From the early days of Pre-K through elementary school, the annual trip to Walmart (or Staples if you were extra fancy) always included the same critical supplies. Though you may have slipped a Hannah Montana lunchbox or a folder covered with kittens into the cart over the years, there were always the classic, important and traditional items that you simply could not start the year without.
1. Pencil Box
Back in our schoolyard days, there was no other form of storage more practical and more stylish than the original pencil box. With so many colors to choose from, you could either revel in the uniqueness of your glittered lime green box or you could strategically plan to get the same hot pink one as your BFFLs.
2. Pink Eraser
You make a lot of mistakes growing up. But in elementary school, there is nothing a big, pink eraser can’t fix! By metaphorically and literally allowing you to begin each day anew like a fresh sheet of paper, you were presented with every opportunity for all A’s and possibly even extra recess time. The only aggravating part was getting those darn shavings all over your old wooden desk.
3. #2 Pencils
Despite the urge to go cray with the most top-notch mechanical pencils that Walmart had to offer, your supply list strictly stated only the classic #2 pencils were permitted. With a sigh, you were always forced to place the latest advancement in modern day pencil technology back on the shelf and settle for the required 99 cent #2's.
4. Box of Crayons/Colored Pencils
Located just around the corner from the despairingly dull #2 pencils, you were finally able to add a little excitement in your life by getting to select crayons and colored pencils. The important question is, will your mom succumb to your begging and purchase the 64-pack?
5. Scissors (no sharp edges please)
The fact that scissors were even included on the list still seems a bit risky, but when the required pair is hardly sharp enough to cut through paper, all fears of scissor-related classroom injuries are disregarded. Besides, other than trimming the hair of the girl sitting in front of you, how often will the scissors truly be used?
6. Composition notebook
Ah, the original notebook. Perfect for daily journal entries, these were likely required for each class. If you were lucky enough to snag one with polka dots or stripes, you knew your fourth grade year was destined for greatness. If you got stuck with the plain black style, you might as well go ahead and say goodbye to your chance at this year's treasure box.
Because of these few items, we were ingrained with a scholastic sixth sense at a young age, enabling us to become the motivated, overachieving college students we are today.
