Perhaps the prospect of packing your backpack on your first day of school scares you. You need to choose and buy a backpack, put all the necessary school supplies and personal belongings. However, if you start preparing in advance, this activity will not be so unpleasant.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choosing a Backpack
Step 1. Read the school rules
Before you buy a backpack, check which backpacks are allowed at your school. Usually simple backpacks or shoulder bags are allowed as opposed to rolling bags. Rolling bags relieve stress on the back, but they can create obstacles in hallways and stairs.
Call your homeroom teacher (or ask your parents) if you are unsure of something
Step 2. Decide which backpack you need
Backpacks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. You can buy a regular backpack, tote bag, or tote bag if allowed at your school. When choosing, pay attention to the material, lining, size and straps.
- Examine the fabric of the backpack. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester work well because they are water repellent. If you prefer natural materials, buy a canvas backpack.
- If you are looking to buy a synthetic backpack, take a look at the lining. The fabric should be covered with a sealant. Squeeze the seal and see if it regains its shape. It shouldn't crunch or burst.
Step 3. Check the locks and reflectors
Fasten and unfasten all locks several times to make sure they work and are not snagging. If you have a choice, go for zipped backpacks over Velcro, as Velcro won't last long. Check the condition of the reflective elements - they will be useful if you will be walking with a backpack in the dark.
Step 4. Buy a backpack that is not too large
The backpack should not reach shoulder and neck level. A properly fitted backpack is positioned at torso level. If the school has lockers, make sure the backpack will fit in your locker.
Step 5. Check your harnesses before purchasing
The straps should be wide and padded to distribute the weight evenly. If you want to secure the backpack more to the body, you will need a backpack with a zip fastener on the chest. If you prefer bags, choose a bag that is comfortable to carry over your shoulder.
Step 6. Make sure your backpack has enough room for all your belongings
Think about what things you will take with you, how much space they will take and how much they weigh. Examine the inside of the backpack and see if it will fit thick notebooks, textbooks, personal belongings, and other essential items. Look for zippered compartments and padded pockets.
- Take the items you will be carrying with you to the store to see if they will fit. Try not to stain a backpack that you haven't bought yet.
- It is convenient to store documents, pencils, telephone in the compartments with locks. The padded compartments can carry laptops and tablets.
Step 7. Buy a quality backpack
Quality backpacks are more expensive, but they last longer. You don't have to buy a new backpack every year, so your investment will pay off. Some quality backpacks have a lifetime warranty and can be repaired or replaced under warranty.
Check out brands like Lands' End, Eastpak, L. L. Bean, JanSport and REI
Method 2 of 3: School supplies
Step 1. Prepare school supplies
Many schools distribute lists of needed supplies before class begins. Take this list to the store. If your school doesn't do this, make a list yourself. You will need to buy or prepare all of your items prior to getting started. Put all the items you need where you will fold your backpack.
Step 2. Group things
It will be easier to put things together if you first divide them into groups. Put together similar things: books with books, notebooks with notebooks, folders with folders, pens and pens, and so on. You can sort them by color, size, or by item.
You should have a folder for each item and at least two notebooks
Step 3. Put your little things in special covers and containers
Pencils, pens, and other small items are best stored in a pencil case or case. Organize your belongings into pencil cases and cases before putting them in your backpack. This will make it easier for you to tidy up and not lose items in your backpack.
Step 4. First fold the textbooks
Textbooks are the largest, heaviest and most important items in a backpack. They usually take up the most space. Place your textbooks in the main compartment of your backpack first. To make the backpack easier to carry, place your textbooks against the back.
If you are in high school, all textbooks will not need to be worn every day. Fold up the books you need on the first day of school
Step 5. Arrange the papers into folders
You may need to fill out forms and contracts on the first day of class. You may also be given bibliography, schedule, map. Prepare a folder for these documents, fold all the papers you need and put them in your backpack.
- Put your contact information in this folder. It can be a regular card with your name, phone number, and address.
- It is useful for children to have one folder for all papers. Sign the folder to make it easier to find.
Step 6. Place other large items in your backpack
Place notepads, thick notebooks, and other books you will need in class in your backpack. Fold them in front of the textbooks in the main compartment. If your backpack has two main compartments, keep them separate from your textbooks.
It is important to fold large items first to avoid damaging small items
Step 7. Fold small items
Place pencil cases and cases with pencils, pens, and laundry in small compartments in the front, sides, or inside of your backpack. You may need to store your art tools like markers, crayons, and pastels in a separate pocket.
Step 8. Fold electronic devices if you need them
Younger students do not need computers, but they are used a lot in high school. Pupils of all ages often have tablets. Some backpacks have dedicated secure compartments for laptops and tablets near the back. If there is no such compartment, place the device where it will not break.
- You can have your smartphone with you, but you should turn it off during classes.
- Don't forget to fold the charger if you need it.
Method 3 of 3: Extra Stuff
Step 1. Take the medication you need with you
If you have asthma, fold down the inhaler. If you are allergic, take your allergy medication with you. Add up any medication you need. It will be useful to have paracetamol or analgin with you just in case.
If you have any health problems, alert the school nurse before the start of the school year
Step 2. Take a water bottle with you
There is usually drinking water at school, but it is better to have a bottle with you. Use an airtight bottle. Water can leak from a regular bottle onto your belongings.
Do not bring juice in bags or bottles with you - it can leak and stain school supplies
Step 3. Take food with you
Young children eat more often, but students of all ages need food. Pack your apples or bananas with you for a snack between sessions. Crackers will do as well. Fold them into a ziplock bag and place them in the side compartment.
You can take a full meal with you, but the lunch box may not fit in your backpack
Step 4. Take personal hygiene items with you
You may need deodorant, hand sanitizer, comb, pads or tampons, hair ties, hand cream. You may need a cosmetic bag. Put all your belongings in a small purse and place them in a medium-sized pocket, separate from your important school supplies, to avoid spilling liquids in the event of a leak. You can fold the cosmetic bag separately.
Do not take more with you than you might need. Of course, there are important things (hand sanitizer, deodorant, personal hygiene products for women), but you probably shouldn't carry all your cosmetics with you
Step 5. Take a change of clothing with you
Extra clothes are especially useful for young children, who may get dirty while playing or may not be able to reach the toilet in time. Adult students usually do not need a change of clothing, but if there is physical activity on the schedule, bring your sportswear with you. Fold your belongings into a plastic bag and place them in an empty compartment in your backpack.
Step 6. Fold your items for the locker
If you have your own locker at school, you will need your own lock (unless it has a built-in lock). You might want to decorate your locker. You can take photos, pictures or any other decorations with you.
Younger students often have lockers where toys can be kept
Step 7. Try to put on your backpack
When you've folded all your belongings, make sure the backpack zips up without undue tension. The backpack will most likely be full, but the fabric should not be pulled too tight. Walk around with your backpack assembled. Your back shouldn't hurt because of its weight.
Place your backpack where it is convenient for you to grab it before leaving home
Advice
- In some schools folders and notebooks are not needed in elementary school, while in others students are given special notebooks. Find out if you need to buy them before the start of the school year.
- Fold A4 sheets into folders. Sign folders to avoid confusion.
- Pack your backpack and get your clothes ready for the evening. Wash your lunch container in the evening to keep it clean and ready to use in the morning.
- Buy a quality backpack.
- Sign notebooks, folders, and pencil cases to make them easier to read. You can glue special stickers or use plain paper and tape.
- Tidy up your backpack regularly. Clean up unnecessary items every night. It is also important to wash your backpack from time to time, but this should not be done in a machine. Hand wash your backpack in warm water with soap and a brush.
- Pack only the books you need in your backpack. If you have math on Tuesday, put your math book in your backpack on Monday night. Don't carry extra textbooks with you.
Warnings
- Always keep your backpack in a safe place to avoid being stolen. If your school has a locker, keep your backpack there or place it so you can see it at all times. You can put a name tag on your backpack.
- Backpacks that are too heavy can cause back problems. The backpack should weigh no more than 15% of your weight.