Ad
GreatSchools: Involved Parents. Successful Kids

Print article | Back to article

Back to basics: A supply list for elementary school

Keep our school supply checklist handy to make your shopping as easy as A, B, C.
By GreatSchools Staff
 

What’s the smart way to shop for school supplies? Eliminate the guesswork by getting a list from your child’s teacher ahead of time or waiting until school starts to find out what’s actually required. The teacher may recommend specific brands, sizes or quantities, but even if the list isn’t available, you can still take advantage of back-to-school sales (many states offer “tax-free days” during this season) by sticking to the basics recommended below. And remember, you can’t go wrong with tools that help kids get — and stay — organized.

Writing essentials

Don’t waste your money on feather pencils, light-up pencil sharpeners, or pretty erasers that don’t work, teachers say.

No. 2 pencils (Stick with this classic to avoid classroom competition over whose writing utensil is the coolest — or most impractical.)

Colored pencils

A pencil sharpener (hand-held with a top to collect shavings)

A large pink eraser (The old-fashioned ones do the best erasing.)

Ballpoint pens

A box of crayons (Teachers recommend buying a 16-pack for younger kids, more for older ones.)

Water-based markers

Spiral-bound or composition notebooks

Loose-leaf notebook paper (Teachers can be picky about paper. Schools usually supply specially ruled handwriting paper to help younger children with letter formation. Older children use wide-ruled paper.)

Organizational helpers

Expensive folders with multiple pockets and zippers are often too bulky to fit in desks. Better to stick with more streamlined (and cheaper) models.

A three-ring binder

Pocket folders (If you get a folder with two pockets, label one “keep at home” and the other “bring back to school” to help your child organize his papers.)

A box for storing items (Teachers recommend one that’s eight inches long by five inches wide by two inches deep to hold pencils, crayons, erasers and scissors.)

Highlighters (These are probably unnecessary for kids in kindergarten through second grade.)

Index cards, ruled and unruled (for making flash cards)

A sturdy, supportive backpack (Some schools do not permit rolling backpacks because of space considerations, so check with your school before purchasing one.)

Craft materials

Dioramas and other 3-D projects provide a hands-on learning experience for students. Most teachers recommend having these items available:

Drawing paper

Construction paper

A ruler with English and metric measurements

Glue sticks

A four-ounce bottle of white glue

Scotch tape

A stapler

Scissors (blunt ended for younger kids, pointed for older ones)

Watercolor paints

 
Page 12Single Page
Facebook  I'm reading: Back to basics: A supply list for elementary schoolTweet this!    Digg 
 

comment Post a comment on this article


Yes, I agree to the GreatSchools Terms of Use and give GreatSchools permission to post my comments for other parents to read.

Note: Your email address is required if you would like a response from GreatSchools.net.

