5 After 5, Favorite Back-to-School Items

Oh, I used to LOVE back-to-school time, when I could get brand-spanking-new rainbow-colored folders to put in my Trapper Keeper and get myself organized for a new year of learning!

What are YOUR favorite back-to-school items to get?

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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was favorite movie trilogies and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.

Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.

And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!

Favorite Back-to-School Items

Not only do I have fond memories of back-to-school shopping as a kid, but I was able to enjoy new school supplies each year as a teacher, as well!

Here are some of my favorite things to start the new school year off with:

1.  Plastic 3-prong folders, in rainbow colors, of course!

Three-prong folders were always a staple when I was in school, but it wasn't until I started teaching that I learned about the sturdier plastic models.

I had quite the system set up in my classroom utilizing these, and most of the time, they were hardy enough to last all year -- even with 6 & 7-year-olds!

2.  Dry Erase Markers (still in rainbow colors!)

This set doesn't include yellow, but I actually like having that as a color option, as well. I'd use it to make sunny outlines and underline important board information!

We actually use white boards around the house quite a bit, so I'm still pretty gaga over these things. Our weekly schedule is completely color-coordinated by color, too!

3.  A new set of pens

I am very particular about my pens -- there are only two that I like to use:

These are usually the cheapest pens on the planet -- that still work well.

These are also usually incredibly cheap. My weird-pencil-grip self likes to grab the flat sides of these pens.

I'm happy to let you borrow whichever of these pens I'm using at the moment (whichever one is cheapest, when I need pens), but you need to know that I will track you down and get it back, if you happen to walk off with it!

G just brought home these pens from a student as a "welcome back to school" gift, and I've been trying to figure out how I can pilfer one or two of the fun colors for myself...

G actually did already give me the blues out of this pack, since he knows they're my favorite. That doesn't stop me from drooling over the green, pink & purple!

4.  New clothes

I hate to shop.

No, really, I mean I can't stand it -- especially if it involves trying on clothes.

But when I was a kid, we'd hit this fabulous store while visiting my grandparents each summer that had amazing deals and I would come home from our trip with a fun, new wardrobe.

I didn't like shopping, but the new clothes were fun!

5.  A new lunch box

This lunchbox would be cute for a Daniel Tiger fan!

I didn't have backpacks when I was a kid, but I did get a new lunch box each year, which was always an exciting purchase.

My preference was for anything with rainbows all over it, but if that couldn't be found, then I'd go with the standards of my era, like Holly Hobbie or Strawberry Shortcake or Wonder Woman or something.

For next week:

Favorite teachers/grades/subjects

Do you have any favorite teachers? Or subjects? Or maybe just one or two grades that you loved more than others? 

I can't wait to hear all about it!

That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.

Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated Mama: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'

Samantha, at Motivated Days: Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ 

What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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