Diving into a new school adventure is like riding a roller-coaster of excitement and butterflies, right? I totally get it. And when that school happens to be in a whole new country? Well, let’s just say that roller-coaster feels a bit more like a space shuttle launch! 🚀 If you’re getting ready for back to school in Spain, I want to make your transition a tad bit easier.
I’ve written 20 Essential School Supplies Checklist just for you. Whether you’re thinking of moving to Spain or this is your familys first year or so, this personal guide, shaped by experience and insights, is your companion to feeling at home in your Spanish classroom from day one.
Going back to school in Spain
Now, it’s worth noting that Spain, with its rich tapestry of cultures and regions, can have varying school rules and school supplies. Take Valencia, for instance; we have our own school holidays and fiestas, and that also goes with school essentials. If your child is attending a public or concertado school, your child will probably need Valencian learning books and tools.
But what I’m sharing with you is based on my personal experience, the little tidbits I’ve picked up, and the essentials that I purchased for my kids in the past 10 years. So, while my ‘Essential School Supplies Checklist’ might have a personal touch, it’s my hope that it helps you feel a bit more at home and a little less lost in the maze of preparation.
*** Links are affiliate links, which means I earn a little something at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase. All content and opinions are my own. ***
Back To School In Spain Essential School Checklist
1. Sturdy School Bag with Wheels
My first choice when buying a school bag for my son. It helps reduce strain on shoulders and back as they carry a lot of school materials! Easy to manoeuvre, lightweight and very sturdy!
2. P.E Microfibre Towel
A must for P.E. My son was required to bring his own P.E accessories, which consists of liquid soap, and a small face towel. This light microfibre towel, is very light, easy drying and very absorbent.
3. Plastic Book Covers
Work books are always required to be covered by a cover to prevent damage. This transparent book cover will protect your kids books from greasy fingers, dust, pen marks, dirt, and protects it from normal wear and tear.
4. Staedtler Pack of 36 Felt Tip Pens
Compared to the cheaper versions, I found the Staedtler felt tip pens lasts a lot longer. This is great because it has dual ends. So they don't have to bring multiple felt tips for different purposes.
5. 550ml Metal Sports Water Bottle
A must for every day use. Pupils are required to bring their own water bottle to school. I found the metal bottles sturdy and keep cool even on the hottest days.
6. A4 Oxford Work Books Micro Perforated
A lot more pricey compared to other workbooks, but I found the Oxford notebooks a lot more durable. My son school also require them to be able to remove their work and place in a plastic sleeve for marking. Making these perforated books ideal.
7. Set of 48 Coloured Pencils
A high quality pack of 48 coloured pencils that lasts a long time! I bought this for my son and it lasted over 2 years! Students are required to have their own sets for craft, arts and any artistic work that they might do. A great investment!
8. Manley Set of 24 Crayons
Set of quality 24 crayons. These are soft waxes that give more options for artistic creations. They are great for blending, last longer and the colours are vivid. It likely your child will require these and I totally recommend them!
9. P.E / Sports Toiletry Bag
During P.E days my son was required to bring a toiletry bag to keep his face towel and soap. Its more than likely that your child will be required to bring something similar. I like this as it can also be used for traveling and large enough to fit other items.
10. Set of 3 Mechanical Pencils
If your child is in ESO (Secondary) then he/she will likely to need a mechanical pencil. This set is my first choice, for affordability and quality. It also comes with spare leads so they last quite a long time!
11. Staedtler Set of 5 Pencils With Eraser
A set of quality pencils with eraser ideal for daily use. I tend to choose well known brands for school as I find they last longer. The leads of these pencils keep intact no matter how many times they have been sharpened.
12. Pilot Super Grip – Pack of 4 Ball Point Pens
Pack of 4 ball point pens. My son was required to have red, blue, black and green for difference purposes for instance underlining, marking, and writing. These pens are durable and best of all rechargeable!
13. Maped Set of 5 Maths Geometry Set
Made of hard plastic making them resistant. Contains everything your child need for maths in primary or secondary school.
14. Pack of 3+1 mini Pritt Stick
A classic essential for any student. This pack of glue stick will last at least 6 months or more depending how much your child will need it for school. Buying packs is a great way to save, and no more rushing to the shop if your child lost them or even leave the top open!
15. Pack of 200 A4 Plastic Sleeves
Teachers usually requests for work to be presented in plastic sleeves for marking. This pack is great and would probably last you for years. Not only they keep your childs documents in order but they also prevent them from being creased.
16. Stabilo Pack of 8 Highlighter Pens
Used for many subjects, your child will more than likely need a pack of highlighter pens. They are very useful during revisions or just when the teachers ask you to take notes or remember certain parts of their subjects.
17. Oxford Pack of 10 A4 Folders
A pack of 10 folders ideal to keep your childs work for submission or just to keep them in order. Teachers in my sons school were particular about keeping his work in order especially if it's a project that they have to submit at then end of term.
18. Mini Thermal Label Printer Label Maker
Save time and create your own labels for your kids books and school equipment. This portable label printer is a godsend! Its easy to use and compatible with any phone with bluetooth. So you can personalise your labels as you please!
19. Stamp by Me Personalised Clothes Stamp Label
Personalise your childs uniform or belongings with this easy to use permanent stamp. You can choose from 12 fun design as well as personalise with your childs name. The item includes 1 stamp + 1 ink cartridge.
20. Bilingual School Agenda 2023-2024
School agenda 2023-2024 with a large number of sections for your day to day at school use. Personal data, planning, schedules, exams and assignments, grades and much more. It has 272 pages and the best thing of all that it's in English and Spanish!
Final Thoughts
I hope my recommendations provide some clarity on what to anticipate or purchase. Over the past decade, I’ve consistently bought many of the items mentioned, putting them to the test to determine their efficacy for our needs.
However, keep in mind that each school might have its own specific needs. From my experience, though, these requirements are generally quite consistent. To view the complete list, check out my Amazon Store, where you’ll find all the items I’ve mentioned in this post, among others.
Got a kiddo prepping for their big first day in a school in Spain? I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Apart from the hunt for school supplies, any other worries? Drop a note in the comments – I’m all ears! 🌟
Did you enjoy this post? Share now!
Sign up here to get the latest posts, recipes, DIY and other cool things!
