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Why School Supply Selection Matters
- LaRaesha Kugel
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
I love this time of year—when school supplies take over every store aisle and I’m transported back to some of my favorite childhood memories. My sisters and I would sit surrounded by bags of new supplies, carefully writing our names on each one. Back-to-school shopping was one of the few times we received an abundance of new things, and I always remember how special it felt.
As a teacher, that excitement never faded—though for a different reason. Back-to-school season meant a new beginning, eager students, and a classroom full of possibility. Those first few days, everything was pristine: crayons intact, pencils sharpened, classroom perfectly arranged.
Now that I'm no longer in the classroom, I still feel that same joy—this time shopping for my own children. I go through their lists, check what we can reuse, what we need new, and, of course, hunt for the best deals. It’s like all my worlds—mom, teacher, and bargain-hunter—collide.
But this year, as I combed through the list, I realized how specific (okay, picky) I’ve become about brands and types of school supplies. And as a self-proclaimed school supply enthusiast, I wanted to share why that is.
When we think about setting students up for success, one of the first tools we give them is their school supplies. And if those tools are weak or ineffective, they don’t just make learning harder—they can create real frustration, especially for children with specific routines or sensory needs.
For example:
A pencil that doesn’t sharpen well or has a smudgy eraser can be a overwhelming.
Waxy crayons that require heavy pressure can lead to fatigue—or breakage and meltdowns.
Scissors that won’t cut smoothly are especially challenging for kids with fine motor difficulties.
In short: Brand matters. Not for status, but because quality tools support students in doing their best.
So, here’s my teacher-mom breakdown of the brands I trust and recommend—and why.
Please note, that at this time, these links are not affiliate links or tied to a commission.
Pencils
What I look for:
Smooth but firm writing: The pencil should glide across the paper without requiring pressure that causes hand fatigue.
High-quality eraser: It should erase cleanly without smudging or tearing the paper. This is especially important for kids who already feel anxious about making mistakes.
Reliable sharpening: The pencil should sharpen evenly, without peeling or breaking. If the lead constantly falls out, a student can lose focus—or worse, feel like they’re failing at something that should be simple.
My pick: Ticonderoga pencils. They’ve never failed me in the classroom or at home. I even buy an extra box during back-to-school sales to use at home for homework.
Colored Pencils
What I look for:
Smooth, vibrant color with minimal pressure: This reduces hand strain and supports sustained focus.
Strong, intact lead: The color core shouldn’t break easily or fall out after sharpening. When it does, it interrupts the task and can create distress—especially for students who thrive on routine or expect predictability.
Even sharpening: An uneven pencil tip can make coloring inconsistent or awkward, which is frustrating for kids who are particular about results.
My pick: Crayola colored pencils. They sharpen well and hold up. Crayola now even offers erasable ones—great for kids who struggle with mistakes. While we want to teach flexibility, not all children are developmentally ready for that. These help bridge the gap.
Crayons
What I look for:
Consistent color application with ease: Kids shouldn’t have to push hard just to get a bold color.
Color consistency between crayons: A red should be red every time—unexpected variation can be distracting or distressing for kids with specific expectations.
Break resistance: Broken crayons are not only frustrating, they can feel like a “failure” to some kids who struggle with emotional regulation.
My pick: Crayola classic 24-count crayons. Affordable, reliable, and with just the right variety of color to support creativity without overwhelming young learners. I prefer the 24-count because it provides a balanced range of options—enough to inspire, but not so many that it causes choice paralysis. That said, even within the 24-pack, some of the colors can be confusing. (Yes—there’s both Green Yellow and Yellow Green in there!) For children who are literal thinkers or who rely on visual consistency, this can occasionally lead to misunderstandings or frustration.
Markers
What I look for:
Smooth and even ink flow: Uneven or scratchy lines can ruin a drawing or writing task and cause stress for perfectionist learners.
Long-lasting ink: Constantly dried-out markers are discouraging and feel like wasted effort.
Flexible tip design: I prefer tips that allow for both thin and thick lines, which gives kids more control and flexibility.
My pick: Crayola markers. While I’m open to a few alternatives here, Crayola remains my go-to for durability and quality.
Scissors
What I look for:
Smooth, consistent cutting action: Scissors shouldn’t require a strong grip or complicated adjustments just to cut a straight line.
Size-appropriate fit: Scissors should be the right size for little hands—too big or too stiff makes them hard to control.
Correct hand dominance: Left-handed scissors make a huge difference for lefty kids—they cut more effectively and make the experience far less frustrating.
Guided grip handles: Thumb guides can help reinforce proper scissor grip and make it easier for educators or parents to support correct technique.
My pick: Fiskars scissors. They’re high quality and come in both right- and left-handed options. I’m also okay with some generic brands here—if they meet these key criteria.
Dry Erase Markers
What I look for:
Durable and long-lasting: A marker that dries out mid-use is more than annoying—it can disrupt learning.
Erasability: Ink that doesn’t come off cleanly causes visual clutter, which can be overstimulating or distracting.
Sturdy tip: The tip shouldn’t push in easily with normal use, as that shortens the marker’s life and leads to writing struggles.
Consistent writing experience: I personally use a chisel tip for variable line thickness, but for kids, I’ll sometimes choose fine tips for smaller boards to reduce visual overwhelm.
My pick: Expo dry erase markers. I’ve tried other brands, but none compare. Many generics are hard to erase and even stain the board—making them hard to read later. Bonus tip: a sock or scrap cloth works great as a reusable eraser.
Glue Sticks
What I look for:
Applies smoothly and evenly: Uneven glue application can cause paper to wrinkle or not stick well, which frustrates younger learners.
Dries clear and securely: I prefer the purple glue that dries clear—it gives visual feedback to help kids understand coverage, especially important for early learners or those with executive functioning challenges.
Easy to open and close independently: Students should feel confident using their supplies on their own without struggling with stuck lids or caps that don’t click shut.
My pick: Elmer’s purple glue sticks. They go on smoothly, dry clearly, and last if the cap is replaced properly. A great choice for independent use.
Where I Save (and Go Generic)
I’m all about stretching a budget. Here are items I often buy generic or reuse:
We reused this year:
Headphones
Scissors
Big pink erasers
Backpacks
Pencil bags in good condition
I buy generic for:
Paper
Notebooks and composition books
Folders (as long as they’re sturdy)
Binders (I choose ones with clear front sleeves)
Hand sanitizer
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season can be overwhelming and expensive. But investing in quality supplies can truly make a difference—for your child and their teacher. When your child has unique needs, and you thoughtfully support them in other areas, don’t overlook school supplies as another essential piece of that support system.
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