Easy to Forget Items at Back-to-School Time

Issue No. 8:  Shell's Retail & Fashion Blog

Compiled by Shell of the Shell Design Boutique, Master's in Special Education. 

https://linkpop.com/shelldesignboutique

 

As the summer comes to a close, it's time to prepare for the back-to-school season. For elementary-age children, having the right supplies is crucial to kick-start their academic year.  While many parents are familiar with the basic essentials like notebooks and pencils, there are often overlooked items that can greatly enhance their learning experience. In this post, we will explore the necessary back-to-school supplies that every student should have, as well as some often-forgotten gems that can make a significant difference in their education.  FYI, I am an affiliate for Amazon, Shopstyle, Ebay and Printify.  If you make an eligible purchase through one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support!

 

 

**Photo of my son on his first day of Kindergarten in 2014.  He was accompanied by his older sister.

 

The first item that they will definitely use everyday of the school year is a backpack.  There are so many different options available, but you need to choose carefully.  The cute one with unicorns and rainbows may be your child's first choice, but will it do the job well enough?  It's important to think about what they will be carrying back and forth each day, plus how rough are they on their backpacks. 

 

 

In the past, we knew the kids would be carrying books and school supplies in their backpacks, but times have definitely changed.  During Covid-19, carrying a laptop or tablet to school became the norm and now backpacks are used to transport expensive equipment that needs to stay safe and secure.  Try to find a backpack with a padded laptop sleeve, especially if you know your child will be transporting that type of equipment.  To help them stay organized, consider getting them a backpack that has several different compartments.  They can keep their supplies in different pockets, plus keep track of their homework assignments easier by keeping them separated in different parts of their backpack.  You can check available choices and prices at a variety of places, including Amazon, Walmart and Ebay. 

I would also invite you to check out the backpacks and lunch boxes that I have designed and have for sale in my store, Shell Design Boutique or Shell Photo and Design.

 

Charging cords and quick charge devices have become a necessary part of everyone's lives.  However, young children, and sometimes older ones as well, will often struggle with keeping charging cords and other cables in good working condition.  They sometimes forget to be careful with their cords, which makes it hard on everyone.  A great item that can help keep them intact is a cable bite.  Here is a cute hedgehog from Walmart.com.  You can also check prices on these handy little items at Amazon.

The foundation of any back-to-school supply list includes the classic essentials: notebooks, pencils, erasers, and rulers. These items form the backbone of an elementary student's learning experience, helping them take notes, complete assignments, and engage actively in the classroom. It's essential to stock up on durable and age-appropriate notebooks, lead or mechanical pencils (to avoid constant sharpening), and high-quality erasers that won't smudge or tear pages.  Another thing to consider is that all those supplies you send with your child on the first day of school may never make it home again.  Be sure to keep some of the essentials at home to help them with their homework.  Compare prices at Amazon, Walmart and Ebay on these items.

 

Don't forget a good set of permanent markers.  These may come in handy for your child, but you can put them to good use as well.  Be sure to write your child's name in inconspicuos places on their belongings.  Children have a hard time remembering which backpack or notebook is actually theirs.  Put them in a classroom with 20 other children, many with identical items as your child, and they are sure to get confused.

Nurturing creativity is just as important as fostering academic skills. Include a variety of creative materials in your child's back-to-school arsenal, such as colored pencils, markers, crayons, and watercolor paints. These items not only help with art projects but can also make learning more enjoyable by adding color and visuals to their notes and assignments.  Check prices at Walmart, Ebay and Amazon on art supplies,

While the focus is often on academics, it's essential to ensure your child's comfort during the long school hours. Don't forget to pack a refillable water bottle to keep them hydrated throughout the day, as well as healthy snacks to recharge their energy. If the school permits it, a small cushion or seat pad can provide added comfort during extended periods of sitting, reducing fatigue and helping them stay focused on their studies.  Check water bottle prices and availability at Amazon and Ebay.

 

And as a quick reminder, if your child needs a medically required accomodation during the school day, most of the time they will need a doctor's statement, so definitely try to complete that before the start of the school year.  Also, ensure your child is up to date on his/her vaccinations.  Children who attend public schools and some private schools are required to stay up to date with their vaccinations.

**Image by Freepik

 

Because of Covid-19, health and hygiene have become even more crucial than ever before. Include personal hygiene supplies like hand sanitizers, tissues, and wipes in your child's backpack. Remind them about proper handwashing techniques and etiquette to maintain a healthy environment at school. Additionally, if your child has any specific medical needs, ensure that they have any necessary medications or medical devices accessible and that the school is informed about their condition.

 

One item that I have personally had a need for is a printer with lots of ink.  Everyday, it seemed, my kids came home and needed something printed out related to their lessons or research projects.  Or they might need to make copies of some of their work.  It was really frustrating to find that I was out of ink.  I try my best to keep my printer stocked with ink these days.  Check prices and availability for inexpensive printers at Walmart.

 

Educators can tell you what your child needs to succeed in school, but you know that there’s more to life than all studying and homework.  Make going back to school a bit more fun by shopping for some comfort items.  For younger children, comfort items like small pictures, tiny toys or just fun snacks can go a long way in helping your child meet the daily challenges of school life.  Be sure to check with your school and teachers to see what is allowed.  Happy learning and have a great school year!

 

For faster access to my online products and deals, join my Telegram group at https://t.me/+0-jpag3rJgs2NjIx

Many of my original designs, including most of my backpack designs were made using Printify, a "print on demand" website.  I am very happy with the results.  You can try them at Printify.com

 **Cover Image by Freepik