Schulranzen

In Germany, parents purchase a very special backpack for their children before the start of first grade. These bags are not cheap--they cost between 100-200 euros!  They are used by kids for 1st grade through 4th grade so it is considered a good investment.  This "shulranzen" has several special features.  Its boxy and sturdy shape allows it to stand up on its own.  The kids don't use lockers at school; instead, they keep their backpack next to them at their desks and get all of their books and writing supplies directly out of their backpacks during the school day as needed.  The brochure has all these pictures of how the bags are ergonomically correct for kids' backs, but I think they are pretty heavy--while empty!!!

Inside the bag is a matching "mappchen" (zip up booklet with about 12 colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, and spot for a fountain pen, which they begin using in 2nd grade), a sports bag, and a pencil case.

The backpacks have bright orange or yellow panels and reflective tape because, starting in 1st grade, the majority of kids walk to and from school without an adult .  These neon colors really stand out to cars and help keep the kids safer on their walk.  The backpack Drew chose also has a blinking light on the helicopter tail so he will be more visible when it is dark in the morning.  It's yet to be determined if I will actually be ok with him walking without me on those dark mornings...

The purchasing of the schulranzen is a big deal!  We took Drew to the bag store, "Maurer," to choose his bag.  They have a special mirror, the "Zauberspiegel."  When Drew stood on that red circle on the floor, he could see himself from the front and behind on the screen.

Once he had picked his backpack, he sat on the "Ranzenthron" for a special photo.

He was very excited about his Polizei schulranzen and wanted to wear it home.  For three or four days, he slept with his schulranzen next to his bed and would come down every morning carrying it.