Back 2 School: School Supplies

My eyes light up. I am giddy. I have an intense love for school supply shopping; I am not ashamed to admit it.

No matter what, I must resist. Going hog-wild, buying every school supply out there for a high-schooler BEFORE schedules, teachers and lists are confirmed is a huge waste! I've learned that the hard way. Each of Alex's teachers is going to want different things; a spiral notebook instead of a binder, for example. So - for the most part, I hold off until the first week of school is over. I do stock up on things like pencils, composition notebooks (more on that in a few days!) and loose leaf paper. Those things are always in demand.

Isabel... my sweet baby girl... takes after me. She is a supply snob! =) Thankfully, I can reel her in, most of the time. Her school provided us with a suggested back-to-school shopping list.

24 #2 Pencils

12 Blue or Black Pens

6 Red Pens

2 Pack Erasers

1 Dry Erase Marker

1 Whiteboard Eraser

7 Two-Pocket Folders (Various Colors)

2 Packs College Ruled Loose Leaf Paper

1 Box Colored Pencils

1 Set of Divider Tabs

1 Pencil Case

2 Composition Notebooks

We have purchased everything on Isabel's list. However, my list (and requirements) trump the schools. I am requiring Isabel to have a Composition Notebook for EACH class. If that means she needs to copy notes twice or photo-copy then tape notes into a second notebook, then that's what she will do.  I found this FANTASTIC plan - from a Math Teacher - that I will be incorporating into our school year, this year. More on that later this week!!

I want to add that, instead of ME running around the store, competing with other crazy moms, I decided to let Isabel pick out her supplies this year. Bottom line, she needed to pick out the cheapest item (as long as the value was good), she needed to focus on the sale items, and she needed to stick with a basic theme (we can pretty stuff up later; no need for expensive Hello Kitty folders). Here is the check list I made for her to take along to Target:

 I think this is my LEAST favorite grade to shop for - at least when it comes to school supplies. It's all so...VAGUE. Everyone shares. I know, I know... there's a reason for that. I'm just saying that it's not as fun. :)

Nic's school provided us with a school supply list early last month.

3 x 5 index cards

Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer

Clorox wipes

Colored pencils

Crayons (24 count)

Dry erase markers

Elmer's white glue

Erasers (pink rectangular)

Glue sticks

Kleenex
Pencils

Pencil pouch

Pencil top erasers

Pocket folder (with Brads) - 1

Copy paper

Student scissors

Watercolor paints

Ziplock bags (snack size)

Ziplock bags (sandwich size)

Ziplock bags (quart size)

Ziplock bags (gallon size)

Nic and I worked together to ensure we got everything on his list. This was a bit time consuming, but I know he enjoyed being part of the process. Plus, this was a great way to introduce him each of his supplies. We had great discussions about what each item might be used for. 

For all age groups, my biggest tip would be to check out the SALES! If you go too early or too late, you might miss the best prices. Timing is everything, so keep an eye out each week! It's okay to make several trips - especially if you have more than one kid! Use coupons!! Especially for things like sandwich bags and Kleenex!

If you've missed any of the other posts in the Back 2 School series, click here!