Ah, summer break. It’s a fun time for kids to enjoy long days away from the classroom and spend time with family. But as August and September roll around, it’s time to go back to school.
For some, returning to school offers the chance to see friends again and dive back into learning. For others, returning to school or starting for the first time can be a little stressful. In any event, going back to school requires some preparation — and that includes getting the right back-to-school supplies.
To help you out, we’re sharing some of the best ways to bring fun and excitement into going back to school. We’ll also share how to help struggling families (including your own) who may need assistance to buy back-to-school supplies.
Back-to-School Routines: It’s All About Familiarity
Children often get more free time in the summer, with fewer restrictions about bedtimes and wake-up times. Instead of abruptly changing their schedule before the first day of school, it’s a good idea to slowly start making adjustments.
A couple of weeks before school starts, try getting them back into the school routine by slowly bringing evenings to an earlier close and waking them earlier each morning. Aim to have them in their school sleeping patterns a few days before their first day back.
Talk about school routines and the things your kids enjoy to get them back in the right mindset. Start reconnecting with school friends they may not have seen during the summer break with Zoom calls or FaceTime. Some schools even offer “Meet the Teacher” calls for youngsters to help them to overcome nerves.
Make sure your home is prepared too. Designate homework spaces, get a study table if necessary, and create an area for school information. This could be a magnetic fridge magnet to note homework and activities or a message board to leave reminders and mark achievements.
Finally, divide clothes storage areas into one for school stuff and separate play clothes, dressier items, and so on. This division process is excellent for helping youngsters organize their belongings.
Take Stock of the School Supplies You Already Own
First, ask your school if it has a list of supplies that students need for the coming school year. Some of these lists may be available online. For older children, it could be that each department has a different list — for example, brushes for art and goggles for science.
Then, take a quick stock of which clothes or uniforms still fit and make a list of what’s still usable. Do the same with supplies like folders, pens, and crayons. You can do this task with your children until you have a complete inventory of what you have and what you need.
Start Planning How to Get the School Supplies Kids Need
You’ve found time to list school supplies they’ll need. Now it’s time to work out a budget to fit the list and your bank account.
Online shopping is a great way to make kids aware of what things cost and to let them compare items without walking around endless stores. Talk to them about prices, styles, and colors, and let them develop an identity while learning about monetary restraints. This phase will also help parents adjust budgets to account for purchasing items.
It pays to keep your eyes peeled. Check local back-to-school sales to grab bargains. Large stores often have back-to-school drives too, or tax-free shopping days for educational items.
Avoid the hectic last-minute shopping rush by ordering online or visiting your local stores a few weeks before school returns.
Back-to-School Supplies: Lists for Kids
Each school and pupil is different, and the following are general guidelines on what to buy. Don’t forget to ask your child’s school for suggested supply lists for the year.Each school and pupil are different, and the following are general guidelines on what to buy. Don’t forget to ask your child’s school for suggested supply lists for the year.
And remember, if you have the budget, it’s great to have some extra creative supplies at home for when your kids are in the mood for crafts and study.
A Note About Clothes
Children grow and change as rapidly as their tastes. But if they like certain outfits that still work, let them use them.
The most important thing is that they have comfortable and functional outfits for school that they feel good wearing. Their styles will evolve alongside fashions, age, and even the weather and seasons.
That said, it’s perfectly fine to reuse last season’s clothes if they still fit and do the job. Keeping some items back for younger siblings or donating to good causes is another way to repurpose anything you don’t really need anymore.
Most children will need several outfits — everything from socks and shirts to sweaters and pants. Remember to account for weather-related items like gloves, raincoats, and winter hats, as well as shoes like sneakers for PE days, sandals, and formal shoes.
Recommended Back-to-School Supply List for Kindergarten Kids
Early school years often focus on hands-on learning through creative play and crafting. This is a classic supply list for kindergarten kids.
- Crayons: Check if a set of 8, 16, or 24 is required
- Markers: Washable ones are best — avoid scented versions as many fragrances can cause allergic reactions
- Scissors: Make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age — blunt or round-tipped — and get the correct right or left-handed pair
- Glue: Some kindergartens may prefer glue sticks
- Smocks: These help protect clothes, but oversized T-shirts do just as good a job
- Backpack: These are ideal for carrying supplies between home and school
Some kindergartens may also request items like erasers and colored pencils. Full-day kindergartens could ask for a complete change of clothes in case of accidents and a blanket or towel should the class take a much-needed afternoon siesta.
Recommended Back-to-School List for Kids in Grades 1 to 5
These grades cover a wide age range and will become more “adult” as your child progresses through the education system. The cute days of crafting soon fade as kids begin the serious business of reading, writing, math, and world discovery.
Teaching is no longer just on the ABCs and imagination, so the materials need to change.
