Are you the parent of an 8th-grader who is in desperate need of some new school supplies? If so, then you're in the right place.
As an 8th-grade parent, you want to ensure your child is fully equipped for the challenges of the school year. This 8th grade school supplies list will do just that.
As an ex-student, I've been there, done that and survived to tell the tale. I've spent over 10 years shopping for all types of school supplies throughout my entire academic journey.
So if you're the parent of an 8th grader, fear not! I'm here to guide you through the world of school supplies with an 8th grade school supplies list.
To help you and your child prepare for the first day of school, here's a comprehensive list of the essential school supplies your 8th grader will need.
This post is all about 8th grade school supplies list.
8TH GRADE SCHOOL SUPPLIES LIST
When it comes to 8th grade, there's a whole new level of preparedness required. Let me break down the must-haves I swear by for your child's 8th-grade journey.
Now, most of these are basic supplies, but you'd be surprised at how many times parents forget to buy them or just end up not buying enough. Leaving their child to buy new supplies for themselves with their pocket money, if they can afford it.
The Basic Supplies I Swear By
1. Notebooks:
- These are the unsung heroes of organization. My life would be chaos without them and so would your children's. They can store worksheets, class notes, and even those cryptic doodles they pass around in class. Just remember to get the college-ruled one, label them properly, or you might find your child in a folder frenzy.
- Several spiral or composition notebooks for different subjects. I used to LOVE composition notebooks as a kid. This black and white marble design is a classic for any college or university student. Be sure to have one book for each subject or module.
- Don't make the mistake I did of having all my modules stacked and muddled up in one book; keep them separate.
- If you're shopping for spiral bound notebooks, then you can't go wrong with the pukka pad notebooks. These wide-ruled spiral notebooks provide plenty of space for note-taking and completing assignments. Having a few of these on hand will be invaluable throughout the school year.
- Also, your child is NOT bound by the order that they write their notes in, as the pages can be taken out and organized in a binder or folders.
2. Loose Leaf Notebook Refill Paper:
- Loose-leaf notebook paper to refill your notebooks for assignments. These are perfect for school as you can never have paper to write your class material information on.
3. Binders and Folders:
- These are the unsung heroes of organization. This three-ring binders with dividers for organizing class materials is a lifesaver! My life would be chaos without them, and so would your children's. These binders and pocket folders can store worksheets, class notes, loose papers, and even those cryptic doodles they pass around in class.
- Just remember to label them properly, or you might find your child in a folder frenzy. Make sure you get a 3-ring binder, the 2-ring binder is not as sturdy!
- Plastic folders: Plastic folders are durable and will help your child keep important papers and assignments organized and protected from spills.
- Pocket folders: Pocket folders are versatile for holding loose papers, homework assignments, or reports. They're a great addition to your child's organizational toolkit. Get the multi-pocket ones with a clear-view. Possibly, one that has a zipper.
4. Pencils and Pens:
Let's face it, pencils have a mysterious way of disappearing. Here's how I tackle the never-ending pencil predicament.
- Blue or black ballpoint pens. Studies have found that students who use blue pens do better academically and remember more than those who use black pens. I've always found this strange, especially since black pen is the ink color that the academic instructions want students who hand-write their essays and exams to use.
- You can take your class notes with any colored pen you want, but when it comes time for assignments and exams, BLACK better be the color you or your child is using.
- Especially, if you don't want points or grades decreasing for failing to adhere to the requirements of the test or exam. Gel gens are the easiest and most vibrant to write with.
- The No.2 pencil is a staple wood pencil in every students pencil case. DONT' forget the pencil sharpener if you buying these type of pencils!
- Mechanical pencils are my secret weapon against the vanishing pencil phenomenon. They're like little soldiers, always ready for duty. Plus, no need for pencil sharpeners or rubbers—talk about a win-win!
- Erasable pens are the best of them all. You get the best of BOTH worlds with these. They have the permanence of a normal pen, but the ability to erase what you have written like a pencil and rewrite again.
5. Highlighters:
- College students use multiple colored highlighters to emphasize important information. However, at the 5th grade, 6th grade, 8th grade level, highlighters are mainly used to break up the information and make it look less boring.
- This can make all the difference in whether or not they absorb the information well or even pay attention at all. Pastel highlighters are so in style right now.
6. Erasers:
- Remember the large pink eraser from the good ol' days? They still work like a charm. Trust me; you'll need them for those inevitable "Oops, I didn't mean to write that" moments.
7. Ruler:
- A ruler with both inches and centimeters. At least that's how we measure and the metrics we use in the UK, so choose whichever is the current metric for your country. Transparent rulers are best. Other prefer stainless steel or even the wooden ones but not me. I have a flexible, transparent one that i've had for years.
8. Calculator:
- A basic calculator for math class. You can get a scientific one. Enough said!
