Get your elementary-aged child ready for the school year with a clear plan for supplies, clothing, routines, health checkups, school communication, and after-school logistics.
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School Supplies and Clothing
Get the official school supply list from the school website or teacher
Supply lists vary by grade and teacher. Check the school's website or call the front office in early August. Buying from the exact list avoids returns and ensures your child has what their specific teacher requires.
Purchase all items on the supply list
Label every item with your child's name
Buy a backpack that fits your child's torso
The backpack should sit at or below the shoulders and above the hips. A loaded backpack should weigh no more than 10-15% of your child's body weight. Padded shoulder straps and a waist belt distribute weight and prevent back strain.
Update your child's wardrobe for the season
Check which clothes still fit and which need replacing
Buy 5-7 outfits that meet the school's dress code
Get weather-appropriate outerwear, shoes, and a rain jacket
Pack a lunch box and water bottle
An insulated lunch box with an ice pack keeps food safe for 4-6 hours. Practice packing lunches with your child the week before school starts so they know what to expect and can open all the containers independently.
Routines and Schedule
Start the school sleep schedule 2 weeks before the first day
Shift bedtime and wake time 15 minutes earlier every 2-3 days until you reach the target. Children ages 5-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep per night. A consistent wake time is more important than bedtime for resetting the body clock.
Establish a morning routine and post it visually
Write or draw each step on a chart: wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack bag, put on shoes. A visual checklist gives your child independence and reduces nagging. Practice the full routine 3-4 mornings before school starts.
Set up a homework and reading station at home
Create a quiet, well-lit workspace with pencils, paper, and a clock
Establish a daily 20-minute reading time
Health and Safety
Schedule a back-to-school physical exam
Most schools require a current physical within the past 12 months. Schedule it 4-6 weeks before school starts so you have time to complete any follow-up appointments. Bring the school's health form to the appointment for the doctor to sign.
Verify all vaccinations are up to date
Kindergarten entry typically requires DTaP, MMR, polio, varicella, and hepatitis B vaccinations. Check your state's specific requirements — some states added COVID-19 to the school entry list. Request an updated immunization record for the school.
Schedule a dental checkup and eye exam
Complete a dental cleaning and address any cavities
Get a vision screening — trouble seeing the board is a common cause of academic struggles
Update the school's emergency contact and allergy information
School Communication and After-School Plans
Attend the school's open house or orientation
Meet the teacher, see the classroom, and walk the route from the entrance to the classroom with your child. Familiarity reduces first-day anxiety. Ask about the best way to communicate with the teacher — email, app, or notes in the backpack.
Set up the school's communication app and parent portal
Download and log into the school's messaging or grade app
Add the school calendar to your phone
Finalize after-school care or pickup arrangements
If using after-school care, register and pay before the first day — programs fill up quickly. If your child takes the bus, walk to the bus stop together and review the rules. If another parent is picking up, provide written authorization to the school office.
Talk to your child about what to expect on the first day
Keep the tone positive but honest. Talk through the schedule, where they will eat lunch, and what to do if they need help. For younger kids, read a book about starting school together. For older kids, address specific worries directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start back-to-school shopping for elementary school kids?
Starting 3-4 weeks before the first day gives you time to find the best deals and avoid out-of-stock items. Many states hold tax-free weekends in late July or early August, saving 5-8% on clothing and supplies. The National Retail Federation reports the average family spends $864 on back-to-school items, but shopping early with a list can cut that by 20-30%.
How do you ease a child's anxiety about starting a new school year?
Visit the school campus 1-2 weeks before classes start so your child can locate their classroom, bathroom, and cafeteria. Set up a playdate with a classmate beforehand — knowing even one familiar face reduces first-day anxiety significantly. Start shifting bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night for 7-10 days before school begins to reset their sleep schedule gradually.
What supplies do K-5 students actually need on the first day?
Most schools send a specific supply list in July or August — always check with your school first before buying generic lists. Typical essentials include a backpack (no heavier than 10-15% of your child's body weight when loaded), 2-4 composition notebooks, a pencil box with 12-24 sharpened pencils, a box of crayons (24-count for younger kids), scissors, and glue sticks. Teachers often request shared supplies like tissues and hand sanitizer.
How much sleep do elementary school kids need during the school year?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 9-12 hours of sleep per night for children ages 6-12. A child who needs to wake at 6:30 AM should be asleep by 7:30-9:30 PM depending on age. Screen time should stop at least 60 minutes before bed, as blue light delays melatonin production by up to 90 minutes.
What are the most important school forms to complete before the first day?
Priority forms include the emergency contact card (listing 2-3 people besides parents), medical/allergy action plans if applicable, transportation authorization (bus or carpool), and photo/media release forms. Most schools also require updated immunization records — check your state's requirements, as kindergartners typically need DTaP, IPV, MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B vaccines to enroll.