New Back-to-School Supplies Focus on Getting Kids Excited About School

(ARA) - The back-to-school season is second only to Christmas in terms of sales volume for many retailers. That's according to statistics released by the National Retail Federation which estimated that families spend an average of $441.60 on back-to-school supplies.

So exactly what are consumers purchasing with all that money? A lot of things other than traditional school supplies, judging by inventory levels at major school supply retailers. Based on what sold best last year and what retailers are heavily stocking this back-to-school season, it's likely that the focus will be on products that get kids excited about the whole back-to-school experience.

Bright colors are definitely in. So look for plenty of pink, orange, green and turquoise backpacks, folders and pencil bags designed to help jumpstart back-to-school spirit. Traditional items with a fun twist, such as glitter and gel pens, are also likely to score high marks with students preparing to start a new school year. Retail experts further indicate that super squishy is also cool this year, so be on the lookout for hot, new fabrics and textures on various products -- including stretchable book covers.

You're also likely to find more electronic gadgets in backpacks this year than ever before as parents are willing to invest in the latest technology to keep their kids connected and motivated. High-tech backpacks are coming equipped with built-in stereo and headphones. Pens have calculators built right into them. And some parents are even turning to PDAs to help kids keep track of school assignments and activities. Speaking of kids whose schedules are jammed with extra-curricular activities, there are now also mobile homework stations with flat desk-type surfaces and a flip-up top to hold essential supplies. This means homework gets done even on soccer field sidelines or outside crowded dance classes.

There's also a new product on the market designed especially to motivate kids to read more and take added responsibility for their daily reading assignments. The Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark, named Best New Product by BookExpo America, features a countdown timer and alarm to keep track of required reading times. A cumulative timer, ideal for multi-session reading, helps show students, at a glance, how much progress they've made. For parents, it's the answer to dealing with the challenge of accurately tracking children's reading times (especially in families with multiple readers). For students, it has proven effective in motivating them to read longer and more often which, in turn, helps improve reading proficiency. Parent- and teacher-tested and recommended, the Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark is ideal for eliminating the never-ending, nagging question "Am I done yet?"

Simply set the alarm with a touch of a button and the child knows how much time remains and when time is up. It's also ideal for music practice sessions and timed math activities. The digital technology makes it fun to use for kids who are accustomed to the movement of videos and computer games.

Made of durable, lightweight polyethylene and available in lime, plum and turquoise, the digital bookmark matches the season's other fashion-colored school supplies. It fits conveniently between the pages of any book, so it's never out of reach. Now available at booksellers nationwide and at leading retailers where school supplies are sold, including most Walgreen's, Costco stores and Target.com for $8.95.

To learn more about the innovative Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark, or for valuable tips to help turn your child into a more motivated reader this year, visit www.mark-my-time.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content