Kindergarten may still be a few months away, but it’s the perfect time to start getting things in order. From new routines to a brand-new classroom, there’s a lot for your child to adjust to.
One of the most important steps? Making sure they have the right supplies. Here, we’ll walk you through exactly what they’ll need so you can send them off feeling confident and ready.
Why the Right Supplies Matter
Kindergarten isn’t just crayons and playtime anymore. Children are expected to:
- Practice fine motor skills
- Follow multi-step instructions
- Work independently and in groups
- Take care of their own materials
The right tools help build those habits from day one. A clear, well-prepared school supply list for kindergarten saves you from last-minute shopping trips—and helps your child feel confident.
The Core School Supply List for Kindergarten
These items show up on nearly every kindergarten supply list. They cover daily activities, art, writing, and hygiene.
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Backpack
Your kindergartner needs a backpack that’s the right size: not too big, not too small. It should comfortably fit a standard folder, lunchbox, and a change of clothes.
Skip the mini or character-shaped ones, which are often too tiny for everyday use. Look for a lightweight design with a zipper that your child can open and close on their own.
Independence matters, and a backpack they can manage helps build it.
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Lunchbox and Water Bottle
Go for a lunchbox that your child can open without help. Insulated options are great for keeping food fresh until lunchtime.
Pair it with a spill-proof water bottle that has a straw or spout, as this makes a big difference for small hands. Make sure both are clearly labeled with your child’s name. Things get lost quickly in a room full of five-year-olds.
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Pencils (#2, Pre-Sharpened)
Start the year with around 10 to 12 #2 pencils. Pre-sharpened pencils save valuable classroom time, and teachers appreciate not having to sharpen dozens on the first day.
Choose a strong, reliable brand, as kindergartners tend to press hard when they write, so you want something that can hold up.
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Crayons (24-pack)
Stick with a classic 24-pack of crayons. No need for glitter or neon; basic colors are what most teachers prefer. Crayola is a favorite because the colors are rich and the crayons don’t break as easily. Avoid jumbo sizes unless your child’s teacher specifically asks for them.
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Glue Sticks (6–10 count)
Kindergarten means crafts, and crafts mean glue—lots of it. Choose large glue sticks that are easy for little fingers to handle. Six to ten should be enough to start. Skip the liquid glue unless it’s requested by the school, as it’s messier and harder to control.
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Blunt-Tip Scissors
Safety scissors are a must. Look for kid-friendly ones with a comfortable grip and blunt tips. There are right- and left-handed options, so choose what fits your child best. If they haven’t used scissors before, give them some practice at home before school starts.
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Pocket Folders (2–4 total)
Folders help keep your child organized. One is usually used for take-home papers, and the other for classroom assignments. Some teachers ask for a third for special subjects like art or music. Plastic folders are more durable than paper ones and last longer throughout the year.
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Composition Notebooks (Wide-Ruled)
These notebooks are great for early writing and drawing. Most teachers ask for one or two. Choose wide-ruled versions to make writing easier for beginners. Avoid spiral notebooks unless your teacher specifies them. Remember that spirals can get bent or snagged.
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Dry Erase Markers (Low-Odor)
Dry-erase markers are often used for individual whiteboards or classroom stations. Teachers typically ask for black, low-odor markers to keep things simple and classroom-friendly. A pack of four is a good starting point. Look for chisel or bullet tips for better grip and smoother writing.
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Pencil Box or Zipper Pouch
To keep everything in one place, your child will need a pencil box or pouch. It should fit their crayons, pencils, glue sticks, and scissors without being bulky. Avoid overstuffed or overly complicated containers. A sturdy, simple design works best and keeps their desk from turning into a mess.
What You Can Skip (Unless Requested)
It’s easy to overprepare when you want your child to start strong, but not every item on the store shelf is necessary for kindergarten. Here’s what you can leave off your list unless your teacher says otherwise:
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Mechanical Pencils
These aren’t designed for small hands and tend to break easily. Young kids do best with standard #2 pencils that can handle a strong grip.
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Fancy Notebooks or Binders
Notebooks with glitter, characters, or built-in compartments can be distracting. Teachers usually ask for plain, wide-ruled notebooks to keep things simple and uniform.
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Markers and Paint Sets
While they’re fun, these are typically supplied by the school and used during specific lessons. Sending your own just adds clutter to your child’s space.
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Large Pencil Sharpeners
Kindergartners don’t need to manage sharpening on their own. Teachers usually handle that part to ensure safety and consistency.
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Heavy-duty Backpacks
It’s tempting to buy one with extra features or padding, but most kindergartners don’t carry much. A lightweight, easy-to-carry backpack is all they really need.
If your child has sensory needs…
If your child has sensory needs, talk to the teacher before sending in any support tools like fidget items or noise-reducing headphones. Most classrooms welcome these accommodations, but it’s best to coordinate first.
For more on how schools can support different learning styles, including sensory needs, take a look at this helpful guide.
Tips for Shopping Smart
You don’t need to overspend to get your child ready for kindergarten. Here’s how to make supply shopping easier and more manageable:
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Buy in bulk early.
Basic items like crayons, glue sticks, and tissues usually go on sale in mid-summer. Stocking up early not only saves money but also helps you avoid the last-minute rush when supplies are picked over.
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Stick to the list.
Teachers put a lot of thought into creating their supply lists. Each item serves a purpose, so sticking to the list means you’re getting exactly what your child will use in class.
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Label everything.
Supplies get mixed up easily in a room full of kindergartners. Use a permanent marker or custom labels to make sure your child’s items are easy to spot and return if misplaced.
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Involve your child.
Letting your child help pick out folders or pencil boxes can make the experience more fun. It also helps them feel more ownership over their things and builds excitement for the school year.
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Split the load.
If you’re buying bulk packs, consider splitting them with another family. It cuts costs and makes it easier to meet classroom donation requests without overbuying.
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Ask your child’s teacher if mid-year replenishment will be needed.
Some items—like tissues, glue, or dry erase markers—might need to be replaced later in the year. Asking ahead of time helps you plan and avoid surprise shopping trips mid-semester.
Old Spanish Trail School’s Approach
At Old Spanish Trail School, we keep our supply list simple, practical, and focused on what your child will actually use.
If you have questions about the list or need help preparing, reach out to your child’s teacher or visit our website anytime. We’re here to make sure your family feels confident and ready for the first day.
