The start of the school year in Peru marks a time filled with excitement and preparation. Both students and parents look for the best way to organize school supplies, backpacks, and other materials needed to start classes off on the right foot. Good organization not only saves time but also improves student performance and concentration.
In this guide you will find practical tips, organizational ideas and recommendations to keep everything in order throughout the school year.
Preparation before the start of classes
Check the Peruvian school calendar
Before you start buying or organizing school supplies, it's important to know the official start dates for classes . According to the Ministry of Education's school calendar , the academic year in Peru usually begins in March , although some private institutions start classes as early as February .
Having a clear schedule allows you to organize purchases in advance and avoid last-minute expenses.
List of basic school supplies
The first step to good organization is having a clear and up-to-date list of school supplies . Although each school may have its own list, most students need:
Notebooks (large and small, depending on the courses).
Pencils, erasers, sharpeners and pens.
Colors, markers and crayons.
Ruler, compass and protractor.
Rubber, silicone, and scissors.
Durable and comfortable backpack.
Lunchbox or reusable water bottle.
You can also check out our article on school activities based on historical events to make the most of the materials in projects throughout the year.
How to organize school supplies at home
Having a well-organized study space is key for students to stay focused. Here are some practical recommendations:
Create a study area
Find a quiet space with good natural light and a large table. If possible, separate the materials by type: stationery, art supplies, technology, and reading materials.
Use organizers and labels
Small boxes, filing cabinets, and trays can help you organize supplies. Use labels with the student's name and course to prevent loss.
Sort by frequency of use
Place the most frequently used items (pens, main notebooks, ruler) within easy reach and store the rest in a convenient location.
Organizational methods for students
The “weekly checklist” method
Make a weekly list of the materials you need to take each day. This helps prevent forgetting things and keeps your backpack organized.
Plan your Sundays
Taking a few minutes each Sunday to check school supplies, clean backpacks, and prepare school clothes reduces stress on Mondays.
Apply the "less is more" rule
Avoid overloading your backpack. Only carry what you need. Excess weight can cause discomfort and disorganization.
How to keep your tools in good condition
Maintenance is just as important as organization. Here are some helpful tips:
Cover notebooks and books with plastic or vinyl paper.
Label all materials with the student's name.
Check the contents of your backpack weekly to discard any unnecessary papers or wrappers.
Store art or technology materials in protective cases.
Additional tip: Check out our article on school projects about culture and tradition to learn how to care for materials in manual and artistic activities.
Tips for parents
Parents play a key role during the return to school. Here are some suggestions to help your children stay organized:
Lead by example: keep your personal space organized too.
Establish daily study and rest routines.
Review the school supply list together each month.
Involve the child or adolescent in the organization so that they take responsibility.
Organizational ideas by school level
For preschool and primary school
Use colorful boxes or compartments with pictures that children easily recognize. Incorporate play as part of tidying up.
For secondary school
Introduce the use of folders, course dividers, and digital note-taking apps. You can recommend apps like Google Keep or Notion for older teens.
For university students
Although they have more autonomy, they still need planning. Digital planners, filing cabinets, and multi-function cases help maintain control.