It’s back-to-school season soon in the Philippines, and after two academic years of holding only virtual classes, the government has advised educational institutions to start conducting face-to-face classes this school year.
For us mamas, this means it’s going to be a busy season gearing up for a new school year, getting our little ones ready to deal with the return of in-person classes, and ticking items off our back-to-school shopping list.
Yes, shopping for school supplies! After all, we need to equip our children with all the stuff they’ll be needing for a fun and productive year of learning. Let this list be your guide on the essentials and some nice-to-have items to stock up on:
FOR YOUR PRESCHOOLER
It’s now time for your precious little Einstein to start exploring the bigger world out there. It’s understandable if they feel a little nervous about being in a new environment, but assure them that school is cool and that they will have a great time playing and studying with their teacher and soon-to-be friends and playmates. When you shop for their school stuff, slowly introduce them to how these items are safely used.
1. Books: It’s never too early to instill in our children the habit of reading. Help your child foster a lifelong love for reading by exposing them to different stories that can improve their vocabulary and make them better understand the world around them.
2. Interactive Books: Level up your child’s learning and reading experience with these interactive workbooks. Reading is more fun when there’s extra challenge!
3. Art Supplies: Requirements vary for every school, so it’s best to check with your child’s preschool or daycare. But in general, these are some of the items your Nursery or Kindergarten pupil will be needing.
Coloring Materials & Markers
Learning Clay
Doodling and Drawing Book
Zippered Pencil Case
JanSport Medium Accessory Pouch (Shimmer)
Handheld Pencil Sharpener
Arts & Crafts
File Cases
4. School Bag, Lunch Box & More: Having a bag of their own also gives your young learner a feeling of independence. Note though that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the weight of a kid’s backpack do not exceed 10% of the their body weight. They will also be needing a bag to carry their food and drinks.
Kids’ Backpack
JanSport Half Pint Backpack (Sunny Stripe)
Lunchbag or Lunchbox
JanSport Lunch Break (blackberry mousse)
Water Bottle
Snacks
5. Fashion: Oh how we love styling up our little ones! You can still do this when they go to school by choosing accessories that will fashionably complement their school uniform.
School Shoes
Socks
Underwear
Full Change of Clothes
Rain Essentials
6. Grooming & Safety: What’s inside their bag is equally important. When toddlers and preschoolers are in action, expect potty accidents and messy activities so it’s a must that their bag carries items that could be of help during these times. Also, do not forget your little one’s face mask to protect them against the still-existing COVID-19 virus.
Face Mask
Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
7. Technology: Some schools will employ hybrid learning, which means your child will have some days doing virtual schooling at home. So here’s to ensuring that learning never stops at home!
Learning Tablet and Pen
FOR YOUR GRADE SCHOOLER (BIG KID)
Transitioning back to learning in a physical classroom can be a little scary for some kids while others are giddy about it. Talk to your child and listen to their concerns. Get them excited and happy about going back to school by allowing them to be part of the shopping process. Let them choose which characters, colors, or designs they like for their school supplies. It’s also a way of promoting them to “big kid” status, which can boost their confidence and set them up for success both in school and in life.
1. Books: With the many benefits of reading to children—including improved language skills and better cognitive development—you have every reason to encourage your little one to read more books.
2. Interactive Books: Make storytime and learning more exciting, adventurous, and fun with interactive books that could give them a reading experience like no other.
3. Art Supplies: Art helps children communicate and express their feelings and inner thoughts. The art of creating also gives them a sense of fulfillment. Give them that boost of confidence by equipping them with these tools of the trade.
Coloring Materials & Markers
Zippered Pencil Case
JanSport Medium Accessory Pouch (blue dusk)
Arts & Crafts
File Cases
4. School Bag, Lunch Box & More: Parents should put more thought on selecting a bag their child will use in school. Choose an ergonomic backpack that can properly support their back, considering the heavy textbooks and other supplies they need to carry. Colorful lunch bags and water bottles are also a way to show off their personality in school.
Backpack
JanSport Half Pint Backpack (blue dusk)
Lunchbag or Lunchbox
JanSport The Carryout Insulated Lunch Bag (blue dusk)
Water Bottle
Snacks
5. Fashion: Your big kid is becoming more and more conscious with their appearance, so teach them the dos and dont’s in dressing up. This should include coming to school in crisp and clean complete uniform.
School Shoes
Socks
Underwear
Change of Clothes
Face Mask
Rain Essentials
Happy shopping, mama (and kids)! And good luck on the new school year!
