9 Back to School Ideas for Elementary Aged Kids

Now that it's back to school time, you may be wondering what you'll need to purchase for your child for this school year. Many times, teachers will provide supply lists for the parents, so that they can plan accordingly. Supplies can be purchased at many different stores, and you can usually find great deals around this time of the year. Dollar stores might even be worth a visit if you're on a budget. Elementary school children are easier to shop for, in my opinion, and they require less than older children. Here are some ideas to get you started in your "back to school" shopping journey.

1. New Clothes and Shoes

Depending on your clothes shopping ritual, you may either shop before school starts, or you may shop at different times during the year. If you buy clothes all the time for your child, then you might not need to buy new clothes before "back to school" time. Shoes are usually a necessity right before school starts, since your child will be walking around more in school, especially in gym class. You'll want to purchase a good pair of shoes for your child. Kids this age usually like the shoes with characters on them, or the ones that light up when you walk. Whatever the shoe, make sure it's sturdy and comfortable.

2. Backpack

A backpack is almost always a must have for school. Your child will be carrying items to and from school each day; therefore he/she will need some way of transporting supplies and homework. There are many different types of backpacks to choose from. Handled backpacks with wheels seem to be getting more popular with elementary aged children. A backpack with wheels is also easier for a younger child to use, since he/she will not have to carry around all that weight on their shoulder and back. You can find some great deals on backpacks, especially at stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart or Target. However, be wary of buying the cheaper backpacks, since they may not be as sturdy as the more costly ones. When buying a new backpack, check the seams, straps, and inside lining for durability.

3. Notebooks and Paper

At this age, your child will probably not need an abundance of notebooks. Check the school's supply list to see how many you'll need to purchase. For the most part, notebooks will be used at home the majority of the time, and you'll only need to buy a few for school. For children who are just starting to learn how to write, the teachers will most likely provide their own paper for the students to practice on. Again, check with your child's school or teacher. Other types of paper you might want to purchase are printer paper, construction paper and drawing paper, which will always come in handy.

4. Writing Utensils

Pencils are a must have for elementary school children, as they will be doing a good amount of writing, from practicing writing their alphabet to solving addition problems. Pens are not a good idea for young children, since they need to be able to erase their mistakes. Along with pencils, you'll want to buy crayons, markers and colored pencils. A good pencil and crayon sharpener would be a good investment as well.

5. Glue

Whether or not your child's teacher provides glue, you'll still want to buy some bottles and sticks. Personally, I think that glue sticks are best, and they are much less messy. Glue will come in handy for some homework assignments, as well as most art projects.

6. Scissors

For elementary aged children, you'll want to buy 1-2 pair of scissors, with a blunt end. Pointed ends are unnecessary. Scissors will come in handy for homework and art, as well as other various projects.

7. Pencil Box

The best way to store all of your child's school supplies will be in a plastic pencil box. A pencil box can hold writing utensils, scissors, tape and glue. Everything your child needs will be in one convenient location, and he/she will always know where to find supplies. It might be a good idea to have a stocked pencil box for both school and home.

8. Binder with Folders

A good 3 ring zipper binder will come in handy when transporting homework to and from school. A couple cheap folders (in different colors) inside the binder will help your child stay organized too. Labeling the folders with different subjects, such as "Math" and "Spelling" will be helpful as well. A zipper binder is best, because they tend to last longer than the open 3 ring binders.

9. Paint

You can never go wrong with buying paint for your child. Watercolors are best, and are fairly inexpensive. Crayola has a great variety of different paints, some of which can only be used on a special paper. You never know when paint will need to be used.