School Supply Lists and Executive Function: What Your Child Really Needs

Hey, what’s up? It’s me, Seth with sethperler.com. I hope you’re having a fantastic day.

Today, I’m going to talk to you about the school supply lists you’ll be receiving very soon.

Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, high school, or even college, they’re going to need supplies. Many schools provide supply lists through local office supply stores. You’ll often see displays organized by school, grade level, and sometimes even individual teachers.

I want you to take these lists with a grain of salt.

If you’re watching my videos, your child is probably not a traditional learner. They may not need the same supplies that everyone else does. In fact, many items on those lists will go unused, sit in a locker all year, or even be thrown away unopened at the end of the year.

I taught for twelve years, and I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. It’s often a waste of money, time, and resources.

Start with Advocacy

Before we discuss specific supplies, I want to talk briefly about advocacy.

If you’re worried that a teacher or school may be inflexible about supply requirements, consider sending an email.

You might write to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or anyone else relevant and say:

“We’re doing things a little differently for our child because they struggle with executive function. If a particular supply is truly necessary and there will be support in helping our child learn how to use it effectively, we’re happy to discuss it. Otherwise, we’re implementing a system that works better for our child and would appreciate your support.”

Most educators will understand that you’re trying to support your child, not create problems.

Don’t Stress About Every Item on the List

Supply lists can be overwhelming.

You’ll see requests for specific pencils, highlighters, notebooks, folders, tissues, and many other items.

Some things are reasonable. For example, many schools ask families to donate tissue boxes or classroom supplies that everyone shares.

But don’t worry excessively about getting every single item exactly right.

If you’re unsure whether your child will actually use something, buy it but keep it at home until school starts. Sometimes teachers never collect certain supplies, and you can return them if they’re unnecessary.

Also, if you can’t find a supply list at the store, check teacher websites. Many teachers post updated supply lists online before school starts.

Be Careful with Binders

One of the biggest mistakes I see is forcing students with executive function challenges to use complicated binder systems.

If your child successfully uses binders, that’s great.

But many students struggle when teachers require:

• A binder

• Multiple dividers

• Separate sections for notes

• Separate sections for homework

• Separate sections for tests

• Additional organizational systems

For many students, this level of detail is simply too much.

Their brains need that energy for learning, not maintaining a complicated filing system.

Instead, I often recommend:

Option 1: Accordion Folder

or

Option 2: Color-Coded Folder System (Preferred)

For example:

• Green = Science

• Blue = Math

• Red = English

• Yellow = History

Use inexpensive paper folders rather than slick plastic folders.

Why?

Because when students throw plastic folders into backpacks, papers often slide out everywhere.

Paper folders tend to keep materials contained more effectively.

Label Everything

This is important.

Write your child’s name everywhere.

For every folder:

• Name on the front

• Name on the back

• Subject clearly labeled

For example:

SCIENCE

on the front and back.

Even high school and college students benefit from this.

I also recommend buying two or three copies of each folder because they wear out.

When a folder gets damaged, replace it.

Math Supplies: Buy Two Sets

For items such as:

• Calculators

• Rulers

• Compasses

• Protractors

Label everything with a permanent marker.

If your child frequently forgets supplies at school or loses them, buy:

• One set for school

• One set for home

This eliminates many nightly homework crises.

Pens, Pencils, and Highlighters

Let your child choose supplies they actually like.

When students like their supplies, they’re more likely to use them.

Again, label everything:

• Pens

• Pencils

• Markers

• Highlighters

• Crayons

Names increase the chances that lost items will be returned.

Don’t Buy Things You Don’t Believe They’ll Use

Some supply lists are enormous.

If your child never uses colored pencils, scissors, or another item, don’t automatically buy it.

Trust your instincts.

If you’re unsure, send a quick email:

“Do students truly need this item, or is it optional?”

Teachers generally appreciate the clarification.

Planning Systems

Let’s talk about planners.

I divide planning tools into three categories:

1. Planning Without a Planner

This includes:

• Sticky notes

• Index cards

• Simple daily lists

I’m a huge fan of these tools.

Sometimes the simplest system works best.

A quick daily list can be more effective than a complicated planner.

2. Monthly Planner

Many schools distribute planners, but I generally don’t recommend them for students with executive function challenges.

School planners often contain:

• Weekly layouts

• Daily layouts

• School handbooks

• Periodic tables

• Quotes

• Extra pages

• Excessive visual clutter

They’re overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend:

• A large 8.5″ × 11″ monthly planner

• Only monthly pages

• No unnecessary extras

Remove any pages that aren’t useful.

Keep only the months of the school year.

Monthly planners allow students to see the big picture, which is often much easier for students who struggle with time management.

If your child already uses another system successfully, ignore my advice and stick with what’s working.

3. Wall Calendar

I strongly recommend a large wall calendar.

At the beginning of the year:

• Mark all school holidays.

• Mark breaks.

• Add tests.

• Add projects.

• Add papers.

• Add appointments.

• Add practices and extracurricular activities.

Only put major events on it.

The purpose is helping students visually anticipate upcoming responsibilities.

Many students with executive function challenges operate on an “out of sight, out of mind” basis.

If they cannot see it, they often won’t think about it.

A wall calendar helps prevent the classic situation where your child says at 8:00 p.m.:

“Oh, by the way, I have a five-page paper due tomorrow.”

Trust me—you want to avoid that.

Final Thoughts

As you head into office supply stores this year:

• Trust your instincts.

• Advocate for your child.

• Buy what they truly need.

• Create systems they’ll actually use.

Most importantly, involve your child in the process.

Don’t choose everything for them.

These are their supplies and their responsibility.

The more ownership they take, the more likely they are to use the systems successfully.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

I hope you have an awesome school year!