It still feels like the middle of Summer, but it’s time for the kids to head back to school already! Here in Florida, there’s not a hint of Fall happening but I’m stocking up on school supplies, buying backpacks, and bracing myself for my oldest child to start high school!
Life with a Freshman is going to be a big change for our family this year and one of the ways I’m trying to keep life sane is with a simple back to school teen organization backpack checklist.
Don’t worry, I created it as a free printable so your teens can start the school year on the right foot, too!
One of the challenges in switching from an elementary schooler to a middle or high schooler is that there’s no longer a tidy list of school supplies that are dropped off to the classroom the first day of school. With 8 different teachers, and less need for crayons, scissors, and pencil boxes, the required supplies vary greatly by instructor. Plus, now your child has some of their personal upkeep to maintain too (hello deodorant for after gym!)
A key part of being a smart parenting to your teen during these crucial years, is helping them to learn the important life skills that they are going to need in a few years when they are on their own (it’s okay to cry now, I did). Teen organization is a great place to focus, because it won’t just help them be successful students, but also well functioning adults.
Instead of constantly reminding my daughter what she needs to be prepared each day, this handy checklist places the responsibility on her shoulders. Now, forgotten flash drives or notebooks aren’t my responsibility, but solely hers.
Let’s take a peek at our Teen Organization Backback Checklist:
The upper schools in our district all issue tablets or laptops now so remembering that charger is a definite must do! Flash drives and earbuds are a necessity, too!
Even with technology playing a huge part in the educational system of today, teens still need paper and pen to round out their school day. I’m pretty sure the love of colored ink is genetic because, although the standard blue or black have their place, I almost never use those colors if I can help it. My little Freshman is the same way! She loves the 15 vibrant color choices offered in the Pilot G2 Pens. I totally bought a pack for myself, too, that teal is definitely my vibe and the silver is on point to doodle with and highlight around the teal ink!
A few years ago, my daughter started carrying some personal care items, like deodorant, lip balm, body spray, a comb, hand sanitizer, and whatever else she deemed essential, in a small pencil pouch. That way, she was able to freshen up throughout the day and feel good about her appearance. She also carries a mini umbrella so if she’s caught in the rain, either walking to or from the bus stop or around her outdoor high school campus, she’s covered.
My teen daughter adores Target almost as much as I do, and we are both a little bit pen obsessed. So, we were eager to check out the cool selection of Pilot G2 Pens! With so many fun options, it wasn’t hard to find her personal favorites, the colored gel ink ones with decorative stripes!
She loves these pens because the ink is so smooth and the comfort grip helps her when she’s taking notes with that fast talking history teacher! No wonder Pilot G2 Pens are America’s best selling gel ink brand!
Right now, you can even save big on your back to school purchases by using the coupon for Pilot G2 Pens right here. Target trip + Colored Ink Pens + Saving $$$$$= SCORE!!!!!!
But overall, most high school students need the basic items on this checklist to navigate their daily class load.
Be sure to check out The Best Homework Apps for teens, they’ll be a real lifesaver!
Teen Organization skills are so important, how have you helped your own kids with this life skill?
Rachael G says
Yay free printables!! It can be so difficult trying to get some students organized for school. Even after buying them all the supplies they need, they forget how to stay organized. I have seen so many students end up shoving all their important notes and homework into their backpacks, never to be seen again. Instead of organizing everything for them all the time, we as parents should teach our kids how to be organized themselves. Which can be super difficult if they are resistant. I just wrote about keeping teens organized for school. You can read it here: http://www.theexperiencedgraduate.com/blog/setting-up-an-organization-system
Thanks for the free printables!
-Rachael G at TheExperiencedGraduate.com
Roxanne says
I absolutely love G2 pens! That backpack & case combo is adorable, what a lovely list!
Shirley Martinez says
My kid is only 3 so I have time before any teen drama. I do Love G2 pens!
Denea says
I am a fan of any checklist but this checklist not only will help parents but the teens also! This will make them a little more responsible!
Amanda says
Ahh! They grow so fast! I have a junior and an 8th grader! I am from Texas and there is no sign of fall here either! This is a great list…we bought our supplies but you are right there aren’t really any lists so we just kinda guessed!
Sheena Tatum says
My friend does a school supply giveaway every year for thousands of kids and it seems like the lists get harder to keep up with every year.
Heather says
We aren’t quite there yet! A friend of mine mentioned the deodorant need as well. I never even thought of that!
Amanda Love says
I have one child who is currently in college! I agree with you, it’s definitely important to teach them life skills that their going to need once they’re away from home. Most of the teens these days can’t even fry an egg! It’s our duty to make sure their ready even while in high school. I love the printable, by the way!
Bianca @Lady Wiser says
My sons only want to use the Pilot G2 pens! I always shop at target for school supplies and purchased the decorative stripes pens for myself.
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
Love the idea of containing all the little items in a pencil pouch! I do the same in my purse. Thanks for sharing the checklist, it will sure help teens
Carolyn says
Using a pencil pouch is a great idea for carrying personal items so they don’t float all over the bottom of the backpack. Good luck in school this year.
Terri Steffes says
Great post! I know that moms of teens will be glad to have this to share with their kids. I love those pens, too. Great ink!
Taylor Mobley says
I love pilot gel pens! They write so easily and with great color pay off!
Michelle James says
This is a great list. I am in love with these pens. The colors are great and they feel nice when I write. I only have one kid left in college but I will share this with my friends with teens. Thanks!
Kecia says
I love using Pilot’s G2 pens. I didn’t know they made some with stripes on them! I have very small children, but school organization is definitely something to keep in mind as they get older.