Tech, Tips & Tricks
Distance Learning Supplies Checklist for Every Student
The world is looking a little different right now, and the usual back to school shopping has a different flair, too. With most of our classrooms being brought home for the fall, what do you need to keep your kids focused and ready to learn during the school day? Read on for supply lists for your students of any age in the new age of distance learning.
Kindergarten
While apps exist for almost anything, even painting or letter spelling, give your student some real life manipulation tools like art supplies and magnetic letters for learning opportunities that can take place offline. Learning to use scissors and glue and practicing writing are important parts of hand eye coordination development. Their normal classroom would give them a lot of choice free play, so have a set of toys that are for school time only. While you’ll probably need to be present more often during a kindergartner’s online classes, a set of comfortable headphones will give you a chance to concentrate during reading or music times.
Tablet, case and stand (Our picks: iPad with the Smart Cover and the Logi BASE Charging Stand with Smart Connector)
Stylus (Our pick: Logitech Crayon)
Crayons (Our pick: Crayola Washable Ultra Clean Crayons)
Small, portable whiteboard and dry erase markers
Picture books
Safety scissors
Learning toys (cutting food sets, building toys, pattern blocks, etc.)
Elementary School
You’ll be surprised how independent elementary kids can be if they have access to the right tools. As they do more writing online, they’ll need a keyboard. A whiteboard is great for showing the teacher answers during online lessons.
Tablet with keyboard (Our picks: iPad with Logitech Slim Folio)
Paper with wide lines or a primary composition book
Pencils and sharpener
Simple calculator (Special mention: We love this Educational Insights See ‘N’ Solve Fraction Calculator)
Small, portable whiteboard and dry erase markers
Scissors
Grade-level readers and books (Check out: 11 Best New Children’s Books This Year)
Desk lamp (Our pick: Students Eye-Caring LED Desk Lamp)
Middle & High School
School supplies get more utilitarian the older they get, but I suggest allowing your teenage children pick out some frivolous “flair” items for school time. They’re missing a lot of the fun and fresh start feelings that a new school year holds, so try to make distance learning feel special, too. This age group is affected the most by the loss of social independence that usually happens at school. Even though they won’t be with their friends in person, a few new outfits helps with more normalcy and they’ll still want to show off their new clothes in class meetings. Students at this age will have more online meetings, so help them set up and decorate a space they feel comfortable sharing with their class when the cameras turn on.
Chromebook (Our pick: Lenovo Chromebook Duet With Keyboard)
Mouse (Our pick: Lenovo Wireless Mouse)
Scratch paper
Scientific calculator (Our pick: Texas Instruments® TI-34 MultiView™ Scientific Calculator)
Ruler
Multi-pocket folders for each subject
Printer (Our pick: HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 Wireless Color All-In-One Inkjet Printer)
Calendar/planner (Our pick: Erin Condren Kids Planner)
Headphones with microphone (Our pick: Skullcandy Riff On-Ear Headphone)
Backdrop wall hanging or large posters
Back to school outfits (Special mention: Check out Gap’s new Teen Collection)
College
Long hours at the computer are going to be expected this year. They’ll be tuned in with computers for online lectures and completing most of their reading and work online. Make this as easy as possible with an ergonomically supportive desk chair, a desk that can be adjusted for standing or sitting to provide variety during the day and a second screen. This kind of flexibility will help your kids avoid back problems and hunching from day after day at their computer. Similarly, I suggest a set of blue light glasses to reduce retina damage.
Comfortable desk chair (Our pick: Realspace® MFTC 200 Mesh Multifunction Ergonomic Mid-Back Task Chair)
Sit to stand desk converter (Our pick: FlexiSpot AlcoveRiser Sit-To-Stand Desk Converter)
File organizers and folders
Headphones with microphone (Our pick: Jabra Elite Active 65t)
Planner (Our pick: Erin Condren Tie Dye Metallic Academic Planner)
Webcam (Our pick: Logitech C920S Webcam)
Blue light glasses (Special mention: We love the selection of computer glasses from EyeBuyDirect)
Laptop (Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook)
Mouse (Our pick: Logitech M325 Wireless Optical Mouse)
Second monitor (Our pick: Samsung SF350 24″ LED FHD FreeSync Monitor)
Notebooks
Printer (Our pick: HP OfficeJet 3830 Wireless All-In-One Instant Ink Ready Inkjet Printer)
Stay safe and shop online with Rakuten for deep savings and Cash Back for everything you need this year. Have a happy distance learning school year!
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