9. Protractor and Compass:
- A protractor for geometry. There are transparent ones that are best and easy to use. However, some student go back and forth over the kind they get such as plastic, metal. I go for transparent, plastic ones all the time. You can also get a compass for drawing circles.
10. Colored Pencils, Markers And Crayola Crayons:
- Even in 8th grade, colored pencils, markers and crayons can come in handy for art projects, labeling, and adding color-coded notes to assignments.
11. Scissors:
- A pair of scissors for various tasks. At some point, your child will be cutting something and may need a pair of stainless steel scissors for art class or some other creative class. Whether your child is left-handed or right-handed, make sure they practice safety and precision.
12. Glue Or Glue Sticks:
- Glue or glue sticks for projects and assignments. I had super glue in my pencil case when I was that age, as I was always breaking stuff.
13. Sticky Notes:
- Everyone, students or not, needs to have post-its in their pencil case. I get the normal sized one, some prefer the small ones, but be careful not to buy them too small, as there may not be enough room to write what you need.
14. Index Cards or Flash Cards:
- Index cards for making flashcards or study aids. You can get the 3x5 ones, ruled, blank, colored ones. I swear by flashcards, but these days there are online flashcard apps like Quizlet and Anki.
{Related Article: Active Recall Vs Flashcards: How To Study Better For Exams?!}
15. Backpack:
- A sturdy backpack to carry all your supplies. Make sure the backpack is lightweight, waterproof, laptop-friendly, and a decent size, big enough to hold all the supplies on the list.
16. Planner or Agenda:
- A planner or agenda to keep track of assignments and due dates. You or your child can simply write things down in a planner to keep note and stay on track.
- Studies have shown that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goal if you write it done. Keep it in your sights so you can see it every day.
17. Dictionary and Thesaurus:
- A pocket-sized dictionary and thesaurus can be helpful for vocabulary and writing assignments. These days everyone just googles the meaning or definition of a word or term but if a phone or laptop is not allowed in class then having one of these may come in handly.
18. USB Drive:
- A USB drive for saving and transporting digital files. 16GB or 32GB flashdrive are realy NOT enough these days as it get fill up pretty quickly. However, 256GB should be plenty of storage for an 8th grader, just make sure its a USB-C one that has waterproof features. These days everything is backed up on the cloud.
- Your child's school may have a cloud-based system that they can take advantage of and have access to whatever they store on it, but getting a USB drive may be a better option in the long run due to the privacy it has.
19. Headphones or Earbuds:
- Headphones or earbuds for listening to audio lessons or videos. Noice-cancelling, in-ear, wireless headphones are the way to goo, make sure it has bluetooth features to connect. Wired headphones are very inconvenient these days, students prefer wireless because they are tangle-free.
20. Facial Masks and Hand Lotion/ Hand Sanitizer:
- In the age of hygiene consciousness, a pocket-sized hand sanitizer can be a trusty antibacterial sidekick, especially for that cafeteria scene during lunch breaks. Make sure you get the fragrance-free ones.
- Hand Sanitizer can be drying so having a smal pocket-sized, refillable, travel-friendly hand lotion in your child backpack is also a good idea.
21. Mobile Phone (if allowed)
If the school permits it and you think your child is ready to handle the responsibility, a mobile phone can help your child stay connected and organized. Ensure they use it responsibly and in accordance with school policies.
22. Personal Supplies:
- Personal items like tissues, a water bottle, a watch, and any specific supplies requested by your child for each of their individual needs, just add them to the school supply lists. You may be rushing out last minute to get them, but at least you'll know what you're looking for.
The "Don't Forget These" Checklist
Before we wrap up, here's a handy checklist of those often overlooked but necessary items:
- Pencil Case or Pencil Bag: A pencil bag or case helps keep pencils, pens, and other small supplies organized and easily accessible.
- Combination Lock: If your child has a locker, a combination lock will help keep their belongings secure.
- Lunch Box: A sturdy insulated, leak-proof lunch box ensures your child can enjoy a nutritious meal at school. All the better if it's microwave-safe and eco-friendly.
Final thoughts on 8th grade school supplies list
And there you have it—the ultimate 8th-grade school supplies guide from one experienced student to you. Remember, every 8th grader is unique, so adapt this list to your child's specific needs.
Embrace the adventure that is the 8th grade, laugh at the pencil perils, and cherish the memories that come with it.
Check back here on my blog for more helpful articles to help your child navigate elementary school for academic success.
Happy shopping, and may your back-to-school adventures be filled with more laughs than last-minute dashes to the office supply stores!
Note: Be sure to check your child's school's website and dress codes for any additional requirements specific to your school districts and grade level.
By preparing this comprehensive list of school supplies, you'll ensure your 8th grader has the tools they need for a successful school year.
This post was all about 8th grade school supplies list.
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