Welcome back Incredibles! I have had many people ask, “What supplies do I need to start homeschooling?” so I put together this huge list! Now, this is the ultimate list and so of course not everything is needed and it depends a lot on your homeschool style. But this list will ensure that you don't miss a thing! I have also made this list into a handy dandy graphic, as well as a pdf checklist that you can print off. Just scroll to the bottom and you'll find those links!
Basic Supplies
- Notebooks and Loose-Leaf Paper: Wide-ruled or college-ruled, depending on the age of your children.
- Pencils and Erasers: Plenty of #2 pencils and good quality erasers.
- Pens: Blue, black, and red pens for writing and editing.
- Colored Pencils, Crayons, and Markers: For art projects, diagrams, and color-coded notes.
- Highlighters: In various colors for highlighting important information.
- Rulers: Standard 12-inch and metric rulers.
- Scissors: Child-safe scissors for younger children, regular scissors for older kids.
- Glue Sticks and Liquid Glue: For crafts, projects, and worksheets.
- Pencil Sharpeners: Both manual and electric, to keep pencils ready to use.
- Stapler and Staples: For organizing papers and creating booklets.
- Hole Punch: A 3-hole punch for organizing papers in binders.
- Tape: Clear, masking, and double-sided tape for various uses.
- Paper Clips and Binder Clips: To keep papers organized.
Organizational Supplies
- Binders and Dividers: For organizing subjects and lessons.
- Folders: Pocket folders or expanding file folders for storing assignments and handouts.
- Storage Boxes or Bins: For organizing supplies and materials.
- Label Maker or Labels: To keep everything neatly organized and easy to find.
- Dry Erase Board and Markers: For teaching lessons, brainstorming, and planning.
- Corkboard or Bulletin Board: To display schedules, artwork, and important reminders.
Educational Tools
- Curriculum Books and Workbooks: Grade-appropriate books for all subjects (math, language arts, science, history, etc.).
- Reference Books: Dictionary, thesaurus, atlases, and encyclopedias.
- Flashcards: For practicing math facts, vocabulary, and other subjects.
- Educational Games and Puzzles: To reinforce learning in a fun and engaging way.
- Manipulatives: Math manipulatives such as counting blocks, fraction circles, or a base ten set.
- Timers: Digital or sand timers for timed activities and breaks.
Art and Craft Supplies
- Construction Paper: A variety of colors for projects and crafts.
- Paint and Brushes: Watercolors, acrylics, or finger paints, depending on the child’s age.
- Modeling Clay or Play-Doh: For hands-on creative activities.
- Craft Sticks, Pipe Cleaners, and Pom-Poms: For various crafts and STEM activities.
- Beads and String: For jewelry making, counting, or pattern activities.
- Stickers and Stamps: For decorating, grading, or incentives.
Technology and Electronics
- Computer or Tablet: For online learning, research, and interactive educational programs.
- Printer and Printer Paper: For printing worksheets, assignments, and resources.
- Laminator and Laminating Sheets: For creating durable, reusable learning materials.
- Headphones or Earbuds: For listening to audio lessons, audiobooks, or music without disturbing others.
- External Storage (USB Drives or External Hard Drive): For backing up important files and projects.
Science Supplies
- Microscope and Slides: For studying biology and other sciences.
- Magnifying Glasses: For examining nature and small objects.
- Measuring Tools: Thermometers, measuring cups, scales, and beakers for experiments.
- Safety Goggles and Gloves: For conducting safe science experiments.
- Plant and Animal Specimens: For hands-on biology lessons.
Physical Education Supplies
- Exercise Mats or Yoga Mats: For physical activities, stretching, or yoga.
- Sports Equipment: Balls, jump ropes, or small weights for PE activities.
- Stopwatch or Timer: For tracking exercise routines or timing sports drills.
Comfort and Convenience
- Comfortable Seating: Chairs or cushions suitable for long periods of sitting.
- Desks or Tables: Sufficient workspace for writing, reading, and projects.
- Adequate Lighting: Desk lamps or natural light to reduce eye strain.
- Water Bottles and Snacks: To keep children hydrated and energized during learning.
- Cleaning Supplies: Wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer to keep the learning space clean and healthy.
Specialized Supplies
- Musical Instruments: For music lessons or exploration.
- Foreign Language Learning Tools: Language dictionaries, apps, or flashcards.
- Cooking Supplies: For lessons involving cooking or baking as part of science or life skills.
- Gardening Tools: For hands-on biology or environmental science lessons.
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Don't forget to get a free pdf checklist to print off!
