The back-to-school season is an exciting time for students and parents alike. A new year brings new challenges and opportunities, and having the right supplies sets the foundation for success. Whether you have a kindergartner or a college student, some items are universally essential for staying organized and prepared. Use this checklist of must-have school supplies to make sure no student starts the year unprepared:
1. Backpack: A sturdy backpack is the cornerstone of school gear. It should be durable and comfortable, with enough room for books, notebooks, and lunch. Look for one with multiple compartments to help students keep items organized.
2. Notebooks and Paper: From taking notes in class to doing homework, notebooks (or notepads) and loose-leaf paper are academic essentials. Choose notebooks with durable covers and plenty of pages. College-ruled or wide-ruled, spiral or composition – pick what suits the student's needs, and stock up so they won't run out mid-semester.
3. Binders and Folders: Keeping handouts and assignments organized is much easier with binders and folders. Assign one binder or folder per subject to neatly file papers and prevent them from getting crumpled in the backpack. Tab dividers can further help in sorting notes, homework, and returned quizzes.
4. Pens and Pencils: It goes without saying – students will be doing a lot of writing. Make sure to have a good supply of pens (blue, black, and other colors for note emphasis) and pencils. Mechanical pencils are convenient, but traditional pencils with a sharpener work just as well. Don't forget erasers for those inevitable mistakes!
5. Highlighters and Markers: Highlighters are invaluable for studying, allowing students to emphasize key points in their notes or textbooks. A few different colored highlighters can help with color-coding information. Likewise, having some markers (or colored felt-tip pens) is useful for projects, posters, or organizing notes with color-coded headings.
6. Pencil Case or Organizer: With all those pens, pencils, and accessories, it's easy to lose track. A pencil case or desk organizer keeps writing instruments, erasers, sharpeners, and paper clips in one place. This not only prevents items from getting lost at the bottom of a bag but also makes it easy to grab what you need during class.
7. Planner or Calendar: Time management is a crucial skill for students. A physical planner or academic calendar helps track assignments, project due dates, and exam schedules. Writing down responsibilities can help students (especially older ones) manage their time and avoid last-minute cramming. There are also desk calendars or wall calendars for a quick at-a-glance reminder of important dates.
8. Calculator and Math Tools: For middle school and beyond, a calculator often becomes necessary – check if a basic calculator suffices or if a graphing calculator is required for higher-level math. Other helpful math tools include a ruler, protractor, and compass for geometry. Having these tools on hand ensures students can tackle math assignments and projects without delay.
9. Tech Accessories: In today’s digital learning environment, don't overlook tech-related supplies. A USB flash drive is handy for saving and transferring projects. Headphones or earbuds might be required for computer labs or virtual learning sessions. If your student uses a tablet or laptop, make sure they have a protective case and a charger that stays in the backpack so they’re always powered up.
10. Art and Project Supplies: Even if art isn’t a main focus, most students will need basic art supplies at some point for projects or creative assignments. Keep a small stash of crayons or colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and construction paper. These items often come in handy for presentations, science fair displays, or craft-based learning activities, especially for younger students.
With these essentials, your student will be well-prepared to tackle whatever the school year brings. Before classes start, take some time to organize supplies: label notebooks by subject, fill the pencil case, and set up the planner with important dates. This preparation not only saves time during busy school days but also helps students feel more confident and ready to learn.
Shopping for school supplies can be a fun annual ritual. To save time and ensure you get everything on your list, consider one-stop shopping online. Bloomskins.com offers all of these back-to-school essentials in one place, so you can easily check off your entire list and maybe even snag a few bulk deals for the items your student will use most. Here’s to a productive, organized, and successful school year!