With the school year starting soon, I figured I would share my favorite school supplies that I utilized every year that I was in high school. If you are a freshman looking to be extra prepared or an upperclassman looking to improve your note-taking or study methods, I think you will benefit from this list.
Everything from Animal Science terms flashcards to English notes, they all need to be clearly and accurately composed. I have found the perfect combination of school supplies that keep my notes organized, help me to remember details, and make going through class material fun! From an academic and health perspective these supplies keep me sane and as I discover new ways to use these supplies my grades also improve.
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Each item is hyperlinked to Amazon to the exact products I use every school year. Just click on the title of each item and you’ll be redirected to Amazon where you can purchase each item. I hope that you find these suggestions useful:
1. High Sierra Access Backpack
I love this backpack! I have had High Sierra backpacks since the start of middle school but this one, in particular, has lasted me through all four years of high school. It is sturdy and roomy! I was able to keep compartments for school supplies, snacks, and my binder.
Storage Hack: I always put my school distributed planner and a folder in the easy to reach laptop pocket. In the folder, I kept I stack of loose-leaf lined paper, any homework assignment due on that day, and important documents such as field trip permission forms, a sports physical, etc. By having an organized folder like this you may not have to pull out your binder for every class and you can easily keep track of homework and other paperwork. This is by far the underdog of all school supplies.
2. Binders
These binders are highly durable, hold a lot of paper, and are customizable. I have put a year’s worth of class material in these binders, 2 inches is a perfect size!
I have also reused the binders from year to year and they have held up being shoved in and out of my backpack.
I love the creative flexibility of the binder. You can change the cover with a piece of paper with your class name on it. The white color of the binder allows for many themes that could match it.
3. Five Star Paper
This paper is so reliable. The paper has a unique texture that prevents highlighter from bleeding through or pen ink from smearing. It is perfect for taking high-intensity notes. The reinforced paper is perfect for frequently flipping through your binder to find homework or previously taken notes. You never have to worry about ripping the pre-punched holes.
4. Five Star Pencil Case
This pencil case is practical. It stands on its own and has loops you can place in the front of your binder. The case is the perfect size to fit your school supply essentials. It is the perfect case to grab quickly and easily.
5. Paper Mate ClearPoint Mechanical Pencils
These mechanical pencils are so practical! They write smooth and fine, with 0.7 mm lead, and let’s not mention the eraser quality! You can additionally get replacement lead and eraser so that the pencils themselves last all year long. They come in a wide range of colors!
6. Tab Dividers
These dividers are really useful in keeping all binders highly organized. The tabs are made of erasable material. This makes it perfect for reusing the dividers and making changes to tab titles. They additionally have reinforced holes that allow for ease in turning pages without tearing the holes.
7. Flashcards and Case
I highly recommend these flashcards. They allow you to easily write and edit on them (with pen or pencil).
The case makes it easy to travel with all your flashcards. It even has an area for you to stand flashcards on the outside.
Study Tip: Using flashcards allows you to have active recall which occurs when you see the front of the flashcard and think about what’s on the back. This process enhances memory.
8. Three Ring Three Hole Punch
This portable three-hole punch comes in handy when your teacher hands you worksheets without holes! This is a guaranteed way to never lose an assignment. It is thin enough to fit in the front of your binder (along with your Five Star Pencil Case).
9. AKG Earphones
These headphones came with my Samsung S8 and I love them!!! They are spectacular at blocking out sound, have a great fit, and are durable.
An added feature is its tangle-free wires, made with fabric! So go ahead shove them into your pockets.
Even if you don’t get these earbuds I highly recommend getting a pair of earbuds so you don’t have to use school distributed ones.
10. Contigo Water Bottle
This water bottle is easy to clean, light (even filled with water), and the best color (green). This bottle is easy to fill at the school water fountain and it encouraged me to drink a lot of water every day. It was my little secret to drink 8 of these water bottles a day before soccer practice and I was always ready to go! But no promises you won’t have to run to the bathroom more frequently.
Bonus: Both calculators can be used in every high school math class, like Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Pre – Calculus, Calculus, and Statistics. They can also be used on the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. So it is worthwhile becoming familiar with either of these calculators to be successful in your math and science classes and standardized tests.
Sneak Peek: These calculators can also be used for general college math and science classes and labs such as Business Calculus, Statistics, General Chemistry, and Biology.
Scientific Calculator
This is a lightweight calculator that you can carry everywhere! It does basic arithmetic functions and trigonometric functions. It can easily be accessed for doing simple math in class or for personal reasons.
Graphing Calculator
This calculator is a bit on the bulkier side but it is useful to have at home. My school had these calculators for students to borrow but only in the classroom. By purchasing the same calculator you are taught to use in class, you can complete homework efficiently and prepare for the test.
Conclusion
These are all the school supplies I trust every year to help me be successful. I value keeping my notes organized and of high enough quality to reference throughout the school year up until finals. I hope that you found my suggestions helpful and they empower you to take control of your educational journey.
Share with me in the comments or on social media your favorite school supplies. Also, let me know if you try any of these products out!!!
). If you can identify with any of these perspectives then continue reading my blog!