Back to School Checklist

Do you find yourself longing for the days when you couldn't wait to go shopping for school supplies?  We were waiting in the car for Mom instead of waiting for an email from the teacher.  Trying to think back to school supply shopping day, I have created a few lists. Let's see if I am close at all.  

Preschool (Ages 3-5)

• Backpack: Small, lightweight
• Lunchbox: Easy to open and close
• Change of clothes: Including underwear and socks
• Water bottle: Spill-proof
• Nap mat or blanket: If required by school
• Comfort item: Such as a small stuffed animal or blanket
• Art supplies: Crayons, washable markers, glue sticks, safety scissors
• Folders: For sending home artwork and school notices
• Name labels: For all personal items

Elementary School (Ages 6-10)

• Backpack: Durable, with padded straps
• Lunchbox: Insulated
• Water bottle: Refillable
• Pencil case: With pencils, erasers, sharpener, and colored pencils
• Notebooks: Wide-ruled for younger grades, composition books
• Folders: Different colors for different subjects
• Glue sticks and scissors
• Ruler: With both inches and centimeters
• Binders and dividers: For organizing subjects
• Hand sanitizer and tissues
• Headphones or earbuds: For computer use

Middle School (Ages 11-13)

• Backpack: Sturdy with multiple compartments
• Lunchbox and water bottle
• Binders and notebooks: One for each subject
• Planner: For keeping track of assignments
• Pencil case: With pencils, pens, highlighters, and erasers
• Folders: For handouts and assignments
• Calculator: Basic or scientific, as required
• Art supplies: If taking art classes
• PE clothes and gym shoes
• Locks: For lockers
• Index cards: For studying

High School (Ages 14-18)

• Backpack: Large and durable
• Lunchbox and water bottle
• Binders and notebooks: One for each subject
• Planner or digital calendar app
• Pencil case: With pens, pencils, highlighters, and erasers
• Folders: For handouts and assignments
• Scientific or graphing calculator
• Laptop or tablet: If permitted or required
• PE clothes and gym shoes
• Locks: For lockers
• Index cards: For studying
• Personal hygiene items: Deodorant, hand sanitizer
• USB drive: For transferring files

College/University

• Backpack or messenger bag
• Laptop and charger
• Notebooks or laptop for note-taking
• Binders and folders
• Pens, pencils, highlighters
• Planner or digital calendar app
• Textbooks and reading materials
• Calculator: As needed for courses
• USB drive or external hard drive
• Desk supplies: Stapler, paper clips, sticky notes
• Dorm essentials: Bedding, toiletries, laundry supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Reusable water bottle and coffee mug
• First aid kit