Basic Back to School Supplies

Every parent dreads that list that gets sent home by our children's teacher the first day of school. Not because we don't want to buy the supplies but because we hate facing the crowds of other parents searching for exactly the same things. The first few days of school the, the school supply shopping isles become crowded, messy and picked bare of many of the essential items.

Many of us would absolutely love it if our children could get the school supply list early so we could get what we need and avoid the chaos. However, not many schools distribute the school supply list early so most of us are stuck facing the back to school crowds. There are a few essential items that every kid needs and almost all teachers ask for. If you stock up on these items before school starts you may reduce and possibly eliminate that first day of school shopping trip.

5. Every teacher asks for number two pencils. They may have varying ideas of how many your child will need, but they all ask for them. Buy extra number two pencils because undoubtedly your child will need more as the year progresses. Pencils are required for every age group.

4. If you have elementary aged children your child will need glue and scissors. It is important to buy the glue in both glue sticks and bottles. If your child ends up with a teacher that only wants one or the other then you can save the extra glue for homework projects. Their scissors should be children's sized scissors and really young children should use safety scissors.

3. Composition books are often used by children well into high school, but almost all elementary aged children will need them for journaling. Composition book are inexpensive and they usually don't last the year so extra books should be purchased for mid year replacements.

2. Elementary aged children almost always need markers and crayons. Markers and crayons come in different sized packages and color sets. Buy what you believe is practical and if you end up with extras this is another item that can be used at home for homework and projects.

1. Generally, children will need a book bag and a lunch box for the new school year. Check their old book bag and lunch box and replace either or both if they are excessively worn. Most high school aged children will not use a lunch box but elementary aged children use them frequently.

It is always wise to keep a box of extra school supplies on hand at home. Extra school supplies can be used for homework and mid year replacements when the supplies at school run low. Additionally, when you are shopping for school supplies early touch base with other parents who have had children that attended your child's school. They may be able to provide you insight into the items you may need.