Yes my friends…Back To School is here and has all ready started for many of you in the South. Here in Jersey we don’t go back until after Labor Day. So to celebrate the season…we have the Ultimate Guide To Back To School that is filled with fun things…needed supplies…food suggestions and even free printables! So pour yourself a cup of your favorite brew and check everything out…I think you will enjoy! Wish I could make a list of all of the fabulous Coffee Shops across the country lol!!!
Kids are going back to school around the country, and parents everywhere are rejoicing! Just kidding, kind of, but we are excited about back to school here. Get the kids in the mood with this Free Back to School Bunting, and don’t forget to talk about what they can expect in a new school year!
Stock Up on Essentials
Each school has its own school supply list. On top of that list, you’ll need to get a lunch box, backpack, and school clothes! I’ve found the best deals on backpacks and lunch boxes on Amazon. This Post may contain affiliate links
If you ask teachers what the “must haves” for their classroom are, most will list a mix of the following:
Ticonderoga Pencils – These pencils are the sturdiest ones you’ll find, and they don’t destroy pencil sharpeners like some brands do. Amazon has some great deals on Ticonderoga pencils, especially around this time of year.
Crayons and Colored Pencils – Depending on the grade levels, crayons and colored pencils can be super important! Crayola is the way to go, and most teachers (and kids!) would agree. Stalk Wal-Mart and office supply stores for great deals in the weeks leading up to the first day of school.
Dry Erase Markers – Most teachers use dry erase markers on a daily basis. If the kids use them, too, they end up getting smashed or dried out before the end of the first month of school. Buying dry erase markers in bulk will save your teacher from having to send notes home asking for them all the time.
Copy Paper – Unfortunately, many teachers have to buy copy paper out of their own personal budgets. You’ll usually find the best deals at Staples and Office Depot/Office Max.
Art Supplies – Scissors, glue sticks, and other arts and craft staples run out fast when a classroom of thirty kids are using them. The best deals for these items are going to be at Staples, Office Depot/Office Max, or even at Wal-Mart.
Cleaning Supplies – Clorox wipes, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and other necessities that keep the classroom (and kids!) as germ-free as possible can be purchased online or from stores like Sam’s and Costco for the best deals.
If you are wanting to save the most money possible, you’ll shop the stores I mentioned above! If you are low on time but not so set in your budget, try sites like Jet.com. You can put in your zip code, locate your child’s school, and with just one click you can add their entire school supply list to your shopping cart. Everything will be delivered to your doorstep within a few days, and you won’t have to worry about anymore school supply shopping!
Prepare the Family
Prepare everyone for a new school year by discussing what to expect in their new school year. If you have little ones moving up to middle school or even high school, they might be more nervous than they have been in previous years. If you’ve made a move recently, or if some of their friends moved away, that could cause some extra anxiety as well.
Morning Routine
Nail down a morning routine at least a week before school starts. It’s important for everyone to get into the swing of things so you aren’t rushing around like crazy on the first day of school. Some of our favorite quick, healthy breakfast ideas include:
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Granola
Breakfast Muffins
Omelets (make ahead)
Keep all backpacks by the front door, and pack lunches the night before to keep everything running smoothly before school every day. Use these tips for saving space: 10 Quick and Easy Organizing Tips for the Back of the Door.
If you know you’re going to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off around dinner time, now’s the time to put dinner in the slow cooker!
After School Routine
As soon as the kids walk in the door, chances are they’ll be starving. Having healthy snacks on hand will save time and energy! We put most of ours in a bin in the pantry. Some of our favorite healthy options include trail mix, granola bars, homemade fruit leather, and fresh fruit.
After their bellies are full (at least for the moment), homework can begin. If you have more than one child, you can have the older ones help out with the younger ones to save time. These DIY Homework Stations will keep everyone on track!
Evening Routine
Hopefully homework is finished rather quickly and painlessly before dinner start. If you forgot to plan dinner or use the slow cooker this morning, consider buying an Instant Pot! You’ll have dinner on the table in well under an hour, and won’t have to stand over the stove the entire time.
School Supplies Throughout the Year
Around Christmas, you’ll probably start getting notes home from your child’s teacher(s), letting you know they are running low on supplies. Now’s the time to restock, either via Amazon or Wal-Mart. Those two places have the best mid-year deals to save money!
Free Back to School Resources
Back to School Free Printable Chalkboard Signs
What’s your favorite part about back to school time?
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