Top 10 Back to School Supplies for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Summer is flying by and before we realize it will be time to return to school. Parents are beginning to shop with their children for back to school supplies. However, for some families it's a rising trend that the grandparents are preparing elementary level grandchildren with their back to school necessities. As a grandparent myself I'm helping to raise my 9-year-old granddaughter. I was amazed at how much school supplies have changed since my own children's elementary days. More so, I remember my old-school supply list consisting of a cigar-box for rulers, pencils, pens, reinforcements for three-ring loose leaf paper tears, Elmer's Liquid Glue, and that white paste that seem to dry out before the first week of class. A pack of crayons hosting little more than the primary colors were all we needed. Times were indeed simpler back then.

As 21^st century kids head back to school grandparents helping to raise these youngsters need to realize that supply lists are much more sophisticated than they were when their kids were in school. Younger children are using calculators, iPads, laptops; some require personal cell phones to for after-school parental communication. As a grandparent here is my Top 10 back to school essentials for the 1^st through 5^th grade crowd.

1. Kid Friendly Supportive Backpacks and Wide Strap Shoulder Book Bags: The backpack and book bag is probably the most important back-to-school items your grandchild will need. Packs have changed over the years. You need to purchase light weight, recycled materials suitable for smaller children. If it's possible take the child with you to make certain the pack is the correct fit and weight for the child. Kids 5-7 need smaller packs than 8-10 year olds. Make sure the pack has adjustable straps, and a safety waste strap to keep the pack secure.

2. Twin Pocket Work Folders: Pocket folders are used on a daily basis to store homework assignments, new assignments are an essential part of classroom organization. These folders come in a new and brilliant array of colors that kids will enjoy. Reasonably priced you can buy a pack of three for less than $5.00 at retailers like Staples, Office Depot and Wal-Mart.

3. Crayola® Marker and Crayons: Markers have come a long way since those harsh chemically scented markers we once used. Now water based, markers come in fruit scented packs and are environmentally safe and non-toxic for younger children. I recommend buying Crayola® because they have better variety of colors than the bargain brand. They are better made, not as easily broken and truer color transference. Great addition to any elementary back to school supplies list.

4. Lunch Boxes and Bags: Gone are the days of the rusting, dented, metal lunchboxes. Soft bags and insulated lunch boxes are perfect for storage, easily washable, and reusable. Most are made from recycled materials. Costing $10-15 dollars at Pottery Barn Kids they may seem expensive however they are rugged on the outside and insulated with a phthalate-free and BPA-free liner inside, these great-looking bags tote lunch safely and in style. Even the classic Brown Bag is now made from recycled paper and some recycled washable material.

5. Tissues and Ziploc Bags: Elementary kids are notorious for getting back to school colds. A box of tissues along with Ziploc bags helps to keep the spread of cold germs to other children as well to guardian grandparents who may not be able to ward off virus germs as quickly as their grandchildren. Used tissues are placed into the bag, zipped and should be thrown away at the end of the school day. Teachers usually insist each student keep a package of tissues and bags in their desks all semester.

6. Hand Sanitizer: As the tissues and Ziploc bags are important hand sanitizer is essential to keep cold and virus germs from spreading from classmate to classmate. Insist your kids keep one in their desks and one in their backpack. The must have sanitizer for kids come with a key chain clip-on attachment in exciting scents like dancing waters, strawberry, etc.

7. Non-Toxic Glue Sticks: Easy for little hands to paste those refrigerator art project masterpieces.

8. Post-it® Notes: Great for student class room assignment reminders, page breakers, calendar note, etc. 3M makes them in bright neon hues multi-color packs.

9. Recycled Reusable Water Bottles: Individual reusable water bottles are handy for in-class water breaks. Drinking water is a healthy habit for keeping younger children hydrated especially after play time and exercise period. These bottles are 100% recycled plastic and dishwasher safe.

10. Sharpie® Markers: Sharpies are useful for identifying your personal school items. They've gone far beyond your grandparent's basic black and come in a variety of cool colors like silver, gold, magenta, purple, sky blue and their new "Fresh Squeezed Color Line" in lime, lemon and orange colors. With the help of an adult write your name on all of your school supply items as many kids purchase the same back packs, lunchboxes, etc. It will make your belongings more identifiable in the class room cubbies!