Autumn marathon: how to get your child ready for elementary school without stress and unnecessary expenses

Every August, parent chats explode with messages: “Where can I buy a quality backpack?”, “Do I need more squared notebooks?”, “Is this pencil case too childish for the third grade?” Getting your child ready for school is a whole marathon that you can run with a smile if you follow a plan. We have prepared a detailed guide for you that will help you not to forget anything, save your nerves and budget.

Step 1: Take stock and make a list

Before running to the store, take stock of your home. Get out last year’s backpack: perhaps it can still be cleaned and used. Sort out pencil cases, markers, paints. Often, whole sets of pencils, rulers, and scissors are left over from last year. This will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and duplication.

Tip: Divide the list into two categories: “Must-haves” (what you can’t do without) and “Desirables” (what you can buy later).

Step 2: The Essentials — Backpack and Uniform

Backpack. This is the most important purchase. Choose not only by design (of course, it’s important that your child likes it), but also by ergonomics. An orthopedic back, reflective elements, durable zippers, and light weight are must-haves. Try it on your child: the top of the backpack should not be higher than the shoulders, and the bottom should not be lower than the waist.

School uniform. Check with your school about the uniform requirements. Some schools have a strict dress code, while others simply ask you to stick to business attire. Choose fabrics with the addition of natural fibers (cotton, viscose) so that the skin can breathe. Don’t forget about changeable shoes with comfortable soles and a bag for them.

Step 3: Stationery — the heart of the shopping

It’s easy to panic and buy every shelf in the store. Keep the list from the teacher in hand and stick to it.

Basic set for a first-grader:

1. Pencil case: soft and roomy is best.
2. Pens: blue ballpoint (2-3 pcs.), colored (green, red) for highlighting.
3. Pencils: regular (HB, 2-3 pcs.), a set of colored (12 colors).
4. Eraser and sharpener: better with a container.
5. Ruler: 15-20 cm, wooden or plastic.
6. Notebooks: narrowly ruled and squared (5-10 pcs., 12-18 sheets). Covers for notebooks and textbooks.
7. For creativity: a sketchbook, watercolor paints (6-12 colors), brushes (natural, different thicknesses), a non-spill cup, colored paper and cardboard, glue stick, scissors with rounded ends.
8. For students in grades 2-4: add a folder for notebooks, a diary, common notebooks (if required), a compass, more complex creative sets.

Step 4: Organizing a workspace at home

School is not only a school bag, but also a home study corner.

1. Desk and chair: adjust the height so that the child’s palm fits between the table and his chest, and his feet are on the floor at a right angle.
2. Desk lamp: the light source should fall from the left (for a right-handed person).
3. Organizers for office supplies: book stands, pen holders, shelves. Teach your child to be tidy from the first grade.

Step 5: Psychological preparation

The most important thing is not pencil cases and notebooks, but the mood of your future schoolchild. This is especially important for first-graders.

Talk about school with joy and enthusiasm.

Walk together to the school building, show him the way.

Read books about school life.

Organize a «Goodbye, summer!» party to mentally switch to a new regime.

Remember that getting ready for school is not a reason to panic, but an exciting quest that you go through together with your child. Happy shopping and an easy start to the school year