- Notebooks: Wide-ruled pages can help with writing practice for younger scribes
- Paper: Some schools ask for different paper types for various projects
- Folders or three-ring binders: All that productive time spent creating needs a home
- Pencil grip: For those who struggle to hold a pencil at first
- Pencils: Most folks love the traditional no. 2 wooden pencils
- Pencil sharpener: Helps keep kids’ writing clear
- Erasers: Not everyone gets everything correct 100% of the time. Stand-alone or atop the pencil is fine
- Glue or glue sticks
- Markers: They may need fine point as well as thicker point
- Scissors: Choose right-handed or left-handed, depending on your child
- Calculator: Check if the school allows them; if yes, some backup batteries are helpful
- Pen pouch or supply box: All those materials need a convenient home
- Backpack: For carrying supplies between home and school
Your children may start taking a boxed lunch to school too. In that case, they’ll also need a lunch box — a reusable, insulated plastic box is ideal. They often come with images of superheroes or cartoons to make them appeal to youngsters. Some can even keep food warm or cool until lunchtime. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle of around 12 ounces.
Recommended Back-to-School List for Kids in Grades 6 to 12
Older kids may be a bit more demanding in what they wear, but the basics are the same. Choose several changes of items in which they feel comfortable.
Again, check with the school about specific requirements. Will they need a smock for art classes? What do the gym classes require? Is there a uniform? Check for any restrictions too as certain types of clothing might not be allowed. Ask about the school policy on cell phones too.
Some back-to-school supplies for older students include:
- Laptop (more on this in a bit)
- Calculator and spare batteries
- Spiral notebooks, paper, and folders
- Pencils, pencil sharpener, and erasers
- Pens
- Tape and scissors
- Pen pouch or supply box
- Specialist equipment for art, science, or information technology
- Backpack
One significant expense for tweens and teenagers is a laptop or computer. Does the school provide these? If not, ask your school for any help they can provide. Check local libraries and other places where your kids can study online outside of school hours.
What to Do Once They Go Back to School
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A lovely tradition is to take a picture of your child or children on their first day back to school. Many parents do this until the children graduate. You can track their growth and changing styles through the ages while also marking a tradition. Younger children especially feel great pride at seeing photos of themselves in their school outfits, perhaps pinned to the fridge or the message board you’ve made.
Set Up Easy Routines
Routines will be a lifesaver. Ask about homework and put it on the message board or magnetic calendar. Follow up to ensure it’s been done and be sure to see if any designated homework and study spaces are being used. By showing an interest in your kid’s homework, you will encourage them to complete it on time.
Have school uniforms and clothing laid out the night before. This reassures your child that they’re ready for the coming day.
Lunch boxes can also be thought about and prepared in advance, as can prepaying a child’s lunch account. Forewarned is forearmed, so think about healthy and convenient snacks like raisins, freeze-dried fruit, nuts (if they don’t have allergies), and cheese sticks. Yogurts, juice boxes, and fun sandwich ideas can also make lunchtime more enjoyable.
Help Families in Texas With Back-to-School Supplies
Returning to school can be stressful for many children and parents. Not every household enjoys the luxury of buying everything their children needs to return to school. For example, in 2020, Texas had nearly four million people living in poverty. Texan African American, Latino, and Native American families experience the highest poverty rates.
Almost one in five kids in the Lone Star state lives in poverty. Students from low-income households are seven times more likely to drop out of education than those from higher-income families.
The proverb that it takes a village to raise a child rings true to those on both sides of the poverty line. Asking for help and providing aid builds stronger communities.
How Can I Get Help With Back-to-School Costs?
There are many ways to receive support with back-to-school costs in Texas, and organizations are delighted to hear from families.
The first point of call is the school’s Parent Teacher Association or PTA. The school may have supplies to offer or support programs, as may local churches or charities.
Here are three other organizations that accept and redistribute donations. Check your local area for others — there are many more.
- Communities In Schools of Texas: CIS and its affiliates help more than 100,000 students annually across 177 Texas school districts. Services include rides to school, equipment, warm meals, and mental health support.
- For the Children, Inc.: Elementary school children in Central Texas can get free basic classroom supplies from this Austin-based nonprofit organization.
- United Way of Cass-Clay: This school supply drive showcases a more grassroots level of support throughout Texas. The organization’s goal is to help 6,000 local students receive a free backpack and school supplies from community donations.
Back-to-School: It’s Easier Than You Think to Be Prepared
Going back to school during summer vacation is the last thing many kids want to think about. But a gentle and slow approach can help avoid the overwhelming panic of last-minute preparations. Working with your kids can make them feel in charge of the situation while teaching them valuable life lessons.
Being prepared may not sound exciting to children, but it will reassure them that their return to school is under control. And that will give them the freedom to look forward to seeing all their friends once more while devouring all that knowledge.
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