No matter what school year your child is beginning, they will need school supplies both at school and at home.  Now is the perfect time to stock up on those items your student will need throughout the year.  As with most products, you get what you pay for, so don't try to save money by purchasing inferior products.  I tried saving some money one year by purchasing pencils at Big Lots!  What a mistake!  Although the price was fantastic, the lead broke easily, the pencils broke while they were sharpened so that by the time we finally had a point we only had a two inch pencil.  Value?  I don't think so.

Going green?   Staples office supply stores have a new product line just for you. 
Staples Eco-easy products are made from sugar-cane by-products that in the past were added to landfill. 

All ages will need the following so stock up:

1) Number 2 lead pencils with decent erasers (older students my prefer mechanical pencils).
2) Ball point pens in blue, black, and red colors.
3) Three-hole punched notebook paper (college-ruled for high-school and older students).
4) Eraser (let's face it, the pencil erasers wear out and most student's need an additional eraser so get one now).
5) 6" or 12" ruler
6) Pencil Sharpener
7) Highlighter Pen
8) Non-toxic glue or gluestick
9) Three-ring notebook.  Although there are a wide variety of notebooks and "study notebooks" available, I have found the best and most cost effective to be plain white 1" to 1.5" Viewbinder notebooks.  These notebooks allow each student to personalize the outer cover with schedules, pictures or other decorations.  Another advantage is that if they do wear out before the term is over the outer decorations can easily be passed on to the new notebook.  Costco carries these binders in bulk which reduces the expense.
10) Report Folders with clear fronts are more sturdy and protect the cover sheet while allowing teachers, students and parents to see the report title page clearly.
11) Backpack.  (Careful here.  Many schools do not allow the wheeled backpacks on campus so check out your school's policy before you buy.)  Jansport backpacks work well for every age.
12) Colored Pencils (get a small set for school and a large set for home use).  Investing in a high quality home set will be used for years to come.
13) Crayons (again, a small set for school and large set for home works nicely)
14) Index cards
15) Book covers.  Using brown craft paper or brown paper bag material works best.  My kids loved to decorate with magazine pictures, markers, etc.

This should get you started.  Create one place in your home to store extra supplies and you will be all set.

If you have trouble finding any of these materials or want to save money on high quality supplies please click here: Go Shopping

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Stumble It!

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by Laura Breite - www.MotheringGuide.com
San Diego, CA
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Please direct a courtesy copy to laurabreite@mac.com or snail mail it to:
Laura Breite
www.MotheringGuide.com
13422 Sawtooth Rd
San Diego, CA 92129