In just a few days it'll be
back to school. Parents who already wake up early will wake up even earlier to get kids ready for school. It'll be another year filled with achievements and activities. Let's start the year off right and make sure we have everything we'll need with a back to school checklist.
It's a good idea to stock up on some essential school supply items so you can anticipate their needs and not find yourself worrying about where to get a 1/4 illustration board they need the next morning. When my children first started school I would pack their bags with all the materials that were requested of us. I later learned that they would need these throughout the year and not on the first day of school.
- notebooks
- pens
- pencils
- pad paper
- folders (short & long)
- bond paper (short & long)
- illustration board (try to have one of each size)
- highlighters
- erasers
- scissors
- art/ construction paper
- index cards (usually 1/4 or 1/8)
- ruler
On the first day of school they will only need a notebook and a pen since this day is allotted for introductions.
Prepare their daily wear
- uniforms (regular & PE)
- black shoes and sneakers
- basic wardrobe necessities- sando, shorts, underwear, socks
Lunch time!
- Food containers (it's best to separate the main dish from the rice especially if it's a meal with soup)
- water bottle
- spoons
- forks
- napkins
Schedule snacks for the week and try to keep it healthy and filling.
Make sure that they also have the following items:
- bags (for school books and lunch)
- sanitizer
- tissue
- umbrella or a jacket with a hood
Contact numbers- Have your children memorize your phone number (both home and mobile). If they have their own cellphones be sure to make your number the very first number that they dial (just add 2 or 3 a's to make this happen).
Immunization shots- This is a requirement for pre-schoolers as it'll be their first day of school. There are booster shots though that your elementary kids have to get as well.
For the Parents:
School schedule for the week
This is important so you can keep track of recesses, lunch times, and the times they have to be at school and when they are let out. Once the kids are let out estimate a number of minutes (or hours if the school is far) so you know when your kids should be home. If you're a working parent this is essential so that you know they are home safe and sound. I used to keep a recurring alarm on my cellphone so that I would know when to call my kids and check on them.
School Service contact numbers
If your children take the school bus make sure to get the driver and back rider's names. Have their contact numbers and home address if possible noted. It's best to have a picture of them as well for your file. Even if a school bus is endorsed by the school it's always better to have this information on hand.
After a long break from school and late nights they might have a hard time getting back to their old schedule of sleeping early and waking up early. Get them back to their routine at least 3 days to a week before school.
Most private schools are strict with hair lengths and grooming. Make sure to get your kids a haircut and have their nails cut and cleaned. Girls should remove nail polish and set aside their accessories for the meantime.
This checklist should get you off to a good start for the year. Remember to spend quality time with them after school. Even if it's only for 30 minutes to catch up on their day with them.
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