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My Perspective as a Teacher on Must Have Supplies for Back to School
I have been teaching as a middle school science teacher for over 25 years. Thousands, literally thousands of kids have passed through my door. I have had endless conversations with colleagues, and I have experience as a father of two school-aged daughters. Let me use this knowledge to guide you to the most essential Back to School supplies. I hope to link you to items that are functional, but also trendy, and hopefully this blog makes your Back to School buying experience easier and more fun. Please note that while these are my honest opinions, this post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
7/28/202510 min read
Off we go!
Back to school is an exciting time of year. While some of your children dread the thought of a return back to schoolwork, for many parents it's a relief. For me, it brings on another year of excitement. I am heading into my 29th year as a middle school science teacher and each new year brings in a fresh, new challenge that I look forward to. Still, let's not rush the summer though!
Back to school shopping brings on its own stresses. There is the challenge of getting everything you need, trying not to break the bank, and then, and maybe one of the hardest things to do, pleasing your kids. I hope that as you read that I make your back to school shopping experience a little easier. I know the school and teacher lists are daunting, but let me give you a first-hand look into what I see kids needing and using the most.
It starts with the backpack. Everything they need, some of which is very expensive, goes into that backpack. So, choosing a backpack that is functional and comfortable is very important. In my school, where the lockers are so small, no student really uses them, so the backpack is carried around all day. I have lifted some and am shocked by their weight. Therefore, choosing a backpack that will protect a student's back is critical. The Hershel Classic XL, from Hershel Design Company is a comfortable choice with excellent storage space and organization for all the essential school needs. You will find other top recommendations in the "School Supplies" page above.
Stay Cool
I have been teaching in a classroom without air conditioning for my entire career and I live in a climate that still sees 90 degree days in late May and early September. Staying hydrated and keeping my students in the classroom without them always asking to leave to get a drink from the fountain is essential. Having a good water bottle is crucial. It may drive me nuts listening to water bottle crash to the floor all day, but every student in every grade needs access to a good water bottle. The Stanley Ice Flow Water Bottle is a great choice. It will keep your water cold all day and has an angled spout lid for easy, spill-proof consumption. For straw lovers, the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a top choice. I would keep in mind, that with any water bottle choice, that its another thing going into a backpack so the size of the bottle matters.
I'm Hungry!
Your kids are going to ask for the latest and greatest of everything, and while these items can be pricey, I have learned that you often get what you pay for. Pricier items, not all, but most, are from reliable brands that you can trust and should have longevity. Now I know your kids will be asking for the next trendy item when it comes out so using an older backpack or water bottle may not be tops on their list. I'll leave that argument up to you. As is the case with lunchboxes. Parents want their kids food and snacks to be cool and fresh. Your kids, they pretty much just care about what they look like or what their friends are going to think about it. Function and trendiness does exist.
Hydro Flask is a household name with respect to water bottles, but they offer an amazing lunchbox... the Hydro Flask 5 L Carry Out Lunch Box. This lunchbox is top rated for its design and engineering, which will keep food cold for hours on end. Your kids will love the color options too. A bit more affordable option is the adidas Excel Insulated Lunch Bag. Adidas is a widely popular brand with kids of all ages. This more budget friendly, insulated lunch bag also comes with a clip for easy attachment to a backpack.
The Teacher Says I Have to Have This!
You can never haven enough pens and pencils. If I had a dollar for every time a student asked me if they could borrow a pencil, I would have been able to retire a long time ago. With that said, there are a number of other essential supplies that I wish all of my students had on a daily basis.
My students are so busy, and I am very aware they have a lot on their plates. This makes forgetting about completing assignments easy. I wish that every one of my students used a physical planner to keep track of work they need to complete. The most conscientious students do and it can be a life saver. The SUNEE Academic Weekly & Monthly Planner is perfect for keeping tabs on what needs to be completed. I love that you have an option for a daily list view of work that needs to be done or a calendar format. The simplistic design of the Student Planner 2025-2026 from INDEME is another solid choice. Honestly, in my point of view one of the most important items you can purchase for your child is a planner, and force them to use it. They work!
Another item where brand and appearance matter most is a pouch for holding writing supplies and other small essentials. Let's start off with a fun offering called the ZIPIT Wildlings Large Pencil Case. Some may call it cute. Others may think it is silly, but I think it is pretty cool. Remember, it is also important to consider limiting how much goes into the backpack everyday. The Sooez Wide-Opening Pencil Pen Case is a great option because it provides a simple, yet pleasing design and just a great job at holding all your smaller classroom essentials.
As for some essential, but trendy supplies to fit in your pencil case. Keep it simple with a set of mechanical pencils from Bic.
BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencils serve up a colorful approach to a simple pencil. I can tell you, you can never get enough pencils and here is a good start. Highlighters are another essential item that belongs on every back to school list. I expect my students to use them regularly. These highlighters from Sharpie will do the trick (Sharpie Pocket Style Highlighters).
We all make mistakes. I am sure as a science teacher and not an editor, I have made my fair share of mistakes editing this blog. On paper, every student should have an opportunity to correct a mistake, and without a mess. The BIC Wite-Out Brand EZ Correct Correction Tape is an easy an affordable solution. I also like that the students will not be able to write liquid white out messages all over my desks!
