Must Have Back-To-School Supplies for Highschoolers

High-school can be a scary situation for some teenagers. It is the time where you are learning to me more independent and trying to function with other kids you have never met before. Teenagers at this time are also learning more valuable educational necessities then ever before. With all the new and exciting things occurring in their lives, us as parents have to make it easier for teenagers to adjust into high-school. How we can do that is make sure they have some essential back-to-school items to help their school year start off right and stay on track. Below you will find my top ten list of essential back-to-school items for a high school student.

1) Backpack
I know this is something that you would put on a child's top ten list, however this item is in need more for highschoolers. A backpack will serve them well as they will have to carry multiple books around to each class because they may not have many minutes during class changes. If they do not have a backpack to carry them in, then they can just leave a book in the locker because it is to heavy to carry and then when they are in class it will look bad on their part for not having their book with them. To make the high-school student look fashionable with this backpack, try to have them pick out one that is multifunctional like a hiking backpack. Northface products make a great backpack for high-school kids.

2) Paper
Notebooks with paper, loose leaf paper, journal paper, or scratch paper, either way you look at it, your high-school student is going to need all these and a lot of it.

3) Index Cards
When I was in school I always took my notes and put the key points of the notes for a class onto an index card. This allowed me to scan the card for a cram study session anywhere I went. It kept me on my toes for pop quiz's and tests. Index cards are so cheap, that you can buy at least ten packs for the whole year and your high-school student will be ready to jot down those notes to.

4) Highlighters
Some school are starting to give textbooks to kids for them to keep, just like college. If your high-school student receives one of these books, then he or she will end up using a highlighter to mark down important "need to know" facts in the book. I would suggest to having at least three different marker colors. Each color can represent different levels of importance in the book.

5) Pre-paid Credit Card
I advise this at an early age to start promoting responsibility. However, I advise for it to be a pre-paid card and their should never be no more then $25-$50 on there a week. During the school hours things will come up during lunch or homeroom that kids are trying to sell for clubs and such. This way if your child has the card they can easily pay for it themselves without having to ask you for it everyday. With the little amount on it, it will allow them to not spend it on things they do not need.

6) Organizer
A pocket organizer is great, however I like to stick with a organizer book just in case the electronic device goes on the fritz. An organizer journal will help your high-school student remember test dates, items due, class projects and the all important football games!

7) Calculator
A scientific calculator is always needed in school to this day! I would advise they have at least this and a graphing calculator as well!

8) Home Computer or Laptop
I know not every child can get a laptop. Heck I don't even own one, but it is a really good investment if you are able to purchase one for them. If you can't at least make sure they have a home PC or access to a computer without having to pay. Kids will need to access email for instructions from teachers, possible grades, and to even do research for upcoming projects and papers due.

9) Power Point
This is one of the best tools any teenager can have while in high-school. More and more teachers are going to power point lectures and having their students present a power point lecture or project. If your highschooler has this software on their own personal computer then they can get more practice on this software and will not feel left in the dark when it comes time to access it in class.

10) Locker Shelves
Any items that will allow your high-school student to dress up their locker and keep it organize will help them along the way. If you place locker shelves in a locker your teenager will be able to line books up and easily grab them instead of just shoving them into the locker to soon be ripped, torn and misplaced!