The hype is building as parents and children begin preparing for school to begin. Shoes, socks, and galoshes with raincoats, as well as umbrellas, stocking caps, and gloves are on most lists. The Mt. Shasta Mall is home to several children’s clothing stores and some old favorites like Macy’s and Sears.
Since the Redding area has four seasons, a variety of clothing is needed. Classes begin about the end of August, and although fall is just around the corner, the temperature can still be uncomfortably high. Summer clothes can usually be worn for a few more weeks before pulling out the rain gear. The rainy season is customarily short but when it does rain, it rains buckets. Those galoshes and that umbrella will get plenty of use, if only for a short time.
Getting Prepared
Aside from clothing, other items will be on most parents’ lists. Binders, paper, erasers, and pencils are just a handful of examples of what a child may need to take to class on the first day of school. Office Depot in Redding has compiled a list of school supplies commonly needed for each grade level. Megastar Financial, a local loan company has an annual fundraiser to purchase one hundred backpacks for children in need.
DIY Projects
Right about now is when parents and kids are so ready for school to commence with more than one “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do.” One solution to this dilemma is to get the kids started on some DIY projects that can help keep small hands busy and create some of the school supplies needed. One project that can be easy and requires very few materials is a felt pencil case. Just some felt, embroidery thread, a needle with a large eye, one button, and pinking shears are needed. Cut a 2.5″ x 18″ rectangle of felt, fold up the bottom 6 inches. Use embroidery thread to stitch up the sides. Pass the needle from back to front and front to back. Fold over the flap, add a button, and snip a button hole. Decorated pencils are easy to make by wrapping thin masking tape around the pencil in candy cane designs. Use a paint brush and kid friendly paint, or acrylic for older ones, to decorate and when paint is dry remove tape.
Some parents and children have mixed emotions about going back to school but most agree that the transition is easier if everyone is prepared.
Image Source: Flickr/William Warby
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