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Shopping for school supplies can be exciting, but it is also rather confusing, particularly as your children get older and have more complicated needs. This article will provide you with the basics that you will need to have for your school aged children, but you should also ask for the supply list from the school they attend. The school supply list will have the specific list of supplies needed for each grade and often where you can buy each item, making school shopping much easier.

All students will need the following items:

Adhesives: This would include glue, glue sticks and tape. Find out which kinds are necessary before buying, since various school projects will require different types of adhesives.

Folders: Pocket folders work best as they make it pretty much impossible to lose the papers inside them. If your child is accident prone, get the plastic, waterproof kind.

Measuring instruments: A ruler is usually the necessity in this case. Older children may need to have triangular rulers as well as a compass for circles. There are great kits available that include everything necessary for measuring.

Paper: Notebooks, loose leaf and a binder or two to keep it all together will be necessary. Be sure to check with the school before buying ruled paper, since many teachers require different types for their classes. Younger children may also need construction paper.

Scissors: Get the child-safe ones for smaller children, pointed ones work well for older kids.

Writing instruments: Pens, pencils, and markers all fall into this category. Younger children should have fairly basic supplies, since they may have difficulties organizing super packs of markers or crayons. No. 2 pencils are best and older students will need ballpoint pens. Along with these, students will need erasers and pencil sharpeners.

Once your children reach high school, they will need more advanced school supplies, including the following:

Calculator: The type of calculator your child is allowed to use will depend on the teacher. Many require only simple calculators, so be sure to check before investing in a heavy duty one.

Combination locks: These are to safeguard lockers and are definitely necessary.

Index cards: Plain and ruled are good. Make sure you get standard size, since some school classes won't accept those that are larger or smaller.

While these are the most vital school supplies that will be required, you will want to expand a little on the list. It is difficult for children to stay organized, particularly in the lower grades when they have huge quantities of art supplies. To help your child stay tidy, you will want to get them a backpack and at least one box or pencil bag to keep art supplies in. A smaller box is ideal for storing all those markers and dozens of crayons, making it easier to find the item needed, while a larger one can work well to keep larger items in. An art apron can be very useful in protecting clothes, if the school doesn't provide one.

Shopping for school supplies is likely to turn into a great adventure and you should be sure to have a list with you, yours or one provided by the school, so you won't miss anything. Take full advantage of all the back to school sales and stock up for the year. For example, your little one will use at least 3 glue sticks during the year, so buy them all now at discounted prices and save money in the long run.

Above all, enjoy shopping for the supplies your children need for the school year. By being organized, you can ensure that it is a good experience for all involved.