It’s that time of year where parents are jumping for joy that their children are going back to school. Summer items are on close-out and back-to-school sales are just about everywhere. One question on many parents’ minds is, “What supplies does my child need for school?”

Well, I think I’m qualified to give a decent answer as I’ve worked in both elementary schools and middle schools over the years. Some teachers will request certain items for their class and some schools have protocols that they follow, but overall, these lists will get students started. Let’s look at the different levels of supplies:

The Basics

Many students can get away with the basics in terms of supplies, especially in elementary and middle school.

  • Backpack
  • 1 large 3″ binder, or two 1″ binders (binders aren’t really needed for grades K – 2)
  • loose-leaf paper (only if purchasing a binder)
  • 2-3 two-pocket folders to hold their paperwork and homework
  • pencil-pouch
  • pencils, and loads of them! It’s amazing how they disappear so quickly!
  • scissors (many primary classes have these available to students)
  • erasers
  • 2 – 3 glue sticks
  • color pencils, crayons or markers (this is age-dependent. Crayons are great for elementary-aged students, where markers and colored-pencils are typical in middle school)
  • 1 – 2 highlighters (for children third grade and up)
  • 1 – 2 spiral notebooks (they may need composition books instead of spiral notebooks for middle school)

The great thing about the basics is that most of these things can be purchased at a dollar store. If you know your child’s teacher is going to hand you a supply list, this will get them by on the first day of class. Notice I’ve left out a small hand-sharpener. I’ll be  honest, I absolutely hate them. They’re messy and don’t work well (and I often find pencil shavings all over the desk and floor!) Most teachers will have a pencil sharpener in the class for lead pencils (not color).

For children in grades K-2 or 3, you could almost get away with a backpack, folder and not much else. Many primary classrooms provide pencils, erasers, crayons, glue, etc., but these are also great supplies to have at home to complete homework.

Middle School Additions

Along with the basics above, middle school students may need a few more items:

  • Calculator (standard should be fine for middle school unless your child is taking geometry or algebra 2, then they may need a scientific calculator – check with their teacher). Back in the day, students weren’t “allowed” to have calculators, but welcome to the 21st century! The current focus in math (Common Core Standards) is on explaining and supporting their answers (Why does 24/8=3?) and not on computation. *As a side note, students do still need to know their basic math facts (8×4=32 and so forth).
  • Ruler, protractor and compass. These are available at school, but they’ll need one at home, too.
  • P.E. clothes purchased at the school. I’m adding this to the list since this is something parents need to work into their budgets.
  • Water bottle. I’m adding this one in because in middle school, many classrooms do not have sinks or water fountains. And…many teachers won’t excuse them during their one-hour period to get a drink of water.
  • Calendar of some kind. Some schools provide calendar “reminder binders” to their students (mine does and they are great!), but if your child’s school doesn’t, it’s a good idea for them to get into the habit of writing down tests, homework and project due dates. And some schools are sticklers on the use of electronics, so don’t assume they can use their phone’s calendar. (Same goes with the calculator!)
  • Budget in year books and culminating activities. These are “extra” items. Some students don’t really care about their middle school year books. However, if your child’s school offers culminating activities in 8th grade (like going to an amusement park, field trips, etc.), they may want to participate.

High School Additions

I’m a little less familiar with high school, but I’m guessing the following may be helpful in terms of budgeting (some of these are not specifically “supplies” but things to budget for early):

  • Scientific Calculator. If your child didn’t need this fancy calculator in middle school, there’s a good chance they may need it in high school. Check with their teacher first!
  • Sports and school activities. Budget in the cost of your child playing sports or having to pay for P.E. clothes and extra items.
  • Dances, graduation cap and gown, class ring, graduation activities, year books, etc. High school students have many more after school activities and “extras” available to them than elementary and middle school. Budgeting early will allow your child to pick and choose more freely than just a big, fat, “No, you can’t go or order anything!”

Any high school teachers out there that can add a few more supplies?

*Side note: One thing that I’d actually say DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY on is white out tape! I hate that stuff. 😉 Oh, and no Sharpies!

How are you saving money on school supplies this year?

5 Comments

  1. Money Beagle Reply

    We got a list of items for our son who is starting Kindergarten this year, and all of their stuff goes into a common supply area, so it’s pretty easy to work with and there’s not much room for deciding whether it’s needed or not since everybody should just basically bring everything on the list.

    • @Money Beagle – Teachers often supply parents with a “wish list”, especially in elementary schools. Common supplies are very “common” in grades K-2 or 3. 😉

  2. Squirrelers Reply

    This is a comprehensive list! My kids’ schools give a list of items to be brought to school, but I wonder if many districts don’t provide this information.

    I have to admit, last year I bought a couple of composition notebooks for myself at one of those sales! Hard to beat when you’re paying $0.19 each.

  3. Will --@firstqfinance Reply

    Even though my parents said they would pay for my high school class ring – I didn’t want one. I’d rather anyone save their money than buy one. I mean, what do you even do with the thing anyway? Only weirdos wear them and what is the other point to having jewelry? To show off the fact that you completed the very easy task of high school graduation??

    Didn’t mean that to sound too negative. I’d just rather the money go to something awesome instead!

    • @Will – Good point! I purchased one in high school and I have no clue where it is now! However, it’s something a parent should budget for just in case….

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