What do I buy for school?
Getting your child ready for school can seem like a marathon, especially when it comes to figuring out which supplies and clothes really make a difference in their day! As a teacher, I've seen it all, and I'm here to share some practical ideas and recommendations for students in preschool through third grade.
This guide covers everything from the best shoes to lunch essentials and more, helping you simplify back-to-school preparation.
Teachers often ask for commonly used essential items like tissues, paper towels, and baby wipes. I like to use baby wipes with 99% water most of the time. Teachers use them to clean students' faces or hands, or when teachers ask students to clean tables in the classroom. Teachers are always short on these, so feel free to bring them to the classroom anytime; I'm sure they'll be welcome.
For Student Clothing
The most important thing is clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. If it's a designer item and you don't want it to get messed up, it's best your child doesn't bring it to school. Long hair is hard to manage in the classroom. Ponytails and buns are always welcome, and if your child doesn't want you to do it, give the hair tie to the teacher; they can probably do it. T-shirts, pants, shorts, and garments without buttons or zippers are recommended for younger students. Since they are still learning to dress themselves, for the first month of school, I would recommend avoiding zippers and buttons. Eventually, students' fine motor skills improve, and they can handle all the skills required for pulling pants up and down. Belts are super difficult for young children, so I wouldn't recommend them for lower grades.
Shoes
Velcro shoes are best for younger children. However, I will recommend lace-up shoes for older children so they learn that skill around second or third grade. I wouldn't recommend flip-flop-style shoes or open-toed sandals for the classroom, since children are often outside walking, running, playing, and accidentally dropping things; they can get hurt, and flip-flops tend to catch on objects. For winter, there are slipper-style snow boots. One of my students wore the Stride Rite Made2Play Toddler and Little Snow Boot ; those are the ones I've found to be the best for her movement.
Coats, Gloves and Hats
For coats, I like ones that already have a hood and are a bit lightweight. For gloves, I use mittens for younger children. Ideally, they can keep their gloves and hat together using Elastic String Mitten Clips for Kids . And for a hat, since kids don't tend to like scarves, I recommend a hat that's also a scarf for little ones.
Backpacks
When choosing a backpack , I recommend a regular-sized one in case they'll be given something at school, like paperwork or other items. This way, they can also fit other shoes if needed, as well as their coat or lunchbox. A similarly themed one is better, but not necessary.
Lunch
For lunch, I recommend bento boxes. The OmieBox Bento Box has a removable hot food section, though it can be a bit bulky. The Bentgo Kids is quite useful for younger children, and the Bentgo Pop is better for older kids. For hot lunches, I've seen my students use the Bentgo food jar o THERMOS FUNTAINER de 10 onzas.
I don't recommend plastic bottles, especially in the summer. I also stay away from water bottles that can't be completely disassembled, meaning the straw and everything. I've seen a lot of mold in straws, especially if students chew or bite them. The ones I've seen that come completely apart and allow you to clean the straw are the THERMOS FUNTAINER Water Bottle with Straw and the Zojirushi Water Bottle. . Ideally, food for younger children would be finger foods so they don't need utensils. But if they do need them, the school might have them, or you can get simple Bentoheaven Kids Travel Utensils with Case or the Omie OmieBox Kids Utensils Set with Case so they can attach to the lunchbox.
Nap Time
For nap time, I recommend a Nap mats that include a built-in pillow and blanket. They're the easiest to set up and clean, making the routine easier for both students and teachers.
These are simply suggestions based on what I've seen and found effective in the classroom. I'm not compensated for endorsing any specific brand or product; these are just my recommendations to help make your school year a success.