With countless products available, how can parents shop smartly and ensure they have everything they need? Here is a detailed list of the essential school supplies that should be in every elementary school student's backpack.
1. WRITING & NOTE-TAKING ESSENTIALS
These are the most important items your child will use in the classroom every day.
· Squared Notebooks & Test Paper
Students in grades 1, 2, and 3 often use notebooks with 5mm or 4mm squares to practice handwriting. Choose paper with a natural whiteness (around 82-84% ISO) to prevent eye strain and a weight of 70gsm or higher to avoid ink bleed-through.
Photo source: Hong Ha Office
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· Pencils
The 2B pencil is the most popular choice because its lead is moderately dark and soft, helping young children write gently without pressing hard. It's a good idea to have about 5-10 on hand.
· Fountain Pens
Fountain pens are typically introduced to students from grades 2 or 3 onwards to practice beautiful penmanship. Parents should choose a lightweight, easy-to-hold fountain pen with a smooth nib and prioritize using convenient ink cartridges to avoid messy spills.
· Erasers
Choose a soft, pliable eraser that can clean up mistakes without tearing or smudging the paper.
· Pencil Sharpeners
Select a sharpener that has a container to catch shavings for cleanliness and a safe, easy-to-use design for small hands.
2. CREATIVE & ART SUPPLIES
These items help spark creativity and bring color to your child's world.
· Crayons & Colored Pencils: Choose sets with a sturdy case, bright colors, and made from safe, non-toxic materials.
· Colored Craft Paper & A4 Paper: Used for art classes, cutting, pasting, and drawing.
· Glue Sticks: Prioritize dry glue sticks for their convenience, cleanliness, and safety.
· Craft Scissors: Choose scissors with rounded tips and plastic handles to ensure maximum safety for your child.
· Modeling Clay: Helps children develop fine motor skills and creativity. Be sure to choose a safe, non-sticky clay.
3. MATH & MEASURING TOOLS
These tools are powerful aids for science and math subjects.
· Ruler: A flexible, transparent plastic ruler around 15-20cm long is the most suitable, helping children align it easily and store it in their pencil case.
· Small Slate Board & Chalk (or Marker): An essential tool for first graders to practice writing and math.
· Compass: Usually only necessary for students in grades 4 and 5. Choose a compass with a safe, easy-to-adjust design.
4. STORAGE & SUPPORTING TOOLS
These items help your child keep their "treasures" organized and tidy.
· Pencil Case: Choose one that is a suitable size to hold pens, a ruler, and an eraser. Lightweight fabric or plastic is a good choice.
- Backpack: The most important factor is that it fits your child's frame, with comfortable straps and multiple compartments to organize books and supplies scientifically.
- Book Covers & Name Labels: Help keep books clean and prevent them from getting lost. Let your child write their own name on their labels!
- Personal Water Bottle: Choose a bottle made from safe plastic with a suitable capacity.
5. "GOLDEN" TIPS FOR PARENTS
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· Prioritize Safety: Always choose products from reputable brands with clear origins, made from safe, non-toxic materials.
· Quality Over Quantity: A good pencil and a quality notebook provide a better learning experience and last longer.
· Involve Your Child: Let your child choose the design of their pencil case or the picture on their notebook cover. This will make them love and take better care of their supplies.
· Label Everything: From pens and erasers to water bottles, labeling everything with your child's name will minimize lost items.
CONCLUSION
Preparing a complete set of school supplies isn't just a material task; it's how parents provide their children with confidence and excitement for the new school year. A thoughtfully prepared toolkit will be a reliable companion, helping your child take steady steps on their path to conquering knowledge.
Myotes wishes all the children and their families a very happy and meaningful back-to-school season!
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