Choosing and Organizing Your Child’s School Bag

The school bag is a constant companion for children throughout their education, so it’s important for parents, especially mothers, to choose the right bag and fill it with essential items that the child will need daily. Selecting the proper bag and contents is not only a matter of convenience but also of health and safety.

According to Wasim Youssef, a primary education teacher, here are the key points to consider when choosing a school bag and filling it:

General Rules for Choosing a School Bag

1. Weight: The bag should not exceed 10% of the child’s body weight.

2. Size: It should cover the upper back to the lower back but not extend below the waist.

3. Width: The horizontal dimensions should not exceed the child’s width, and the bag’s edges should align with both shoulders.

4. Straps and padding: Shoulder straps should be padded with soft material, and the back should have thick cotton support to protect the spine.

Essential Items to Include in the Bag

Writing Tools

• Pencils: Essential for learning to write. Mechanical pencils are ideal since they break less easily. Keep extra pencils at home.

• Erasers: Choose fun shapes like animals to make erasing enjoyable.

• Sharpeners: Plastic sharpeners with covers are safe and prevent accidents.

Coloring Tools

• Include colored pencils, crayons, and pastel colors suitable for art classes.

Notebooks

• Small notebooks for jotting down ideas, notes, and homework assignments. These should be different from regular school notebooks.

Tips for Organizing School Supplies

1. Include items that facilitate learning, not for play.

2. Teach your child how and when to use each item, e.g., a sharpener vs. a home sharpener, or a ruler for separating answers.

3. Encourage responsibility and money management by taking care of supplies.

4. Consider online shopping for the latest supplies and store extras at home to save time.

Items to Avoid in the School Bag

1. Metal rulers: They can be sharp and cause injury or be misused by mischievous children. Use plastic or wooden rulers instead.

2. Pencils with feathers or attached figures: Although attractive, these can distract the child, cause messes, or strain finger muscles. Regular lightweight pencils are safer.

3. Notebooks with cartoon characters: Can turn lessons into playtime and disturb focus. Choose notebooks with simple designs and attractive colors.

4. Expensive stationery: Avoid high-cost items. Use standard supplies so the child learns sharing, humility, and responsibility, and you avoid financial loss if items are lost or damaged.

By following these guidelines, mothers can ensure their children have a safe, practical, and organized school bag, supporting both learning and physical health throughout the school year.