How to choose a school pencil case

Choosing the right pencil case is an important step in preparing your child for school. Next to the school bag, it is the second most important piece of school equipment and children will use the pencil case and its contents every day at school. Here are the key factors you should consider when choosing a pencil case for your child.

This text will help you to get a basic understanding of choosing a school pencil case, if you want to ask for further details or consult on your choice, we will be happy to help you directly in our Skibi Kids stores.

Types of pencil cases

  • Simple - Basic model with one large compartment.
  • Double or triple-decker - Offers more space and better organization.
  • Rolling - Practical for older children with more needs.
  • Zippered cases - Popular with older children who no longer carry as many writing utensils to school.

Size and capacity of the pencil case

Adequate size - The pencil case should hold all the necessary stationery, but should not be too big and heavy.

Plenty of compartments - Look for pencil cases with different compartments for better organization. There are collapsible one-tier pencil cases, but two or three-tier pencil cases.

Consider the age of the child - Paradoxically, smaller children sometimes need a larger pencil case with more storage space for school than, say, second graders or middle schoolers. Always find out what the class teacher's requirements are for the pencil case that children should have.

Material and durability

Quality materials - Choose pencil cases made of durable materials that can withstand daily use.

Easy to maintain - The material should be easy to clean. If it can be wiped with a wet cloth, that's a plus, especially for smaller children.

Design and practicality

Easy to open - Zip or fasten should be easy for children's hands.

Internal layout - The practical layout of the compartments will make it easy for the child to navigate.

Appearance and personalisation

Attractive design - Choose a pencil case that the child likes and will motivate them to use it.

Personalisation options - Some pencil cases allow you to add a name, picture or decoration.

Pencil case equipment for different age groups

The contents of the pencil case vary with the child's age and school needs. It is possible to buy a pencil case with full equipment or an empty pencil case, in which you can choose the stationery of your choice. It's up to you which route you take.

Here's an overview of suitable equipment for different age groups:

For children in the first year of primary school (6 - 11 years)

  • 2-3 pencils of different hardness (most often HB and No. 2)
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Eraser
  • Crayons (12 - 24 colours)
  • Short ruler (15 - 20 cm)
  • Scissors with round tip
  • Glue stick
  • Fountain pen or rollerball (as recommended by the school)
  • Highlighter (3rd - 4th grade)

Tip

Especially in the first instance, find out what the requirements are for the equipment of the pencil case. The school often produces a list of recommended equipment for parents. For example, some schools prohibit markers for young children, while in others they are commonly used from first grade onwards.

For older children (upper primary and secondary school)

  • Pens of different colours (blue, black, red, green)
  • Micropencil (verzatilla) with spare inks
  • Eraser
  • Highlighters (2 - 3 colours)
  • Proofreader
  • Ruler
  • Drawing utensils (compass, protractor) - can be in a separate case
  • Small scissors
  • Glue stick

Tip

Multi-compartment or double-decker pencil cases are suitable for older students to hold a larger amount of writing utensils.

General advice for the equipment of the pencil case:

  1. Always follow the requirements of the specific school and teachers.
  2. Quality is more important than quantity - choose quality stationery that will last. At Skibi we have put together a selection of quality stationery.
  3. Check and replenish the contents of your pencil case regularly.
  4. Teach your children to keep their pencil case tidy and look after their belongings.
  5. Consider getting spare stationery that you can keep at home in case of loss or damage.

Conclusion

When choosing a children's pencil case, it is important to strike a balance between practicality, durability and attractiveness for the child. Involve your child in the choice so that she or he likes the pencil case and enjoys using it. You can find a cross-section of our entire range in Skibi Kids stores or here on the e-shop. Remember that the right pencil case can help to keep your child better organised and motivated at school. Adapt and add to the contents of the pencil case each year to suit your child's needs and the requirements of the school.