...this is all completely new to me. It's kind of embarrassing to ask this question b/c it seems like something I should know. lol Other than curriculum, what other supplies would I need to get or have on hand for an 8th grader, on average. I have NO clue. The public school DS went to from preschool-6th grade supplied everything for us, and last year the supplies we gave were minimal (paper, pencils, tissue, etc).
The only other things I can think of is music, art, and sports. What ever way you want to go towards that is up to you.
We keep on hand... all kinds of art supplies: crayons, markers, colored pencils (right now all this stuff is dirt cheap at walmart, worth the drive if you have to travel, stalk up now for the year). Water colors, scissors, paper of differnt types (noteboooks, loose leaf, drawing pads, construction, a few packs of printer paper <I buy this by the case but I have 4 kids and print a ton>), printer ink, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, binders, hole punch, stapler, tape, rubber bands, index cards, etc. Think basic office supplies. Some other things I like to have on hand: brads, "binder rings", dry erase crayons (and individual boards plus a big one).
Don't forget your library card! Also folders/binders for each subject's work are helpful to keep organized. Glue sticks and glue. Math supplies-ruler, protractor, compass.
I assemble a brand new "school box" for each boys every year. It's just your basic $.97 little plastic school supply box filled with brand new crayons, colored pencils, pencils, pencil sharpener, protractor, etc. Even older kids need crayons. At his age I'd also index cards, graph paper, and writing paper. Other than that, paper and ink, paper and ink, paper and ink. Really. Paper and ink.
Looseleaf paper, graph paper, pencils, pens, folders, binders,notebooks, art supplies,index cards (if doing a report) pretty much basic supplies
If you already know what curriculum you're using, use that as your guide. Does your curriculum list supplies needed? Go through and see what you'll need. No reason to buy anything you don't absolutely have to. We use a dry erase board and dry erase markers to save on paper (and lessen paper clutter)... especially for math work.
I just supply the basics.. paper, notebooks, folders, binders, etc... I think a white board is a must! (don't forget the makers for it..)
For 8th grade, I just get basic supplies: spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, looseleaf, color pencils (mainly for maps), erasers, ruler, protractor and compass. If we're doing art or music or something, then whatever the course requires, but for core courses, that's about it. Then for school in general I have printer paper and ink, stapler and staples, paperclips, hole punch, file folders, markers for the whiteboard... stuff I need regardless.
Not having read all the other answers thoroughly.... Did anyone mention a dictionary and/or thesaurus?
I wouldn't rush to get supplies right now. I would only get whatever the resources I am going use call for at this point. So many times we rush out to get back to school supplies and end up never using most of them.
You may want to consider a scientific calculator. We just got the ones for my kids that are about $15. They said that they are PSAT/SAT approved, so they should last thoughtful high school. Like a couple of other mom's have said, I wouldn't bother getting a whole lot unless you have the money and want to take advantage of sales. You may be surprises how many supplies will carry over into future years - especially if you're child uses the computer for writing.
I kinda read through everyone's list quickly, but here's a few I'd add: Globe/wall poster of the world Binder paper (Obviously, but I meant that you need to keep a supply on hand. Every year I don't buy enough and I run out.) Printer paper (same with printer paper. Have some on hand.) Colored printer paper (Just nice to have. I like being able to print on colored paper) Manilla folders Index cards (to make flash cards) stapler/staples
