How to choose supplies for the first year of school

The School Bag Should be Light and Ergonomic

Let's start with a school bag, which is a necessary tool for every student. It should meet a few basic parameters. Which are they?

• reinforced back and wide shoulder straps
• solid bottom and a rigid shape
• reflective elements
• a large number of inner and outer pockets

First of all, think about the health of your child. Choose the lightest school bag with a reinforced back and wide shoulder straps which is more comfortable to wear.

The bag should also be equipped with reflectors and reflective tapes that let a driver see the child even when it's the dark. You will be grateful for this feature especially in the winter, when it is often grey and dark. Protective reflective items can also be purchased separately and then attached to the backpack.

The pockets inside and outside of the school bag will help your child keep their exercise books and textbooks organised. Help your child determine which pockets to use for their keys, wallet and snack. A clear order will help your child quickly pack their backpack without forgetting anything important at home, even when they are in a hurry in the morning.

The least important factor for parents but the most important one for children is the appearance of the school bag. Your child needs a school bag that they are proud to wear, and which encourages them to keep it organised with all the items that they need for school each day. It's part of building a positive relationship with school. When purchasing a bag, choose a design that lasts a few years so your child can continue to use it the following year.

A Rigid Backpack is a Better Option

Imagine your child using one hand to find a book in their backpack while holding a pencil case in the other hand. Make it easier for your child to find things. Buy a school bag that perfectly holds its shape, lightly snaps closed, has no intricate zippers and is anatomically shaped for the back of small children. Also read out article on choosing a school bag.

A Well Organised Pencil Case

It is as important to organise a pencil case as it is for a school bag. Get a case that has a tab for every pencil, ruler and pencil sharpener so your child can check that they have not forgotten anything, and quickly find what they are looking for. The ideal option is to buy a pencil case with multiple layers or seperate compartments, where different kinds of writing supplies can be stored. The case can also be used by older children in upper classes, where they will have well-defined writing needs.

Quality Writing Supplies are Necessary

There are a huge number of writing supplies on the market that you can use to supply your child. The hardness of the pencils and the specific type of school supplies that your child needs will be determined by their school. However, the fine motor skills of a six-year-old child is still developing so you can be sure that crayons will make the list.

Furthermore, be sure to include a sharpener in the pencil case. You can choose whether to purchase one with a cap or not. Do not forget to include an eraser, scissors with a rounded tip and a ruler that fits into the case. Some schools do not allow students to work with markers. Find out from your school before you buy them.

An Ergonomic Pen will Teach Your Child the Right Grip

The school will decide the appropriate pen. Modern schools recommend a pen with an ergonomic grip. It doesn't use ink, so you do not have to buy refill cartridges and your child won't stain their clothes*. The pen has three edges which makes it intuitive to use three finders to hold it. Your child will automatically place a finger on one edge and learn how to properly hold it. The same is true of pencils.

A Case for Art Supplies 

Watercolours, a cup for holding water, brushes of all kinds and sizes, a cloth, glue and an apron have to be stored somewhere, preferably in a case. A firm case will keep all the supplies together so they do not spill. Choose a bigger case if you have more tools to store. A shopping list of art supplies is provided at the end of this article.

7 tips for Selecting Additional Equipment for a School Backpack

Some school supplies are obligatory, some not, but every child will use a backpack. Supplies include:

1. Holders for exercise books and textbooks - binders, boxes or plastic envelopes with a stud closure protect exercise books and textbooks from wrinkles and dog-ears. The most popular are the plastic envelopes. For each object, buy a different colour to make it easier to find a particular notebook in the backpack. Write the subject name on a plastic sticker and attach it to the envelope. They are much lighter than heavy binders and more durable. They are not mandatory.
2. Covers for exercise books and textbooks - Buy covers for exercise books and textbooks in both A5 and A4 format. You can add a cover to every notebook and textbook.
3. Numeric and Letter Boards - In the frist year of school, children learn the alphabet and numbers using small paper cards. Instead of stacking them, they place them on a board. Numbers and letter boards are mandatory unless the school will provide them for the child.
4. Bag for slippers and gym clothes - Each student needs a bag for storing their slippers and gym clothes on a hook. This is usually mandatory.
5. Snack box and water bottle - store the snack in a plastic box so that it does not get squashed between the books. A good water bottle is also important. Buy your child a bottle that will not spill and destroy the books.
6. Towel and handkerchiefs - You will also find a towel, handkerchiefs, or toilet paper on the list that you get from the school. Every first-year child must hang a towel on a hook in the class and learn regular hygiene.
7. Mobile phone - an emergency situation can occur at any time. A mobile phone prevents panic. We advise you on how to select a mobile phone for your child.

Shopping List for the First Year of School

Each school has different requirements for children in the first year of school. Some schools buy the supplies themselves so that all children have the same ones, thus preventing disputes among the children. Others give parents a detailed list of school supplies that the child needs. Some even leave the selection completely up to the parents. In that case we will help you. Our shopping list includes all the supplies that your child may need at school.

Shopping List of Writing supplies for School

Writing supplies are largely decided by the school. Follow their instructions. The list may include items such as:

• pen (preferably ergonomic)
• 3 pencils of hardness 1, 2, 3
• sharpener
• crayons
• eraser
• ruler

Shopping list of Art Supplies

In a larger case, according to the teacher's requirements, buy:

• sharp scissors with a rounded tip
• watercolours
• poster paint
• crayons
• water cup
• Plasticine
• ink and rapidograph technical pens
• Progresso colour pencils
• apron
• cloth
• plastic table cloth
• glue - liquid and solid
• flat and round brushes (specific types are determined by the school, e.g. flat 8 and 12 and round 5, 8 and 12)

Depending on the degree of the teacher's creativity, skewers, string or natural charcoal may appear on the list of supplies.

Shopping List of Other School Supplies

• slippers with white sole
• bag for slippers
• bag for gym clothes
• t-shirt and shorts for gym class
• sports shoes or sneakers with a white sole
• tracksuit for outdoor use
• towel with a loop

The Cost of School Supplies Varies Widely

Buying equipment for the first-time is a big investment. The cost can vary greatly depending on your choice of items. If you follow fashion trends, it can be far higher.

The first school day of school is supposed to be special for your child, so do not let anything spoil it. If you forget something, you can always buy it later.

School supplies