Preparing for Success: Must-Keep Essentials for Next School Year

Hello!

As a teacher and tutor, I know firsthand how hectic the end of a school year can be. The good news? A little preparation now can set your child up for a smoother, more successful start to the next school year. One of the easiest ways to do this is by identifying the essential items to retain for next school year. Let’s dive in and tackle this together!

Why Retaining Key Items Matters

Keeping the right materials from the previous school year isn’t just about saving money—it’s about setting your child up for academic success. Many essential items, like reference guides or reusable supplies, can provide continuity and help your child build on what they’ve already learned.

Dr. Emily Carter, a reading specialist and author, explains, “Holding onto critical tools like annotated books or reading journals allows children to reflect on their progress and revisit foundational skills when needed.”

What to Keep for Next School Year

Here are some categories to focus on when deciding what to retain:

1. Reusable School Supplies

High-quality supplies often last beyond one school year. Before replacing items, check to see if they’re still in good condition. Examples include:

• Durable binders and folders

• Scissors, rulers, and calculators

• Art supplies, like crayons and markers, that are still usable

Quick tip: Create a "supply check" station where your child can test markers or pens and sort through their tools.

2. Key Academic Materials

Some materials can be lifesavers when it comes to reviewing past concepts. These might include:

• Study guides or reference sheets (e.g., multiplication charts)

• Notebooks with unused pages

• Teacher feedback on essays or projects that highlight areas for improvement

According to literacy coach Rachel Thompson, “Retaining feedback-rich assignments can serve as a blueprint for future success, especially in writing-intensive subjects.”

3. Books and Reading Journals

Keep leveled readers, favorite novels, or reading logs. These can:

• Reinforce skills

• Provide enjoyment over the summer

• Help your child tackle more advanced material next year

Pro tip: Label the books with their reading level to easily identify which ones to revisit later.

4. Organization Tools

Storage solutions, like pencil cases or labeled bins, are worth keeping if they’re still functional. They’re practical and can save you from buying replacements.

5. Sentimental Keepsakes

A few special projects or awards can inspire your child and remind them of their hard work. Choose a handful that truly stand out and store them in a "memory box."

What to Let Go

While keeping essentials is important, decluttering is equally critical. Ask yourself these questions when sorting:

• Is this item still relevant to the next grade level?

• Has it outlived its usefulness (e.g., broken or outdated)?

• Will keeping this add value, or is it just taking up space?

Items to discard include:

• Torn or worn-out supplies

• Completed worksheets and homework

• Duplicates of tools your child rarely uses

Letting go of unnecessary items creates space—both physically and mentally—for new opportunities.

Organizing What You Keep

Once you’ve decided what to retain, it’s time to organize. Here’s how:

Step 1: Sort Into Categories

Use labeled bins or folders for:

• "Keep for Next Year"

• "Summer Use"

• "Donate or Discard"

Step 2: Create an Accessible Study Space

Keep frequently used items in a dedicated homework station. This reduces the frustration of hunting for supplies during busy school nights.

Step 3: Involve Your Child

Encourage your child to help with the process. It teaches organization skills and ensures they know where their materials are.

When to Invest in New Supplies

While reusing materials is great, some items will need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for:

• Back-to-school sales for supplies like pencils and notebooks

• High-quality replacements for items like backpacks and lunchboxes

Investing in durable options can save money in the long run and prevent mid-year replacements.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the next school year doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on the essential items to retain for next school year, you’ll save time, money, and headaches. More importantly, you’ll set your child up for success with the tools they need to thrive.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support in getting your child ready academically, we're here to help! Visit www.unbogglelearning.com to learn about our personalized services that will set your child up for success.

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more tips and updates—we’d love to hear how you’re preparing for the upcoming school year. Comment below or follow us for more ideas!

Happy learning!