Things to Have in a School Bag

A well-packed bag makes for a well-prepared student.

Students of all ages need a variety of tools to help them succeed in school. But because students travel to school and move from classroom to classroom, they must carry their tools in a bag or backpack. Staying organized and knowing what to carry will help keep the pack light and comfortable.

Supplies

School supplies

There are several basic supplies that most students will use every day. These tools should always be available in a school pack: paper, folders or binders, pens and pencils and erasers. Additional tools provide utility and depending upon the student's circumstances; they might be useful on a daily or weekly basis. Some supplies that might be useful include: mini-staplers, highlighting markers, scissors, a pencil sharpener, a small roll of tape, a ruler and stick-on tabs for marking pages in a book.

Electronics

Electronics are accessories for our brains.

There aren't many electronics that are necessary for school but some are very useful. A calculator can be invaluable for older students who've progressed beyond basic arithmetic. Many students, particularly college students, find laptops to be useful for taking notes, doing research remotely and composing essays. Many students now possess cellular devices. Cell phones are important tools that can be used in emergency situations as well as for keeping in touch with parents.

Books

School books can be heavy.

School books are necessary items to place in a school bag but they're also the heaviest. Those books that will be used in class are essential but it's important to be careful how much weight is placed in the pack to prevent back strain. If there is additional room in the pack, something to read for leisure, such as a magazine or a paperback novel, could be included.

Nutrition

Fruit is a good-tasting, healthy snack.

Proper nutrition aids cognition processes in students of all ages. It's a good idea to pack a healthy snack like an apple or an energy bar in case the student feels low on energy and finds his attention wandering. Staying hydrated is also important, although carrying liquid adds weight to the pack. Choose an 8- to 12-oz. sized beverage that is low in sugar or fill a bottle with a beverage from home.

Emergency Preparation

Being prepared means thinking ahead.

Every backpack needs to include the student's contact information in case of an emergency situation. A photo identification of the student should also be included. There are also some basic first aid supplies that can be carried. Band-aids and ibuprofen can be very useful if the student is old enough to carry medicines and not breaking any school rules.

References

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Back-to-School Tips on Backpack Safety
• Food and Nutrition Information Center: Role of Nutrition in Learning and Behavior
• City of Newport, Oregon: "Back-to-School" Emergency Preparedness