As you buy and organize supplies for your your child’s new school year, take a moment to think if YOU are prepared for Back-To-School as well (I am talking about being materially ready, not emotionally ready…we’ll save that for a later post).  Most homes have a central spot in their kitchen or on the main floor where kids and parents store (and search for) things they need before and after school. Here is a list of things you may want to inventory in order to be stocked and ready for the new school routine.

• Pencils, Pencils, Pencils
  • If you prefer classic wooden pencils, be sure to keep a supply of pencil top erasers handy, too.
  • If mechanical pencils are your thing, then be sure to buy extra lead and extra erasers (if possible).
• Pencil Sharpener
  • Electric pencil sharpeners are the best, but they do die.
  • I always have some of those little plastic sharpeners (ALWAYS get the kind with the top that holds in the shavings).
• Permanent Black Markers
  • I use these all the time to label things for my children (including their jackets and lunchboxes).
  • After a sad event involving my 2 year old and her new white flower girl dress, I keep these OUT of reach (or at least out of sight) from little hands.
• A Highlighter
  • Helpful to highlight important items on calendars, school newsletters or lunch menus.
• Pens
  • Sometimes a pencil just won’t do.
• Paper Clips
  • Perfect for bookmarking pages in textbooks or for attaching notes to homework.
  • Also, they are useful for entertaining as a necklace making project to my little one when helping an older sibling with her math homework.
• Stapler and Staples
• Three Hole Punch
  • Preferably the type that holds the punch-out holes.
• LOTS of scotch tape
• Envelopes
  • I always use the security type because I often use them to send in lunch or field trip money
• Post It Notes
  • Great for attaching notes to teachers.
  • Also makes great bookmarks.
• Pads of paper
  • For those times when a post-it note just does not provide enough space.
• Scissors
  • A few kid sized, if needed, and a spare adult pair hidden with my permanent marker stash
• Index Cards
  • Perfect for making flashcards or quick lists.
• Scrap paper
  • Last year I began cutting into fourths all the papers that came home from school that we didn’t need anymore (duplicate lunch menus, math practice sheets, etc).
  • Now we have a stack of scrap paper in a handy, easy access spot.
• A few dollars and some change
  • I never seem to have cash in my wallet on the mornings when I need it most.
  • Replace what you use as soon as possible so you’re ready the next time.

What’s included in your stock for back to school?