| Many American children are starting back to | | | | 3. Writing Tools: Pens and pencils are generally |
| school soon, and no matter how young or old | | | | thought of automatically, but often there are |
| they may be: There is always a long list of items | | | | other writing related materials that must be |
| that must be purchased in preparation. This list is | | | | purchased for school as well. Younger children |
| an overview of the basic stuff most kids need - | | | | often need crayons and paint for instance, while |
| whether they're starting kindergarten or college. | | | | older kids may need markers and colored pencils. |
| 1. Backpacks and bags: Attending school usually | | | | As children move into junior high, high school and |
| involves keeping track of books, papers, pens and | | | | college, they'll require a larger variety of the |
| more. So carrying bags are a must. Younger | | | | basics too. Instead of just blue pens for instance, |
| children prefer backpacks, and many cute ones | | | | they often need blue, black and red. It's good to |
| are available just about anywhere these days. | | | | know the teachers at this point by the way: |
| If your children are a bit older - particularly in | | | | Some do not allow gel pens to be used for |
| junior high or high school - be sure to get rugged, | | | | instance, while others may forbid red pens or |
| durable backpacks that will last. These older kids | | | | yellow markers. |
| carry very heavy loads sometimes, and it helps | | | | 4. Misc. Tools: These change from one grade to |
| to spend a little extra money for backpacks right | | | | another, but generally additional tools of some kind |
| at the beginning of the year. I've found that hiking | | | | are needed for just about any age range. |
| backpacks work best for high school students, | | | | Examples of school tools needed includes rulers, |
| because they have large carrying capacities and | | | | protractors, and calculators. |
| they're quite strong and durable. Buying these | | | | 5. Clothing: This is usually a given, but a checklist |
| types of backpacks will ensure they last through | | | | always helps. Be sure to buy pants, shirts, socks, |
| the entire school season, instead of having to be | | | | and underclothing. Don't forget to get new shoes... |
| replaced halfway through the year. | | | | some kids need more than one pair because |
| College bound students might prefer laptop and | | | | specialized shoes are needed for gym or athletic |
| gadget bags, sling bags, messenger or duffle bags | | | | programs. Also be sure to buy athletic or gym |
| instead. | | | | cloths if they're required. These could include |
| 2. Paper Supplies: This includes notebook paper, | | | | shorts, t-shirts, or sweat suits. |
| spiral notebooks, pocket folders and binders | | | | Sweaters and lightweight jackets are usually |
| among other things. Most kids need all of these | | | | needed for the cool early mornings, and heavier |
| from the time they start first or second grade, | | | | coats will be needed within a few months of |
| though the needs get heavier as the children get | | | | school starting. |
| older. Younger children might need art paper and | | | | Most schools have dress codes these days too, |
| older children might need graph paper, so the | | | | so it's a good idea to get a copy of that for |
| needs vary slightly but the basics tend to stay | | | | reference before you go clothes shopping. You |
| the same. | | | | wouldn't want your daughter to have a whole |
| High School honor students and college bound | | | | new wardrobe of tank tops only to find out |
| students will also need special books, and these | | | | they're not allowed to be worn at school for |
| usually need to be purchased. Book covers are | | | | instance. |
| also useful for all grades. | | | | |