Back-to-School Checklist: A Guide for Parents
Discover tips for organizing supplies, setting routines, and starting a new reading habit with the BookSmart app.
As summer winds down in many parts of the world and the school year approaches, it’s time to start preparing for a smooth transition back to school. From organizing supplies to establishing new routines, this back-to-school checklist is designed to help your child (and you) get ready for the year ahead. These tips will help your child develop valuable skills like prioritization and organization, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
One month before school: Start shopping
Supplies are essential for the school year. Here’s what you may need:
Schoolwork supplies
Make sure your child is equipped with the basics:
- Backpack
- Binders/folders
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pencil case
- Sharpener
- Colored pencils/crayons/markers
- Erasers
- Highlighters
- Scissors
- Glue
If your child’s school requires any specific items, now is the time to add them to the list.
Health supplies
Keep your child healthy with:
- Hand sanitizer
- Box of tissues
Lunch supplies
Stay organized and ensure your child eats well at school with:
- Lunchbox
- Ice pack
- Water bottle
Other Essentials
Don’t forget gym shoes and any other items your child might need for extracurricular activities.
Tip: As you prepare for the school year, consider downloading the BookSmart app by Worldreader. It’s a great way to establish a reading habit before school starts, making the transition smoother.
One week before school: set your family up for success
With only a week left before school starts, it’s time to lay the groundwork for a successful year. New routines can be tough, but a little preparation can make all the difference.
Set and follow a bedtime routine
Consistency is key to helping your child ease into the school routine. Establish a bedtime routine that your child can follow easily:
- Brush teeth
- Take a bath or shower
- Read a book on BookSmart
Starting a reading habit helps your child wind down at night and prepares them mentally for the learning ahead.
Organize your child’s morning routine
Make mornings stress-free by organizing everything the night before. Designate a spot where the following items will always be kept:
- Backpack (with all necessary school supplies packed inside)
- Lunchbox (ready to grab from the fridge)
- Shoes (no more searching for that missing sneaker!)
Tip: Set up a monthly at-home calendar to track events, activities, and important school dates. This will keep your family organized and prevent last-minute scrambles.
Top 4 back-to-school books on BookSmart
Reading is a fundamental part of learning, and the BookSmart app offers a wide range of books to get your child excited about the new school year. Here are four top picks available on BookSmart that are perfect for back-to-school reading:
Getting Ready by Read with Highlights
Published by Highlights for Children
Ages 0-8
Gina and her dad go shopping for school supplies.
► Get ready together here.
New Kid in School (Voices Leveled Library) by Nan Walker
Published by Highlights
Ages 9-12
Sam is the new kid in school—the only kid from Earth at a school on another planet. The alien children find Sam’s looks and actions strange, and Sam has a hard time fitting in. The alien students try to apply the Golden Rule to make Sam feel more accepted, but they soon learn that what is desirable in one culture may not be desirable in another culture. In the end, the aliens learn that the simplest way to find out about another culture is to ask.
► Read it here.
The Adventures of Miss Happ: The World’s Unluckiest Teacher #1 – Miss Happ’s First Day Mix-up by Laurie Friedman
Published by Crabtree Publishing
Ages 6-8
Miss Happ loves being a teacher and doing special things for her students. She is also the world’s most unlucky teacher. Her plans always seem to go wrong. But that doesn’t stop Miss Happ from turning a negative into something positive!
► Read here.
Kooky’s First Day of School by BG Bradford
Published by Worldreader Originals
Ages 0-5
It’s Kooky Kitty’s first day of school! Come along and experience the excitement of starting new things, overcoming first-day jitters, and discovering the joy of friendship. Get ready for a purr-fectly fun adventure!
► Read it here.
Preparing to go back to school doesn’t have to be stressful. By getting supplies early, establishing routines, and encouraging reading through BookSmart, you can ensure your child is ready to tackle the new school year with confidence. Remember, the habits you establish now will last a lifetime.
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