B2SS- Pens and Pencils

Todays focus is pens and pencils. Of course you may have this set up at home already, and if you do, then congrats... no need to spend! However, here is a really basic kit that can be put together so cheaply. If you are buying everything on the list, the maximum outlay will be around $10.

At the very minimum, having HB pencils and a sharpener available will set your child up for learning. Here is a 'stationery list' to help you get set up...

1. HB Pencils... have a couple of pencils set aside per child. Avoid cheap pencils as the lead inside them is usually broken and they are terrible to sharpen.

2. Pencil Sharpener. A nice metal sharpener will live longer than a plastic one.

3. Eraser- buy a quality one, rather than a novelty eraser.

4. Chalk. Great for practicing writing or basic facts on the concrete outside.

5. Colored Pencils- avoid the dollar shop version as they are terrible to sharpen and don't really color in well. Invest in a good/ branded set.

6. Felt Tipped Pens- thicker pens for younger children, thinner pens for older. You don't need a set of 60 to get set up. A medium priced set will see you well (as long as your child knows not to press too hard and how to put the cap on)

7. Highlighters- great for highlighting what your child has done well/ for supporting with letter formation or finding important information in text

8. Pens- More for older students, but younger students will feel very important if you let them use a pen instead of a pencil

There are lots of ways to go lush- gel pens etc, but my focus here is setting up a cheap and basic, but useful and usable kit.

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