Two lead pencils One red pen, one blue pen, one black pen Sharpener Protractor Scissors (5”) Eraser Glue stick Highlighter Calculator Ruler (doesn’t have to be full-sized!)
If using a case with a zipper, put the pencil case on its side with the zipper facing left or right. It will be easier to pack your supplies, and will help you to utilize the space inside the case.
Elementary school supply lists usually call for colored pencils, crayons, and magic markers. To save space, choose the colors you use most for each, remove them from their box, and wrap each group together with rubber bands. Middle or high school supply lists may call for post-it notes. Put the post-it notes in a small zip lock bag. This will make sure none of the notes rip off or get bent in the pencil case.
Get rid of any broken pencils or crayons. Replace dulling highlighters. Replenish glue sticks and erasers
Organize each compartment with supplies of the same category and/or size. Put the compass, protractor, and calculator together.
Try to get a pencil case made with nylon fabric. Not only is it easier to clean, it is strong enough to stay intact if you fill your pencil case to maximum capacity. Hard plastic pencil cases are durable, but make sure to keep track of how much supplies you try to pack. If you pack too much, you will be less likely to close the case because it has a lid instead of a zipper.
If after a few months of your school routine, you notice that you are not utilizing many of your supplies, scale down to a smaller pencil case. This will fit in any backpack, and could even be left out on your desk since it wouldn’t take up much space. Some people find it best to only carry the necessities and keep a bigger pencil case in their locker for things that are specific to one class (geometry kit, watercolours, coloured pencils etc. )
