Can you believe that back-to-school time is already here? It’s a tough time for learners and parents alike, though for different reasons. Parents worry about providing their children with everything they will need for the school year, and there’s a lot to consider: academic considerations, friendships, logistics, stationery lists – and lunch!
BIC is always looking for ways to lighten your load. This January, we’ve gathered a few tips based on your child’s age that we hope will make the back-to-school transition just that little bit easier.
Early years
For many children, their entry into formal schooling in Grade R or Grade 1 is the first time they will be in a large group of kids their own age for hours at a time, all learning the same things and figuring out how to socialise. Consider letting your child choose something needed for school, like a lunch box or bag – it could be a great conversation starter!
The early years in primary school are opportunities to try different sports and cultural activities. Encourage them to try something new and who knows, your child may just discover a passion you hadn’t anticipated.
Tweens and teens
The senior phase of primary school, the tween years, can be fraught, and your child may feel pressure to conform to what is cool or trendy. It’s not easy to stick your neck out at this age, but it’s a pivotal time of self-discovery, so remember to encourage individual thinking.
Cast your mind back to high school. Finding the right balance between being independent and knowing when to ask for help can be overwhelming. Your child’s body is changing, and school can be a social minefield. School work is much more demanding, too.
Handwriting and creativity
The tactile experience of writing, drawing or doodling by hand can be a valuable activity for your child.
Studies show that writing by hand enhances the emotional connection to words. As screen time increases for learners, journaling and doodling with pen and paper also offer mental health benefits. Why not try your hand at drawing with your BIC pen?
We want to see you show and tell!
Join the conversation! Snap a selfie with your child in school uniform with their favourite BIC stationery item, post it using #BackToSchoolWithBIC and tag us on Facebook and Instagram.
Making a difference
South Africa’s seriously high school dropout rate is concerning, with over 41% of learners not completing their schooling. One of the biggest contributing factors is a lack of resources.
Through its nationwide initiative, Buy a Pen Donate a Pen, BIC South Africa has donated over 16 million writing tools to students in need since 2012. By encouraging consumers to make a difference with every pen they purchase, BIC donates a million pens each year. In 2025, BIC will donate pens to around 400 schools through BIC’s annual roadshows that take place from March to June of every year, where students throughout the country receive stationery donations.
Choose BIC back-to-school essentials this January, which are available from leading retail outlets nationally, including Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar and TakeAlot.
Choose specially marked BIC products at your favorite retailer and we’ll donate a pen for every BIC pen purchased. You’ll be buying a great quality pen at an affordable price. At the same time, you’re making it possible for BIC to provide crucial resources to children across the country.to provide crucial resources to children across the country.