Notebooks, folders, colored pencils, scissors—the lengthy back-to-school supply list can be daunting to even the most seasoned parent. Trying to figure out what your child will need while also getting it in their favorite color is enough to make some consider throwing in the towel and just homeschooling. But fear not, as summer vacation draws to a close, it’s never been easier to send your child back into the classroom armed with everything they need to succeed thanks to our trusty back-to-school supply list. Created for children ranging from preschool through elementary school, we’ve outlined the everyday essentials necessary for your little one to flourish. Plus, to make things even simpler this back-to-school season, everything listed below can be found at Target. Happy shopping!
Back to School Supply Checklist
Preschool
Starting your child at preschool is the first step of their educational journey. Their lessons at this age tend to involve them exploring their creativity and developing the beginnings of their hand-eye coordination. Due to this, their back-to-school checklist will involve more art supplies and basic classroom tools as they get familiar with using such things.
- Beginner pencils
- Crayons
- Washable markers
- Watercolor paints
- Colorful construction paper
- Drawing pad
- Glue sticks
- Blunt scissors
- Lunch box
- Backpack
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is the next big step for your little one and their learning. At this age, they’re being taught basic reading, writing, and counting. Alongside these critical skills, they’re also further developing their creativity and artistic handiwork. You can expect them to need a lot of the same things they had in preschool, along with some bonus supplies.
- Pencils
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Washable markers
- Blunt scissors
- Pencil box
- Plastic folders
- Wide-ruled notebook
- Lunch box
- Backpack
Elementary School (Grades 1 through 3)
As your child continues to advance grades, they’ll need additional school supplies to keep pace with their fast-growing mind. They’ll also need more permanent writing supplies so they can take notes and memorize new information, as well as organizational tools to help keep track of their expanding curriculum.
- No. 2 pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Erasers
- Ballpoint pens
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Blunt scissors
- Pencil box
- Dry erase markers
- Ruler
- Index cards
- Folders
- Wide-ruled notebook
- Lunch box
- Backpack
Elementary School (Grades 4 through 6)
At this point in their educational career, your children have matured academically, and are receiving advanced lessons compared to when they started. As a result, they’ll require a more detailed school supply list. During this time, they’ll also be preparing to start middle school, so the greater equipped they are for this big change, the better.
- Mechanical pencils
- Pencil lead
- Blue or black ballpoint pens
- Sharpies
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Pencil pouch
- Spiral notebooks
- Composition notebooks
- Graph paper
- Sticky notes
- Folders or expandable file organizer
- Three-ring binder
- Subject dividers
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Liquid glue
- Calculator
- Planner
- Textbook covers
- Lunchbox
- Backpack
Every child is different, and so are their back-to-school supply list needs. Use this checklist as a helpful guide, and supplement other supplies where needed. You’ll be setting your little one up for success!
If you have any more questions about getting your child ready for school, feel free to contact us. Here at Cornerstone Academy, we’re happy to assist any way we can!
