What primary school really needs

Pencil cases, pens, pencils. But also backpacks and aprons. The catalog of elementary school supplies is endless, partly because it's a thriving market, with parents sparing no expense. And no waste. But what does a child starting primary school really need? What are the essential materials? And how can you buy them while saving money? Let's try to answer these questions by examining the most important items children use during primary school.

The market of Backpacks There are many different types of backpacks: with or without a trolley, sturdy, roomy, with shoulder straps, a good brand, or with cartoon characters. In terms of quality, all the big-name backpacks are similar, so if you find a particularly good deal, it's best to opt for a comfortable, sturdy, and roomy backpack with wide, soft shoulder straps and a padded back. We evaluate the purchase of a trolley based on actual needs: if we drive our child to and from school, they're unlikely to really need a trolley. Furthermore, elementary school doesn't have many books to carry from home to school and back every day, so try to choose a backpack anyway. not too heavy. 

This represents a significant expense, as the price of a pencil case containing stationery is quite high, ranging from €15 to €30. Available with one, two, or three zippers, they're all more or less the same. The pencil case, like the backpack, must be of good quality so it can be used throughout the school year without excessive wear and tear. Along with the zippered pencil case, it's a good idea to also get a pencil case with a sleeve to hold a few spare pens and pencils. As for the diary, don't go for the expensive designer ones, and keep in mind that it's not usually used in first grade, so it's an expense that can be eliminated from the supplies for younger children.

Notebooks

Lined and squared notebooks are commonly used. Notebooks are lined for first and second grade, third grade, fourth and fifth grade, while the lines are one centimeter for first grade and half a centimeter for subsequent grades. If you find a good deal, buy packs of 10 of each type to last the entire school year.

Books

If your children attend a public or private school, elementary school books should be free. You can order them at the local stationery store in your town or neighborhood. At the beginning of the year, the teacher will give you a coupon to give to the stationery store.

Pens and stationery

Children would love erasable pens , but not all teachers agree with their use. Therefore, don't buy them before school starts and before consulting with the teachers. Buy plenty of glue sticks, as they're used in abundance, plenty of erasers, adhesive labels, and clear covers for notebooks and books so you have enough to last the entire school year. Your child's kit may also need a pair of scissors with rounded tips.

Pencils and colors

In elementary school, pencils and crayons are used in large numbers. For these items, it's best to buy packs of 12 colors. If you find loose colors, buy plenty of reds, yellows, and light blues, which are the most commonly used. Don't buy packs of 36 or 24 colors, hoping to save money. The pencil case only holds 12 colors of each type, and children don't need four shades of red. Even with drawing pencils, don't skimp on quality: unfortunately, the internal leads break easily when dropped, and every time they're sharpened, they risk falling out, compromising their longevity.

Water bottle and lunch box

A good idea would be to get children used to eliminating plastic water bottles from a young age. Simple: buy a small water bottle and have them use it to drink when they're thirsty, without having to resort to the self-service machine at school. To help children discover the pleasures of healthy eating habits, it's also a good idea to bring lunch from home, and a simple lunchbox can be useful for this.

Read also:

• How to save money on school purchases
• How to choose a school backpack that isn't too heavy
• The most useful school apps for students and teachers