Back-to-School Shopping for a Successful Academic Year

“Be Prepared!” Whenever I hear or read this line, I immediately envision Scar from The Lion King singing to the hyenas, rallying them for an ambitious takeover of the Savannah. Admittedly, I've been known to belt out this catchy phrase in class when trying to make a point about my expectations for an assignment. Preparedness looks different depending on the grade level, and each school and teacher will typically provide a list of necessary supplies for students to start the academic year on the right foot. If you’re a parent, I highly recommend gathering these materials for your child. Here’s why: preparedness is key to an effective learning experience.

Think of school supplies as the tools your child will need to tackle the task ahead. When you're hanging a picture on your wall, having the right tools is essential—like a hammer and nail or a command strip for starters, and you may even use a measuring tape and a level. You likely wouldn’t attempt to hang that picture with a wrench, as it would only lead to frustration and failure. In a similar vein, how can a child successfully start an assignment if they’re missing basic tools? Without the necessary supplies, they could feel stalled before even embarking on the task, leading to feelings of frustration and stress. They might end up asking their classmates to borrow a pencil or a piece of paper—something they won't always receive kindly, especially if it’s the same child who repeatedly arrives unprepared.

My years teaching in grades 7 and 8 have given me insight into what junior high and high school students truly need. Below is a comprehensive list of must-haves to be well-prepared for the academic year:

Essential School Supplies

1. A Binder with Well-Labelled Dividers: I recommend a single binder with dividers for each subject, along with lined paper for each section. Having multiple binders can create confusion, resulting in students bringing the wrong binder home or to class, which can easily turn into an excuse for not completing assignments.

2. Multiple, Well-Identified Pencils and Erasers: Identifiable pencils help minimize conflicts over ownership. If your child is generous and lends out their supplies, chances are high they won't get them back. Labelling can aid in maintaining the organization and assures your child that they have their pencils when needed.

3. A Quality Pencil Sharpener: Invest in a durable pencil sharpener. Students often complain about plastic sharpeners, and manual sharpeners are effective for developing fine motor skills in younger learners.

4. A Ruler: While math teachers often supply rulers, having one at hand is beneficial for drawing straight lines in art projects and adding lines to worksheets when space runs out.

5. Highlighters and Post-it Notes: At least three colours of each can be indispensable for various learning strategies and note-taking techniques.

6. Pencil Crayons: By grade 3, I recommend moving from markers to pencil crayons. They allow for more creative expression and last significantly longer. Plus, it’s common to find dried-out markers littering the classroom floor.

7. A Calculator: While mastering mental math is crucial, calculators play a significant role in higher grades where complex calculations are involved.

8. A Pencil Case: This is essential for keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

If I missed anything you think is essential, I would love to hear from you!

Organization is Key

For kids who struggle with staying organized, labelling everything is a must, no matter their age. I can’t tell you how many stray pencils, pens, and erasers I pick up after each period. I often gather these items in a bin and share them with students who come unprepared in the following class.

Being equipped with the right tools can eliminate one of the major barriers to your child’s organization and help them initiate tasks with confidence.

Budget-Friendly Options

It's also important to acknowledge that in our current economy that money can be tight, and back-to-school shopping has become increasingly expensive. Stores like the Dollar Store and Dollar Tree often carry most of the items you'll need at a budget-friendly price. Additionally, many organizations, such as the Hamilton Mountain Kidz Club , offer school supplies for free to families requiring assistance.

A Call to Students and Parents

As we prepare for a new academic year, I would like to pose a couple of questions:

Parents: What unique tools or supplies have you found to be essential for your child's success in school that may not be on the typical shopping list?

Students share your experiences: how does being prepared (or unprepared) impact your stress levels and overall performance when starting a new school year or project?"

Back-to-school shopping is not just an annual ritual; it is a critical step toward setting up students for a successful academic year. By investing in the right supplies and instilling organization habits, parents can help children prepare not just for academic tasks, but for lifelong learning skills. Remember my chant —“Be Prepared!”—it could well set the tone for a productive and fulfilling school year ahead.