(NC)-Regardless of whether their kids are just starting primary school or entering their latter years of high school, most parents are already starting to think about their children’s back-to-school needs.

Though it will soon be back-to-school for all of them, students have very different needs in terms of school supplies depending on their age.

“Back-to-school shopping is certainly a universal experience, but some of the specific educational needs can be very different from one stage of schooling to another,” said Pete Gibel, Vice President of Merchandise, Staples Business Depot.

“While every student needs pens and pencils and notebooks, other items will come and go in importance depending on what stage of schooling they’re in.”

Staples Business Depot makes it easy for parents by highlighting some of the different school supplies in popularity based on students’ grade levels:

As noted, every pupil needs pens, pencils and notebooks. But in the younger elementary grades, art-related supplies such as glue sticks, 24-pack pencil crayons, erasers, markers and an 8.5 by 11-inch sketch book are also important items to add to the back-to-school shopping list.

Ditto for first sets of implements such as rulers and geometry sets. Pencil sharpeners, scissors (safety scissors for younger elementary students) and a pencil case or box are also good ideas for children at this stage.

In later elementary school years, more advanced items come into play, including a dictionary and math set (compass, protractor, triangles). And when given their first lockers, combination locks and locker organizer accessories will be new items on the list.

Moving on into high school, school supplies become more specialized and sophisticated. The pens, pencils and paper needs remain, but added into the mix are calculators, mini staplers, binders (and page reinforcements), a three-hole punch, highlighters, dividers and agendas to keep class assignments and deadlines clearly organized.

As classroom technology continues to advance, even some digital media supplies like blank CD’s and electronic organizers come into play.

“Parents shouldn’t be daunted by back-to-school shopping,” says Pete Gibel. Good sales associates are well-versed in the varying needs that change as students move up through their school years.

“And the best preparation for back-to-school shopping still lies in communication,” Pete Gibel says. “Talk to your children, and to their teachers about the kinds of activities they’ll be involved in during the upcoming school year.

“A little advance planning before heading out shopping can make the whole experience that much smoother and more enjoyable, both for the parents and the kids,” Pete Gibel said.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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4. Five Ways to Maximize Your Back to School Budget
5. A Guide to Teaching High School From Home

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