Sticky notes are another must have item. At least I know most of the teachers at my school expect their students to utilize them. You can go with the more traditional approach, and quite honestly that's all I expect (Sticky Notes 3x3 Inches), or if you would like to add some cute and fancy to your sticky note collection, look no further than Fancy Land 24 Pads Cute Sticky Notes. These animal sticky notes are going to make a note taking session a lot more fun!
I am sure teachers will be requesting binders on their back to school lists and binders add up when it comes to the total price for school supplies. My best recommendation is to reuse from the previous year. I know that will not go over well with the kiddos, but you should see how many like-new binders kids leave behind or try to throw away at my school. With that said, there comes a time when new binders are needed. Keeping it simple, STAPLES Better Binder is a great option and they are offered in many different colors and sizes. If you are looking for an all-in-one option, then look not further than the Case-it Mighty Zip Tab Zipper Binder. What's not to like about a binder that comes in cool colors, is durable, and has multiple options for organizing materials your child needs. Finally, a more professional looking means of keeping notes and organizing paperwork, and more likely to be used by a high school or college student is the Padfolio Binder. With its professional look, it comes with color options and plenty of space to organize materials and even a tablet.
They are Costly, but Needed
Finally, once you think you are all set and your credit card statement offers up some surprises, it is time to think about some of the more costly items that students need while in school. First, lets start off with earbuds. They get a ton of use by students on a daily basis. While I have students that utilize headphones, earbuds are perfect for the student who still has not graduated high school. Earbuds are easy to carry around and they provide sound clarity that would make any teacher-assigned video sound entertaining. Of course everyone is aware of Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, and why not. They provide comfort and quality with a long battery life. Just know that price varies based on noise cancellation options. You really cannot go wrong with an Apple product. I do get nervous with students having expensive tech in school because of the fear the items being lost or stolen, and I would be lying if I said students never lose such items. So, a quality earbud option at a more reasonable price might be just what you need. The EarFun® Air True Wireless Earbuds are a quality earbud that come highly recommended from other media outlets. They offer great battery life and solid noise cancellation.
Of course, the earbuds connect to some other personal device and in school that usually means a personal laptop computer. I am fortunate that my district provides students with a personal computer in middle school that is usable right through high school. I find, that as students enter high school, they still demand, and quite honestly need another as an upgrade. Doing computer research can be endless. I am a science teacher and not a computer salesman. I do want to steer you in the right direction. When I made the decision on what to buy my own daughter, I thought about speed, storage, reliability and cost. One item I would like to promote is the Acer Chromebook Plus 14" FHD Touchscreen Laptop. You can check the product reviews for yourselves, as you should. What I like is that it has adequate power, is built from a reputable company and most importantly is very budget friendly since this in the hands of a younger adult and vulnerable to ownership from someone, that let's say, is not always responsible. A bit more higher-end option, but with excellent reviews, is the Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024).The reason for this choice is based on many consumer reviews. The computer is very portable, has excellent storage, and a very appealing battery life. There are additional computer tech options offered in the "Dorm Room Essentials" page found at the top of the screen.
Finally, my school has an expectation that students purchase a scientific calculator for their math class. While schools may offer a purchase "right from them" option, I would like to promote a cost affective solution. The Texas Instruments TI-34 MultiView Scientific Calculator is a reliable calculator that will be able to handle most, if not all your child's classroom calculation needs.
Finally, While You are at It...
Based on my experience, I really tried to guide you to the items that I think are most essential, but if I am being realistic, there are many more items that are going to pop up on teacher lists. These are the other essential supplies you may choose to purchase while you do your shopping. They are the typical supplies that teachers require, and I did my best to link you to more affordable options.
I love the hole reinforcements.
Don't break the bank. These are perfect.
Hole Reinforcer Stickers with Stamp
Pages are always getting loose in student binders.
This was a game changer for me. I love them!
These add some color and have folder flaps.
Often teacher requested and great for students to use when reviewing for assessments
Just a larger size. Again, great for studying.
This is a pack of 6, but you always seem to need them.
Pocket Folders (5 pack)
I like these since they are made of plastic and more durable.
Ballpoint Pens in Blue/Black/Red
Teachers often ask for multiple colors and these are highly rated.
Crayola Colored Pencils (12 count)
A brand you can trust and they won't break the bank.
Bic Mechanical Pencils (48 count)
You can never have enough.
Dry Erase Markers (4 count-red/black/blue/green)
Better to get a brand name as others can dry out quicker.
Small enough to fit in your pencil case.
Nothing fancy. They are safe and get the job done.
I like the cover to prevent an even bigger mess in the backpack or pencil case.
For better note taking.
Cool colors and a great design.
If I had a dollar for every time a students gets up to grab a tissue!
A must as desktops and other surfaces do get dirty!
I am anxious to get back into the classroom for another year of teaching. You may not be equally as excited knowing you have back to school shopping to do, but hopefully this blog comes with advice that makes your back to school shopping easy and stress free. Good luck. You got this !
