25 Items I Can’t Homeschool Without
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Homeschool supply list? There are several “BIG” items that I highly recommend you have on hand when you start homeschooling…and a lot of small ones!
Note: If I couldn’t find the exact item I purchased, I tried to link to one that either looks the same or at least similar.
Printer/Copier (and a Scanner is great)
Some handy uses are - copying reproducible books, printing free worksheets you find online, scanning kids' work so you can throw it away but have an electronic record of it. My husband bought this amazing scanner for me a while back and it has been amazing for scanning double-sided pages for keeping school records. It cost a pretty penny, but it has been such a help!!!
This is a LIFE-SAVER...they aren't super pricey, but they are worth every penny. The amount of time one of these little gadgets will save you is worth it - esp. if you are homeschooling elementary kids. This is the one I use.
Computer (need I say it?)
If you are reading this I'm assuming you have a computer- or a smart phone. So, I probably don't need to convince you to buy a computer.🙂
Sure the old-fashioned, individual hole punch works, but I just can't begin to imagine how many hours having a 3-hole-punch has saved me. I think this is the one I use. I’ve had mine so long (probably over a decade) and don’t remember where I first bought it. But this looks the same & is the same brand. It’s held up fantastic!! And I love the ease of use.
Hole Reinforcers
These are great to have on hand. When you are using binder pages day after day you can often end up with rips, but these can quickly solve the problem and then you move on. Another option is tape...just loop the tape over the side of the paper and stick it to the back. Then, use that 3-hole punch (or a hand punch) and cut out the hole again. For some of my papers I have even run a strip of tape down either side of the seam just to reinforce it before hole punching and putting in my binder. My lesson plan sheets are an example of where I often need to reinforce or repair a hole. SIDE NOTE: Apparently there are far more options now than the original ugly white hole reinforcers like I have always used. Like these “fruit” ones.
I think this one is self-explanatory. I love mine that is similar to this one. The “one finger” feature or whatever they call it just means you have to exert less force to staple.
Paper and More Paper Note: thicker (higher quality) will be easier to copy double-sided without bleeding through
Seriously consider the thickness of the paper you buy. I often have two stashes of paper - the cheap stuff (approx. 20 lb. weight) and the nicer stuff (at least 28 lb. but preferably 32 lb.). The thinner/cheaper stuff is great for quick access for kids and for printing one-sided coloring pages, etc. Here’s a link to one. I usually shop around for the best price.
BUT I have found that the thicker paper produces a night and day difference when I am printing pages front and back and don't want the text to show through. I use 32 lb. paper for lesson plan book printing as well as checklists for completing curriculum, etc. Really any time I want something to look nice or be opaque.
I absolutely love the feel of certain papers - I guess I’m a paper snob - and wanted to share why it make such a difference for me.
Pens, Pencils, Highlighters, Markers, etc. This is more like 25 items all under #8. :-)
Highlighters - you can highlight as you complete assignments so you don't to use check marks or cross off words you might need to read later. You can even use them with kids to highlight words/concepts in curriculum as you go through it... You can obviously use them while reading and let your kids use them. I recently purchase this set of pastel highlighters - they’re really pretty and just different.
Pens - I love Paper Mate Flair Felt-Tip pens, and Pilot Precise V5 RT pens, and Le Pen (the case on this set actually comes in handy - it sits up on the desk for you)… ok I’ll stop the tangent.
Markers - thick and thin washable markers as well as permanent sharpies in multiple sizes
Pencils - the brand matters...make sure that the erasers actually work!! So many of them don't. Check out Ticonderoga for a good solid pencil you can buy in bulk.
Stickers
Yep! Because why not!? Happy faces for good work, entertainment for smaller kids, and entertainment for bigger kids! You can find these anywhere - from Walmart to Amazon to the dollar store.
Smart Phone
Record videos of presentations or memory work as an electronic record and to rewatch when they’re grown
Photos- take quick picture proof of activities to put in electronic records, also to send to grandparents
Audio recording - record yourself reading stories so they can go back and read along independently. Or record your kid reading.
Look up random info during school day - videos, definitions, pictures
This works great for fixing books if when pages tear. I typically keep some Scotch packing tape around.
Heavy-Duty Sheet Protectors with FLAPS
Seriously, This is one of my new FAVORITE Things!! I use these for my All About Reading curriculum manipulatives (see in this article). These are like pockets that keep any game pieces from falling out. And, they are so heavy-duty that they actually don’t need to be reinforced - unlike others I have bought.
Use (regular) heavy-duty sheet protectors in general - they are even great for writing on with dry-erase markers.
Big ones for whiteboard - both for yourself and kids & don’t forget an eraser (or a few pieces of felt)
Thin ones for writing on erasable books or sheet protectors with a workbook page inside. I especially love these thin ones that have an eraser attached. Buy yourself some time here.
Useful for…everything! For instance, it’s an alternative to hole reinforcers.
Adult scissors for sure! SEVERAL pairs - I like the ones that are “titanium.”
Kid scissors - come in different sizes and types - sharp, dull, plastic, little kid, medium kid, some are specific for L/R handed kids
This is good to have on hand for fixing things in place but can take off later too. I linked to the cheaper one, but I think technically I’ve always had “Elmers” brand. And, it is stinky - just be forewarned!
Glue sticks & liquid school glue
Need I explain? I love how easy glue sticks are - BUTTTTT….my kids leave the tops off all the time and they dry up. So, they are NOT very economical in the long run.
This comes in handy because it’s stronger than regular school glue. However, it isn’t necessary unless you’re working with materials that need a stronger glue (think art projects).
3-Ring Binders
I use so many of these, in various sizes, for holding books, copies, etc.
Folders
I like to have a variety around:
3-hole punch kind
ones with brads
plain are good too
plastic polymer type seem to hold up well for several years
Some simple 1x3-inch labels can go a long way in helping organize your supplies. Use them to label drawers, notebooks, etc. They are great to have around!
This Five-Star Flex Hybrid NoteBinder
It has legit been a game-changer for me. It works like a binder but has the flexibility of a notebook. I use it for my lesson planner. Can’t recommend this enough!
Plastic 3-drawer Organizers
This Sterilite 12x12 3-drawer plastic organizer (from Hobby Lobby) has come in handy for storing everything from small items like staples and glue, to having one drawer as a “finished work” drop-zone. I have multiple sets of these - as well as various sizes - and have really enjoyed them ever since I was a classroom teacher. They have held up for YEARS (we’re talking over a decade).
Storage
Places for books, workbooks, papers, etc. - student accessible as well as teacher only. Many of the cheaper cubby-style pieces from Target or IKEA work great for this. Bookshelves of course are also really helpful.
Sticky notes
Different sizes can be great to have on hand. Small ones make great book marks, while medium work well for reminders and can serve as temporary labels while deciding on how to organize your space.
I hope this list was helpful for you as you plan your upcoming year of homeschooling!
