Pencil Cases: What Your Child Needs for School

What should be included in children's pencil cases? Are they bringing everything they need to take notes and do their work? In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about organizing your child's school supplies.
Pencil Cases: What Your Child Needs for School
María José Roldán

Reviewed and approved by the psychopedagogue María José Roldán.

Written by Naí Botello

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Many mothers wonder about how to properly pack their children’s pencil cases. Although schools provide lists of the supplies children will need, the truth is that there are many products on the market and that it can be difficult to choose the right ones.

With this in mind, we’ve provided a list of the best options for school supplies for your children’s pencil cases. They’re practical, comfortable and safe, allowing them to do all their schoolwork without any issue.

What to put in your child’s pencil case

Pencil cases are important tools that allow children to transport their school supplies between home and the classroom. Having a good pencil case makes for an orderly backpack, while also ensuring the supplies remain in good condition.

Before considering what to put in your child’s pencil case, though, you need to settle on the most suitable model.

Types of pencil cases

The use of cases to protect writing instruments goes back at least as far as 1860, at which point they were cylindrical in shape. From there, many different designs emerged for carrying pens and pencils around. Nowadays, there are many options on the market.

Basically, there are three pencil case models to choose from. Firstly, there are those made from resistant and washable fabrics. There are also plastic and metal cases.

The first option is most recommended due to their practicality. The best models feature different internal compartments, which will allow you to separate larger items like scissors, markers and sharpeners from pencils and colored pencils.

Metal cases can also be useful if your child doesn’t need to carry too many supplies. However, you should consider that the space they offer is more restrictive. In addition, they make a lot of noise when carried around in a backpack.

Pencil Cases: What Your Child Needs for School

Essential school supplies

Now that we’ve examined the different pencil case options, it’s time to take a look at the most practical items you need to put in your child’s case.

Pencils

Children should carry at least two pencils in their case. They should always have a spare one in case the other one breaks.

It’s important to check children’s pencil cases when they return home from school to see if they’ve kept any broken pencils. If so, remove them immediately. The wood chips can hurt your child.

Pencil sharpener

Always choose sharpeners that feature containers. This will ensure that your child doesn’t have to get up to dispose of the shavings.

Also, check the cap before you make your purchase. It needs to be tight enough so that it doesn’t open and spill the shavings inside the case.

Eraser

Erasers come in a variety of forms. Choose the classic bar erasers, which last much longer. It’s not a bad idea to include a smaller extra eraser. Since these items are used so often, they tend to get lost.

Flexible rulers

Flexible rulers are great school supplies. You can store them anywhere (not just in the case) as they fold completely. Your child can make it last throughout the school year because it won’t break easily. You’ll also avoid the accidents that sometimes result from harder rulers.

“There are three pencil case models to choose from. Firstly, there are those made from resistant and washable fabrics. There are also plastic and metal cases.”

Scissors

You should always buy blunt-tip scissors, no matter your child’s age. They come in different styles, with ergonomic designs to better fit your child’s hand.

Felt-tip pens and markers

The best options for children are those that feature less chemicals. This will prevent any potential allergic reactions. Also opt for the washable varieties.

Colored pencils

Choose the kind of colored pencils that are washable and not too thin. Thicker models will allow your child to grip them better, making coloring more easy.

Pencil Cases: What Your Child Needs for School

How to store the items in the case

If you bought a case with internal divisions, separate the large objects from the small ones. If you like, you can organize the items by category.

One area can feature scissors, the pencil sharpener, the ruler, and the erasers, while another can store pencils, colored pencils, markers and felt-tip pens.

Meanwhile, if you have a single-space or metal case, you can always place the larger objects at the bottom with the smaller objects on top. Another option is to put the most frequently used items in last so your child can find them right away.

These tips are very useful and promote greater safety for your child. Finally, don’t forget to write your child’s name on the case, ensuring that it will be returned in case it becomes lost.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.