love to have the set of school supplies for my daughter. I feel a must have product is a binder to keep everything organzied.

Anonymous said...

I have also blogged about this giveaway at http://www.blogfully.net

amyparsons1@yahoo.com said...

My daughter entering first grad would really benefit from information before it is learned. She sometimes needs a preview to learn well.

amyparsons1@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

For me, a "must have" back to school item is a daily lesson planner (as a home-school mommy, that is).

Jess said...

A calender to keep everyone's schedule straight is essential!

wheresmywhitepicketfence(at)yahoo.com

Kelly said...

An extra pack of pencils and a pencil sharpener for homework is a must!

hunterswife36456@yahoo.com

PowerSweepstaking said...

backpacks!

now on the sidebar through all the Back to School contests ending 9/15 at
http://www.powersweepstaking.com/SweepstakesAnswers/

also blogging this in todays update on site at http://www.powersweepstaking.com/BrowseSweepstakes/onetimeentry/
then tomorrow at http://powersweepstaking.com/lastminute/

thanks again for some great contests!

lorides said...

have to have the planner

stacie marie said...

backpack!

Unknown said...

We would love the backpack, we have our oldest starting kindergarten this year and our youngest starting preschool this would be a great help

Staci A said...

I added you banner too!

kerri69 said...

I would have to say an alarm clock we have a hard time getting up espically after being off all summer

bboyle said...

My daughter is only in preschool but this year she needs a backpack for the first time so this will be our big back to school purchase.

klp1965 said...

hand sanitizer it helps the spread of those nasty germs :)

calgirl said...

I need a chore and activity daily planner. This will help us all know what to do and when to do what is necessary so we can enjoy our free time stress free.

Anonymous said...

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