The School Supplies Nearly Every Tween Needs

It doesn't matter if your tween is still in elementary school or beginning middle school, she'll need the right school supplies for a successful school year. Be sure you stock your home with the necessary supplies, as well as your child's backpack. And keep your eyes open throughout the year for deals. Stocking up when prices are good is a smart way to go.

Below is a list of school supplies your tween will likely need. Contact your child's school a few weeks before class begins to see if a detailed supply list is available. And be sure to let your tween help you shop for supplies, and pick out important items such as a backpack, a lunch box or lunch sac, and other necessary items.

For Class

#2 Pencils

Colored Pencils

Highlighters (at least five to start)

Small pencil sharpener

Rubber erasers

Protractor

Calculator -- check with school math department

Page protectors

Backpack or messenger bag

Lunch box or lunch sac

3-ring binder

Pencil case

Change purse

Scissors

Glue sticks

Small bottle of white school glue

Agenda to keep track of assignments, tests

File folders with pockets (one for each subject and an extra for handouts relating to school news, clubs, and extra-curricular activities)

Loose-leaf paper

Graphing paper

Spiral notebooks

Composition books

Stapler

Scissors

Index cards

For the Locker

Magnets

Combination lock

Shelf

Decorations

For Gym Class

Gym uniform (check with P.E. department)

Athletic shoes and socks

For Home

Reliable alarm clock

Watch

Plenty of healthy snacks and breakfast foods