First grade starter list — getting ready for the first year of school
Starting school is a big step for a child and the whole family; besides the backpack, pencil case and uniform, preparing for reading and writing and a new routine belongs on the list too. Treat the school's or teacher's supply list as the main source and use this one to catch what's left. Shared through a room code with your partner, nothing gets bought twice. No sign-up needed.
In short
For a child starting primary school, the school's or teacher's supply list comes first; the backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, pencil case, pencils, eraser, coloured pencils and notebooks are the basics. A school uniform or smock and sports kit may be needed too. To keep things from getting lost, write your child's name on everything or stick on a label.
20 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.
What's on the list
- School's supply listget it before shopping
- School backpacklight, adjustable straps
- Lunchbox
- Water bottleeasy to open, leak-proof
- Pencil case
- Pencilsa few, with spares
- Erasers
- Pencil sharpenerwith a lid
- Coloured pencils
- Felt-tip pens or crayons
- Notebooksthe type the school asks
- Scissorsround-tipped
- Glue stick
- School uniform or smockper the school's rules
- Sports shoes and kitvelcro or slip-on
- Name labelsfor bag, bottle, pencils
- Folderfor papers from school
- Raincoat
- Picture storybooksto read together
- Modelling doughhelps hand strength
Tips
Don't do the big shop before the school's supply list arrives; what's asked for differs from school to school and class to class.
Walk the route, school gate and classroom with your child before term starts; a familiar place softens first-day nerves.
Move bedtime and wake-up time closer to the school routine a few weeks ahead; the first week will be less tiring.
Pack the bag with your child rather than for them; knowing what's where also builds a sense of responsibility.
How it works
1. Open your room
Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.
2. Share the code
Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.
3. Finish it together
Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.
Frequently asked questions
Does a child need to read and write before starting first grade?
Usually not; reading and writing are taught at primary school. Reading stories together at home and supporting hand skills like holding a pencil and drawing lines is enough preparation; talk to the teacher if you're worried.
How should you choose a school backpack?
Pick a light one that sits well on the back, with wide, adjustable straps. A commonly given guideline is that a full bag shouldn't exceed a tenth of the child's body weight; have your child try it on and see if it's comfortable.
How can you help a child settle into school?
Visit the route and classroom beforehand, move bedtime and wake-up times closer to the school routine a few weeks ahead, and stay calm and patient in the first days. Giving your child time to talk after school also helps.
Can I change the list?
Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.
Do I need an account?
No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.
How long is the list kept?
As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.
Can I install it on my phone?
Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.