Elementary School Supplies

Essential elementary school supplies are tools and materials your child will need in order to be successful in their classes. These supplies vary depending on the child, grade and the teacher for the particular class. Make sure to consult your child's teachers to check if they have any restrictions or preferences.

In general, these elementary school supplies will remain relatively constant — such as pencils, erasers, folders and other materials. Make sure your child has all the supplies necessary to perform well in the classrooms of their grade level.

Tablet Computers for Elementary School Students

Tablets can also be considered essential elementary school supplies. These devices introduce children to fun, instructional games via apps, music, e-books and more. Tablet computers are becoming increasingly popular classroom staples, as they enable both students and teachers the ability to tap into a wide source of information with ease.

When picking the best tablet computer for your child, keep in mind its battery life, storage space, operating system software, and cellular or internet connectivity abilities.

Tablets are only one of the items to consider when picking out essential elementary school supplies. Read on to learn more.

School Supplies for Kindergarteners Through 2nd Graders

The best school supplies for kindergarten through 2nd graders revolve around tactile, arts-focused activities. Expect to purchase lots of crayons, markers, colorful construction paper and other items to ensure your child has all the supplies they need to succeed. Make sure to purchase a properly sized small backpack so your child can transport their supplies.

School Supplies for 3rd Graders

School supplies for 3rd graders are somewhat similar to those needed for younger children, with a shift to accommodate the more advanced curricula. Expect more emphasis to be placed on index cards and pens, with slightly less emphasis on art supplies.

A list of common elementary school supplies necessary for children in this grade includes:

School Supplies for 4th Graders

School supplies for 4th graders are even more academically focused than those for 3rd graders. Expect only to shop for a limited number of art supplies and look for more tools that might help your child with organization, like 3-ring binders and highlighters.

A list of common elementary school supplies necessary for 4th grades includes:

School Supplies for 5th Graders

An elementary school supply list for this grade differs from the list of materials for younger students, such as the list of school supplies for 3rd graders or 2nd graders. By 5th grade, children are covering more advanced topics and preparing for middle school, and will therefore need the supplies to match. Expect to add materials like calculators, protractors and graph paper.

A list of common school supplies for 5th graders includes: