Homeschooling can seem overwhelming at first, especially when you’re trying to figure out what materials you need to get started. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Let’s walk through some essential homeschool supplies and materials you’ll need to set up a successful and enjoyable homeschooling experience for your child. And remember, you don’t have to break the bank to make it work!
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What Homeschool Supplies do I really need?
Curriculum
First things first, you’ll need a curriculum, whether you are buying one or putting together your own. There are plenty of free and affordable options online, and many homeschooling parents love to use a mix of resources to keep things interesting. Look for a curriculum that matches your child’s learning style and your educational philosophy. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! If you want to see why we use a curriculum and how to help you choose one check out my post: Why Should you Use a Curriculum.
Bookshelf
A sturdy bookshelf or cubby is a homeschooling must-have. It keeps your books, resources, and supplies organized and easily accessible. You don’t need a fancy one; even a second-hand bookshelf will do the trick. The key is to have a dedicated space for all your educational materials. This will prevent your resources from spilling through out your entire home.
We simply use an Ikea 4 cubby shelf that we have had for years. This serves as our storage space against a wall in our dinning room.
Binder
Binders are fantastic for keeping everything organized. Use them to store lesson plans, worksheets, and completed assignments. You can have one binder per subject or one big binder divided into sections—whatever works best for you and your child. I organize our entire curriculum for our kids quarterly in one binder. It’s very streamlined and efficient! I strongly advice anyone using the Abeka curriculum to check out how I organize my kids binders, you will love it! I have several videos in my YouTube channel showing the process.
Notebooks & Paper
Notebooks and looseleaf paper are essential for note-taking, journaling, and practicing writing skills. Again, you don’t need anything fancy. A few spiral-bound notebooks or composition books will do just fine. Let your child pick out some fun designs to make them more excited about their schoolwork.
Pencils and Pens
Stock up on pencils and pens. These are the tools your child will use the most, so having plenty on hand is essential. My favorite brand of pencils are Ticonderoga pencils! They are the BEST quality pencils out there. I speak from a teacher’s experience. I have tried so many brands and this one is hands down, without a doubt, the best!
Laminator
A laminator might sound like a luxury, but it’s incredibly useful for preserving reusable materials like flashcards, charts, and posters. You don’t have to spend a fortune on one. I love using my Scotch Thermal Laminator. You can buy one from Amazon or Walmart.
Electric Sharpener
An electric pencil sharpener is a time-saver, especially if your child uses pencils a lot. It’s not a necessity, but it can make your life easier. Manual sharpeners work just as well, and they come in fun designs that kids love.
Coloring Utensils
Colored pencils, crayons, and markers are great for art projects, highlighting important information, and making learning more colorful and fun. The best brand out there in my opinion is Crayola. You can buy crayons, markers, and coloring pencils for under $1 during back to school sales in July-August. You can take advantage and stock up on these to use through out the year.
Other Must-Have Items
- Whiteboard and Markers: Great for teaching, planning, and letting your child work out problems visually.
- Printer: Useful for printing worksheets, lesson plans, and other resources.
- Educational Games and Puzzles: These can make learning fun and interactive.
- Storage Bins: To keep supplies organized and easy to access.
- Globe and Maps: Useful for geography lessons and adding a visual element to learning about the world.
Don’t Go Overboard on Your Homeschool Supplies!
It’s easy to get carried away with all the amazing homeschooling materials available, but remember—you don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics and add more as you go based on what you see that your family needs. The key to a successful homeschooling year isn’t having the most materials; it’s about creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for your child.
You can find many supplies at dollar stores, thrift shops, or online marketplaces for a fraction of the cost.
Homeschooling is a journey, and each family’s path is unique. By focusing on the essentials and being mindful of your budget, you can create a wonderful educational experience for your child.
Do you have any other must-have Homeschool supplies on your list? Go ahead and share them with us on the comments below 😁
💖 Yessi
