It is that time of the year in Nigeria when parents start preparing their kids for a new academic session. The hassle of getting the backpacks, breakfast, traffic, and homework begins. It is back to the rigorous routine of school runs and planning.
Kids being used to sleeping late during the long summer breaks are back to "I don't want to go to bed". Despite the complaints, little ones have to be in bed on time.
Going to school after the holidays is always a big deal for parents and their children. Most Nigerian parents are usually excited when the primary school years begin after the long breaks because they get to send their kids off to school and have some alone time for themselves when the need be.
The new school year is a mixture of kids starting school for the first time or returning students. Whether the kids are excited or not, they have to resume school. Part of the resumption process is getting them ready by providing the things they would need for the school year.
Starting or returning to primary school means back-to-school supplies parents or guardians need to provide for their kids, which we will be discussing in this article. Uniforms are always on the list because primary school kids outgrow everything too fast.
The back-to-school season can be easier for the kids and the parents with preparation and forethought. As we now live in the post-pandemic era, children must be protected.
Are you wondering what should be on your school shopping list? Well, let us give you some ideas that will help.
Stationery For Primary Students
You hardly find a child who is not excited bout getting new things. For some kids, receiving brand new pencils, pens and exercise books can make them happy. While for some, getting a new game makes them happy, wondering why their parents are spending money on school items instead.
Each child is different. We advise parents to buy stationaries that kids like and attract their personality, especially if the school does not give exact details of what parents should buy.
Although some primary schools provide students with the stationery they use in class, it is still worth investing in some supplies for their homework.
Primary school students generally do not need as much stationery as students with a secondary school shopping checklist. That's because many primary schools, especially private ones, tend to provide some materials for their students. Many of these schools already add stationary as part of the fees.
The stationery you buy will be for homework if your child's school has included it in their fees.
One of the ways to ensure you get what they will need in school or for their homework is by checking in with your child's teacher. This way, you know if they require you to provide any or all the writing implements and notebooks for classroom use.
Regardless of the requirements, here's a list of stationery that you should have on your shopping list that can never be a waste.
- Pencils
- Rulers
- Erasers
- Sharpeners
- Exercise books
- Coloured pencils
- Colouring pens
- Plain papers
You should have it in the back of your mind that the above list is just a baseline of what will be needed. Some schools may require you have a few more items on your list.
Every school and even every class is different; your child's class may require you to purchase art supplies like colouring books, glitters, paints, crayons etc.
School Uniforms For Primary Students
Nigerian schools require that primary school students wear uniforms to school. If you enter any primary school in Nigeria, you will find that all students are in the same uniform. Each school has its uniforms and accepted colours.
As all Nigerian schools require students to wear uniforms, you can count on spending most of your back-to-primary school budget on them. Primary school kids outgrow their clothes fast because they are at the developmental stage. Some can hardly fit into the ones they wore the previous session.
Each school has what completes its uniform. Some schools' uniforms include blazers, cardigans, ties, bows etc. Most schools usually have their crest on their uniform. One way to save costs when it comes to buying uniforms for growing kids is by buying uniforms not too small or too big so they can grow into them.
You can buy two or more of each uniform so your kids can have options daily. Buying uniforms from school can sometimes be expensive for parents. It is the reason some parents may buy one and sew the rest for their kids if possible.
Some Nigerian parents take some of their kid's uniforms to the market to buy similar materials to sew extra for them. In cases like this, the school sells crest to parents. At least this way, it can be attached to the uniforms.
We cannot talk about uniforms without including socks ad shoes. Most primary schools in Nigeria have colours they accept. Some schools allow only particular colours of socks and shoes. It would be best to check with your child's school before buying. Some schools even sell what is required to ensure uniformity in colour and style.
Each school has what makes a complete uniform set. If you are sure what it is, you can check with the school to ensure you have what you need on your shopping list. Some schools require ties, berets, caps etc.
Sports Uniform
Schools' uniform concept extends into the physical fitness domain. For Physical Education classes, your student will also need a uniform. Most of our primary schools in Nigeria ensure their students engage in sporting activities.
It is why each student belongs to a sports house. Each house is by its colours. For example, your child can belong to the colour green, which automatically means their sportswear will be green. You should check with the school to know which colour your child belongs to if they operate with colours.
Some schools sell these Physical education uniforms. If they don't, get information on what you should add to your list. The sports uniform could be shorts, a tee-shirt or a polo shirt, socks, trainers or sneakers.
As you consider your students' school uniform needs - for P.E. and the classroom, remember the tradition; buy big so they can grow into them as the year progresses.
Social Groups
If your child belongs to or would like to join social groups like brownies, boys scouts, choir or any other group in school, get information about their uniforms so that you can add them to your checklist or shopping list.
These groups have their uniforms. Some school sells them while some demand your purchase them yourself.
Other Miscellaneous School Supplies
Back-to-school lists go beyond just stationery and uniform. There are other items you will need to get that even the school automatically thinks you should know.
There are lists of good-to-have, nice-to-have and maybe-should-have items that beckon from store shelves and shopping aisles.
Book covers are a good example that is usually not included in the list a school may give parents. While some schools may require it, others may not. After all, they don't contribute to students' learning experience, and they are not necessary to do any work in school or at home.
However, they are ideal for students as they will protect their exercise books and textbooks from wear and tear. So consider adding book covers to your shopping list for your primary school kids.
Pencil cases are another example of miscellaneous school supplies. It is a good-to-have item. Some schools expect students to keep their writing instruments neatly in a case; others don't.
Having a pencil case will keep your kid's stationery organised. Imagine how many pencils will break from being tossed into a bag pack, unprotected.
We cannot talk of other back-to-school items without talking about bag packs. If your child is a returnee, last year's may still be serviceable, and if your child has outgrown it, you will likely need to buy a new one.
If you are getting a new bag pack for your child just starting school, ensure you get what they like and will be excited to carry.
Other items you should consider buying are:
- Lunch boxes
- Water bottles
- Hand sanitisers or wipes etc
These miscellaneous items can be an expression of a child's individuality. For example, a themed lunch box and water bottle in their favourite colour can give room for their individuality.
Unlike uniforms, they come with strict expectations that don't leave room for students to signal their preferences.
If their school allows a personal selection of bottles and boxes, let your child pick theirs out.
You can also read up:
The Start Of School Session Since The Outbreak Of The Covid-19 Pandemic
Planning A Healthy School Lunch For Students
Back To School Essentials For A Secondary School Session In Nigeria
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