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Not Just For Kids
Back to School Supplies
It’s that time of year to stock up on school supplies! Get your kids involved in the planning process. Then go to the store as a family and let your children choose their own supplies from the wide variety of styles and themes that are available. This way they can express their individuality, and they will be more likely to enjoy using those items that they had a say in picking out. Although they won't be using every item on the first day of school, try to start your children off well-equipped. Essential school supplies will vary depending on the type of curriculum and grade level. Many teachers will send home a list of classroom necessities. In general, however, if you have school-age children it’s a good idea to always have the following basic supplies on hand: dictionary, thesaurus, stapler, pencil sharpener, erasers, white-out correction fluid, stapler, scissors, paperclips, clear adhesive tape, masking tape, computer, printer, ink cartridges, paper. Preschool to elementary students will need: pencils, crayons, pencil and crayon sharpener, eraser, washable markers, safety scissors, white glue, glue stick, colored construction paper, drawing paper, notebooks, pocket folders, lined penmanship paper, math manipulatives, chalk, lunch tote, and magazines with colorful pictures to cut out for collages. Middle to High School will need: pens, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, fine-line markers, highlighters, ruler, scientific calculator, package of No. 2 pencils, graph paper, three-ring binders, spiral notebooks (one for each subject), lined loose-leaf paper, pocket folders, assignment book/appointment calendar, composition notebooks, journal, wristwatch, bookbag or backpack. According to the National Retail Federation, the average family will spend $527.08 on school clothes and supplies this year, which is $83 over last year's average of $443.77, making back-to-school time the second-biggest shopping season after Christmas. The popularity of computer-related items and other electronic goods is one reason for the rise in spending. In past years, a calculator was the extent of technology needed for school. These days, computers, laptops, PDAs, MP3 players and cellphones are on many students’ must-have lists. You might think your pre-teen child has outgrown the crayons, markers, and other art and craft supplies, but older children still do research projects, science fair entries, book reports, skits and plays that require visual presentations. You don’t want to find out that your supply closet is empty the night before a project is due, so keep some tag board, construction paper, glue, and colored markers in there, too. Even those homeschoolers who are taught all year round will appreciate having a brand new set of school supplies when moving up to the next grade, so stock up now while the stores have everything on sale. The following is a list of basic homeschool supplies that our family found useful:
Teacher Plan Book Smart Shopping Are looking for ways to save money on back to school shopping? First, the most important thing is to make a list and stick to it, thus avoiding impulse purchases of things you don’t really need. Buy in bulk if you can, and only buy items that are on sale. Don’t feel that you have to buy everything new this year if some of last year’s items are still in good condition. Sell or trade used books for new books that you may need. Consider having kids help pay for certain items that they want. Give older kids a prepaid debit card with a set amount of money. They can be a great way to teach them how to budget and spend wisely when shopping for their own clothes and supplies. Back-to-School-in-a-Box Give your favorite student a personalized school kit in a reusable plastic storage box. Items to include (some are optional depending on the student's age): 1 pen, 2 pencils, a pencil eraser, portable pencil sharpener, 10 crayons, 3 different-colored highlighters, 1 black marker, safety scissors, a mini stapler, paperclips, mini phone/address book, memo pad, reinforcement rings, glue stick, ruler, small calculator, pocket dictionary, book mark, pocket tissue pack, package of antibacterial wipes, energy bar, a film canister with spare change, and a note of encouragement. Make a Personalized Pencil Case You will need: a potato chip canister with lid (Pringles brand), supplies to decorate it (colored construction paper, fancy wrapping paper, fabric scraps, Contact paper, stickers, paint, buttons, beads, etc.), and glue. Instructions: Wash out the can using soap and water; dry completely. Decorate the outside of the canister. You are only limited by the supplies you have and your own imagination. Be creative! (If desired, have an adult punch a hole on each side of the top of the can. Poke the ends of a ribbon or string through the holes; knot it on the inside to create a handle.)
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