Monday, May 24, 2010

How to Shop For K-5 School Supplies? By Mark Hamery

This is the time to start stocking up on school supplies. Many stores hold early-bird low price specials starting as early as the end of July.
You must have seen parents who are trying to search the perfect supply aisle. And, true to form most kids see school shopping as an opening to beg, bug, demand and coerce. In a frantic attempt, to meet the expectations of your kids, as a parent you may have to flit from one supply store to another to purchase back-to-school supplies. Shopping early for back-to-school supplies give you a head start and a chance to look for bargains and options. Supply stores are open with their sales and marketing technique. Now, they have capitalized upon school supplies by making suggested list for students and parents; making it easier to select quality K-5 school supplies.
The best bet is to start with the kid's teacher's list. As a teacher and parent, there are some recommendations who want to provide everything a child needs for school. You won't need to take out a short term loan if your follow this advice.
What to buy for a good basic school kit: Stock school supplies up in the fall when many stores have 'price wars' on them. This implies you can buy boxes of crayons, folders, notebooks or packages of pencils, glue sticks or scissors at very low prices. Look for sales on school supplies store. Remember, even younger children need a good sturdy bag for papers, books, pencils, colors, folders, sharpeners, shoes, lunch and other school accessories.
Buy a backpack with a warranty. Book bags take a beating, so buy your child's backpack from a reputable company that guarantees its merchandise. If a zipper break, the company will replace the backpack at no charge or it may give you your money back.
Buy essentials
You should arrive the first day with the essentials (paper, pencils, erasers, pens, notebooks, highlighters). Most teachers will announce specific items needed for the class. Once you begin packing up your child, you will come up with your necessities. However, these days, schools are able to provide less and less. So, be prepared!
Pencils with pencil cap erasers
Kids should not use pens for schoolwork. Most children get upset with pens. Many teachers will begin introducing pen writing in 4th or 5th grade, but it is usually only for 'neat copies' of work. Buy standard pink erasers, not the other ones. These don't erase; they just smear.
Several folders and notebooks
Often teachers use color-coding for subjects. These will go on sale at most major supply stores for around sales. Some teachers may ask for 3- or 5- subject notebooks. Get the studier kind as if will last longer. You may observe a lot many students get behind in school just because their supplies are falling apart.
Scissors
Child-size scissors for under 4th grade are the only kind that fits best for the kids. Child-size scissors makes a good quality scissors with metal blades and comfortable plastic handles. They stay and cut sharp. Students usually get annoyed and rightly so with poor-quality scissors.
Kids will try to hypnotize you into thinking that they need a complete ensemble for their school supplies. This list will prepare your students for a successful and happy school year.
Mark Hamery invites you to take a look at Ace Education Supplies (Ace Catalog) where you will find an assortment of discount school supply, school supplies wholesale and much more.