Bring back memories from your own childhood? Cause you to mumble under your breath today? To your children, these popular toys and many more are treasured friends who spark their imaginations, lead them into hours of fun, and help them learn. However, as a parent . . .
Part 1: School Supplies
Preparing for the school year
Tip: Don't just think about what it will take your child to get started. If your budget allows, plan for the entire year as much as possible. This will eliminate last minute hassles and unnecessary trips the night before projects are due.
Here's a good list of basics: (printable list of basics)
- Batteries
- Calculators
- Compass
- Dictionary
- Dry erase board
- Erasers (a box full)
- Expo markers
- File cards - lined and unlined (unlined used for flash cards)
- Foreign language dictionary (If relevant)
- Glue & glue sticks
- Highlighters
- Notebook paper
- Pencils with good erasers
- Pencil pouches
- Pencil sharpeners (hand-held or electric)
- Pens (in good working order)
- Protractor
- Rulers
- Scissors (age-level appropriate)
- Scotch tape
- Shoeboxes (can be used for dioramas or valentine boxes)
- Stapler, staples, stapler remover
- Thesaurus
- White out
What to do with the extras:
- 1. Don't give it all to your children at the beginning of the school year. Keep a backup stash for later.
- 2. Choose a location where you can store supplies out of the way of everyday life, what I call a “C” space - a space that is not used everyday. For example, in the kitchen/office drawer is not a good idea because this drawer is an “A” space. Under a bed or on a closet shelf out of the way could be a good “C” space. If you are lucky enough to have room in a basement, that is ideal.
Most everyone has more space than they think they do. You just have to be creative.
For example, the back of a seldom-used closet door works well. Hang a shoe organizer over the door. The ample pockets are great for storing extra supplies and keeping them organized. If you don't have a door, hang a shoe organizer in the garage.
- 3. Whatever space you choose, keep your supplies in the same place, so you don't have to try to remember where you put them. That way you can keep up with your backup supplies. And because they're out of the way in a “C” space, young children won't disturb them and older children won't be tempted to 'borrow' from your stash of backup supplies.
- 4. Check your inventory occasionally, so there is no need to run to the drug store after a long day at work for a piece of poster board to finish a project your child neglected to mention. When your supply is getting low, re-stock. Don't wait until you are out of an item to purchase more.
Let the holidays be a reminder to check your school supplies. Check your supplies on Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day and Easter.
Back-up stash
- Crayons and colored pencils
- Erasers
- Hole punch - single and 3-hole
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Pencils
- Pens
- Poster board
Copyright 2008 Sandy Linville, SOS Professional Organizer. All Rights reserved. 