The first school desk - what to look out for

When asked what they are most looking forward to at school, many children answer: «A real bag!» The school bag replaces the kindergarten bag and symbolises an important new start for the child: starting first grade.
Text: Florina Schwander


This article was updated in May 2020

Children only need to bring a snack and freshly washed PE kit to kindergarten. In the first class, there is a lot more material, such as a case with writing materials, books and exercise books. It's worth buying a suitable transport container for this - even if a good school organiser can be quite expensive.

Why do you need a special school rucksack at all?

Nobody is forced to buy a special school bag and children can also carry their snack, PE kit and a few school books to and from school in a normal rucksack. Or not, but that's probably not because of the backpack. And yet it is advisable to spend time and money on buying a special backpack, because there is a lot of stuff (and weight) that needs to be stored in this bag. After all, a suitable school bag will accompany a child into middle or upper school.

5 tips for the right school desk:

  • Carry correctly: Both shoulder straps lie on the shoulders, no one-sided carrying
  • Store correctly: Heavy materials are close to the back, light materials are stored at the front
  • The child is responsible for upkeep, emptying and tidying the counter regularly
  • Regular exercise in everyday life strengthens the back muscles and prevents back pain
  • If your child wants a particular desk from a special collection, you need to be quick: After the spring holidays, popular models are often sold outThe magazine «Wir Eltern» compared five different models. Read the detailed product test here.

What is a good counter and where can I find one?

Pay attention to the following criteria when buying:

- adjustable, padded shoulder straps at least 4 cm wide
- Ergonomic and close-fitting back padding
- Lightest possible empty weight
- Good amount of space with several compartments
- Reflectors for visibility in traffic
- fasteners that are as simple as possible and easy for the child to open
- Water-repellent material
- A sturdy handle for hanging and a good base for a solid stand are practical

A good school desk costs money - but the investment is worth it.

It is advisable to take your child with you when buying so that the counter can be tried on and correctly adjusted in the specialist shop.

How much say should children have in the purchase of their school rucksack?

During their school years, children become more and more independent and develop their own taste as well as other skills. So if the godfather wants to give a hip vintage school bag made of natural leather, then it may not go down well with the godchild's current Paw Patrol model. If the child is involved in the purchase, a compromise can usually be found.

This article comes from our special kindergarten issue «Tschüss Chindsgi» 04/19 with topics for teachers and parents of children in the second year of kindergarten. A single issue can be ordered here.
Good to know

A good desk is expensive: the expensive models with a case and gym bag can cost several hundred francs. Calculated over several years of use, it is worth investing in a proper school bag. However, there are cheaper alternatives for families on a tighter budget: You can get the Thek as a birthday or Christmas present, look in the sale the previous year or get lucky with a second-hand offer.