What are the Different Types of School Supplies?

School supplies are items that students need to complete assignments and to help them capitalize on the educational process. As students move along the educational path, the types of schools supplies they need often change. There are some, however, that may be necessary from the primary years through university. These include paper, books, and writing utensils.

During the primary years, many of the school supplies required are art related. Students are often required to have crayons, scissors, glue, and construction paper. They usually also need writing paper and pencils. The paper, however, is normally specially designed with large lines and is greater in width than length. The pencils are often much bigger than those that will be used later in life.

As students advance into their elementary years, they usually begin to use notebooks and loose leaf paper. They may be required to complete certain assignments in pen. The crayons they once used are usually replaced with colored pencils and markers.

They usually also begin to have textbooks for various subjects. In some schools, these are loaned to the students at no cost. In other instances, students must buy their books.

During the middle school years, the use of art supplies generally diminishes and the school supplies needed become more basic and standard for several years. Such items include folders, binders, and note cards. The introduction of specialized classes, such as foreign languages and technology, may require that certain special items such as multilingual dictionaries and tool kits be purchased.

In high school, the necessary school supplies can begin to vary greatly because there are usually various options available for classes. For example, depending on which math is chosen, a student may need a scientific calculator, graph paper, or a compass. Advanced English classes may require the purchase of novels and works of literature.

When students begin their college education, school supplies often become much more expensive. Books are rarely loaned. This means every class generally requires the purchase of one or more textbooks or workbooks. Students may also need legal pads, miniature recorders, and specialized dictionaries.

Depending on the students’ majors, specialized supplies may be required. Those who major in photography, for example, are usually required to buy their own photographic equipment including cameras, film, and printing paper. Those who major in culinary arts are often required to buy knives, food thermometers, and uniforms.