With summer coming to a close and the new school year on the horizon, it’s time to start preparing for children to return to the classroom. This quick guide is here to help you navigate getting back-to-school ready to ensure a great start to the school year.
First Steps
- Take Inventory and Check Supplies
Take a look at what you already have at home by collecting last year’s school supplies and evaluating their condition. From here you can decide what supplies can be reused and what needs replacing. Make sure to keep a list of what needs to be replaced as you go through your inventory. - Get Your Supplies List Ready
Each school often provides a specific supplies list for each grade. Make sure you have the latest list from your child’s school, and reach out to the school if not. This will guide your shopping and ensure your child has everything they need to feel prepared in the classroom. - Prep Your Calendar
Keep track of important dates, such as the first day of school, orientation sessions, and parent-teacher conferences, by updating your calendar ahead of time. - Get Back on Schedule & Establish a Routine
Start adjusting bedtimes to school-night schedules a couple of weeks before school starts. Gradually wake your kids up at the time they’ll need to get ready for school. This helps their bodies adjust to the new routine and makes the first week back less of a shock. Determine a routine to help manage school-related activities, homework, and extracurricular commitments. - Get Organized
Get your child’s backpack ready with supplies and necessities the night before. Set out clothes for the next day to save time in the morning. Involve your child in choosing their back-to-school outfit to help with any jitters! Having a to-do list for daily tasks and ensuring extra supplies and papers are easily accessible at home can also help everyone feel more organized and ready to take on the school year. - Stay Connected
Plan to stay in touch with teachers to monitor your child’s progress. Encourage open communication with your child about their day, allowing them to express their feelings and experiences in a supportive atmosphere. Address any back-to-school jitters by reassuring them and highlighting the fun aspects of returning to school (i.e. field trips, school events, extracurriculars, friends, etc.).
Creating Your Shopping List
Based on your inventory check from step 1, decide if your child needs new clothes/shoes. If you are looking to save money, see about shopping secondhand or organizing a clothing swap between your child’s friends.
Next, focus on school supplies. Reach out to your school for your required supply list. If you’re getting a head start on this before that list is ready, here are a few standard items to expect by grade level.
Pre-school
- Age-appropriate crayons
- Pocket folder
- Glue sticks
- 5” Blunt scissors
- Beginner wood pencils
- 1 box of tissues
Kindergarten
- Pencil case/box
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Washable markers
- Pencil grips
- Pencil sharpener
- Glue sticks
- Erasers
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- Pocket folders
- Wide-ruled notebook/pad
- Tissues
- Assorted construction paper
Grades 1-3
- Pencil case/box
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- No. 2 pencils
- Pencil grips
- Pencil sharpener
- Glue sticks
- Erasers
- Notecards/Index cards
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- Pocket folders
- Wide-ruled notebook/pad
- Tissues
- Assorted construction paper
Grades 4-5
- Pencil case/box
- No. 2 pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Highlighter
- Washable markers
- Erasers
- Personal calendar/organizer
- 3-ring binder
- 3-hole punch
- Loose-leaf paper/spiral notebooks
- Pocket folders
- Glue
- Scissors
- Calculator
- Blue/black pens
- Book socks
- Notecards/index cards
- Ruler
- Subject dividers
Additional Items
- Backpack
- Lunchbox/bag
Preparing for the new school year doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking inventory, organizing supplies, and establishing routines, you can ensure a smooth transition for you and your child. Staying connected with teachers and addressing any back-to-school anxieties will help build your child’s confidence and set them up for a successful year ahead. Remember, preparation is key to making the start of the school year enjoyable and stress-free for all!
Information sourced from the following websites: Good Housekeeping, Pre-K Pages, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Metro Parent