The Best Preschool Supply List
The Best Preschool Supply List
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What is on a preschool supply list and what do preschoolers even need to start school?
Many parents do not know where to start when shopping for back to school for their preschooler.
However, each school year, schools have the school supplies lists available for parents or you may be able to go to your local major retailers to access the supply lists as well.
Getting Started:
Make sure to check with your child's teacher for any additional items you may need.
Some schools also suggest putting your child's name on their supplies. If so, put your child's first and last name on their items.
Check with your child's teacher since some supplies may be shared.
Here are a list of basic supplies that most schools ask for:
Personal Supplies:
Hand Sanitizer (preferably non-alcohol and unscented)
Check which box Crayola crayons your child's school prefers, large or jumbo.
Plastic folders come in basic colors
A box of washable markers (preferably Crayola)
Ask your child's school which size pencils are preferred for preschool, most preschool supply lists use these.
1 pair of Safety Scissors, I like this brand
At least 2 large pink erasers.
Pencil box- a small pencil box to fit desk supplies.
Backpack (please purchase a regular size backpack, since the smaller backpacks don't fit folders or notebooks)
Backpacks come in different sizes. You may want to measure your child or try them on in store.
Avoid rolling backpacks since they usually take up a lot of classroom space and are also a hazard for other children.
Check to make sure your child's personal supplies can fit in the pencil box.
You can also contact your child's teacher to see if they prefer a zippered pencil pouch or pencil box.
Complete change of clothes
It is important to send a set of extra clothes for your child in a large ziploc bag with your child's name. You may also want to send an extra pair of shoes as well.
Classroom Supplies:
These are optionals supplies that help the teacher.
Large box of Kleenex tissues
Baby wipes- great for a quick way to keep hands clean
Clorox wipes- a container of clorox wipes can be helpful for disinfecting the classroom
Ziploc bags
Teachers use quart size, regular size, and gallon size ziploc bags for storage and to create individual supply bags.
Check with your child's teacher for the size they prefer.
Large Hand Sanitizer
This is hand sanitizer for the class to share, be sure to get unscented.
Classroom Snacks (ask the teacher for a list of snacks for the class)
Keep in mind that students have different dietary needs, so please check with your child's school about what can be provided.
All snacks should be individually wrapped as well.
Additional Supplies:
Great for letter of the week curriculum (good practice before preschool starts)
Most teachers prefer pencil sharpeners with a closed top to limit the mess.
If your child's teacher has a laminating machine, ask if she needs any laminating sheets.
Ask your child's teacher if there are any books that might be needed for the school year.
Book Outlet offers bargain books at a discounted price.
Book Outlet is a great way to get books for your child to practice reading at home with board books, workbooks, and picture books.
Click here to get a $10 off coupon off your first purchase of $25 or more.
Where to buy preschool supplies:
Office supply stores such as office depot and office max are known for their back to school sales.
Dollar stores may have affordable school supplies for preschool as well.
However keep in mind that some off brands will not have the same quality and not last as long as brand name products.
How to get a good deal on your preschool supply list:
Use Rakuten if shopping online to get cash back on your purchase, click here to earn a $30 reward after your first purchase.
Rakuten can be used at many online retailers and in person, and you earn cash back on each purchase.
Buy before the school season starts, usually in July or August to get the best deals.
Sign up for Swagbucks.
You can earn free Swagbucks by doing simple things such as printing coupons. The Swagbucks can be redeemed for giftcards which can be used to purchase school supplies, and other items you normally use.
Check for school supply coupons in your local newspaper.
Extra tips:
Contact your child's school and get your child's teacher name if needed for labelling supplies.
Make sure you have an updated list since the supplies may have changed from the last year.
Each teacher has different requests so it is important to contact your child's teacher to ensure you have the most up to date information.
Don't feel pressured to have all of the supplies on the first day of school.
Supplies can be used throughout the school year, so whenever you are able to purchase them you can send them to school.
Also check out local events on event websites, since many nonprofits and community organizations sponsor back to school drives with free backpacks and school supplies for children.