Comments from GreatSchools.net readers

09/1/2009:
" I do realize how important the upper grades are and that having them prepared for their first day back at school so they can hit the ground running is imperative. That being said it would be great to see you address your first time students - Kindergardeners, with the same amount of diligence given to the upper grades. Remembering that at least for some of them this is their first introduction to the school system. They are frightened, overwhelmed, and always excited. It would be great if this site addressed them with the same enthusiasm and importance as the rest of the student body and posted requirements for them beyond a back pack and comfortable clothes. "
08/20/2009:
"Great list. At our school each teacher has his/her own system for supplies; some ask for cash (and buy items in bulk), some send home a list. One teacher asked for 8x11 dry erase boards to reduce paper waste. So even if you only use these items at home, they are invaluable for giving your children the tools they need to be successful in school."
08/19/2009:
"I have my two grandchildren living with me one in kindergarten and one in third. We pick up a list at local walmart and it has the school supplies for each teacher in the school and if they want anything extra. We buy alot of supplies that I know they do not use and we never see again. But we have children in the community that cannot afford supplies and I am sure they use some of the supplies that the other children such as my grandchildren take to school. Each teacher has boxes in front of their room for vatrious items. such as one for notebook paper, one for folders, one for crayons, one for three ring notebooks, glue sticks, glue, etc. I know they share these with the children that had parents that could not afford to buy them. THIS IS A WONDERFUL THING TO DO AND I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA. SO THE SUPPLIES ARE GIVEN OUT AND NO OTHER CHILD KNOWS WHO COULD NOT AFFORD SUPPLIES AND IT GIVES OTHER CHILDREN AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE AN EDUCATION WITHOUT BEING ASHAMED. This is ! the season to share and help one another not grip about the fact you may have purchased supplies that a poor child may use because they could not afford them. I applaud our school system. Moody Elem in Moody, Alabama for doing what they do so all children get a fair and good education without feeling ashamed due to lack of money. To share is fair. Thank you for your time "
08/19/2009:
"This is a great list. Even if you don't need them to take to school, remember to get a set of supplies to keep at home for homework. "
08/19/2009:
"If you are at a new school, be sure to check first. At my daughter's school, they will gladly accept donations of supplies, but the children are not required to bring anything of their own. And backpacks of any size are not allowed unless they are in the after school program. (They only bring things home once a week.)"
08/19/2009:
"my boys are going into 2nd grade, I really don't think they need all the stuff that's mentioned."
08/18/2009:
"I'm happy to help the teachers anytime I can. It's only going to benefit my children in the long run, and it keeps me abreast of what my children are doing and how the class is going. Time are tight now. Many school systems don't have the money to buy supplies, I'm not rich, but when it comes to my children's education I don't skimp on their needs. And every teacher my children have had, really appreciate all the help. "
08/18/2009:
"Why don't schools just ask for a fee to be paid by each family in order to buy the school supplies? It's bound to be cheaper for the school to buy in bulk and as a parent I hate fighting the crowds in the shops over the summer to try and get everything on the list! I'm dragging three kids around doing this shopping and I'm sure all you working parents out there don't have time to do this shopping. "
08/18/2009:
"This year, my daughter's school (Jenkins Elem.) sent the supplies list the last day of classes, I thought this was very smart. It gave me time to look for specials over the summer, instead of buying everything at a regular price at the last minute. I spent $38 total. I hope next year they'll do the same thing."
08/18/2009:
"Our school/county makes the lists for our children, how does a 1st grader go through 4 box of 24 crayons and markers and 40 pencils? Not to mention 4 bottles of glue, glue sticks, etc. Last year my child didn't use half of his supplies, nor where they returnrd, including his scissors and his name is on eveything...we have alot of parents getting really mad about this."
08/18/2009:
"First of all thank you for this website as a GUIDELINE. For those other parents to remind you that while you are middle class and don't want to spend money on school supplies. Your childs education is in the hands of a teacher who is probably getting paid well below you so stop complaining about buying a backpack and some pencils. Again this is a GUIDELINE!!! last year there was no supply list for my son the school supplied everythin. Of course that was before the budget cuts and his wonderful teacher lost her job. Also the police departments reccomend that you never buy a clear backpack and also that you NEVER label any of you childs items in immediantly visable places like the outside of their backpack. They will tell you to help keep your child safe from a predator to label all items inside their backpacks and luckboxes. You do not want a predator gaining your childs trust by knowing their name. Thought Id add that to help keep some kids safe. My husband is in law enforce! ment. Stay safe and support your schools and teachers!!!"
08/13/2009:
"I believe its wonderful that u have this website available for new moms to send their kids to school for the first time. Yes im aware that we as parents have to buy our kids clothes and supplies so I don't think its an insultto have this site. I just believe if you have a child you are suppose to provide everything in your hands that you can to give a better future!So keep on with this and many other sites for us parents. Mother of Three."
08/11/2009:
"where are we suppose to find clear backpacks?"
08/4/2009:
"I think its a insult to the whole educationl process that we have to provide items and school supplies for our kids to work with, we are working middle class parents paying enough school tax for all of the staffs salaries and then they can't afford our kids supplies for there education."
08/19/2008:
"Great ideas for every age group and always competitive pricing. Thanks so much."
08/13/2008:
"I am a great grandmother, and it has been some years since I sent a child to Pre-K, Robertsons recommendation for the two pocket folder, one marked 'Keep at Home' and another marked 'Bring Back to School' is a winner to me. Thanks"
08/7/2008:
"I let my 1st grader pick out one special pencil and crayons or colored pencils to keep in a homework box at home. That way she is more willing to have the plain ones for school."
08/6/2008:
"I dont believe hand sanitizer is a good choice on the back to school list. Some of them contain alcohol and some children might be allergic. "
08/5/2008:
"Thanks for the guidelines-my daughter is starting K, and I wasn't sure how much was too much stuff...."
07/24/2008:
"What a helpful list! We're moving from the UK this summer, and didn't even know the children would be expected to bring supplies (in UK primary schools the teacher has them), so this was super-useful!"
07/21/2008:
"Esta es la lista de suplies para los ninos para la escuela, te agradeceria una ayudita."
AD
tracker Rocket Fuel