If you are a first-time homeschooler, you must be wondering how to get started. To make things simple for you, I have come up with four lists: one on getting organized, a list for you as the teacher, a list for student essentials, and an art supplies list.
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If you are still on the fence about homeschooling this post will help you out with 10 Reason To Homeschool Your Children.
Supplies to help you get organized
1. A homeschool planner
If you want to succeed at homeschooling, you need to plan ahead and stay organized. What you need is a homeschool planner.
A good homeschool planner can make your school year easier to handle because you will always know what to do next and you won’t forget important targets you have to meet.
A well-thought-out plan for the school year will mitigate a lot of stress that goes with taking responsibility for your child’s education. You can also, check out how to make your own unit study.
There are many free printable homeschool planners online to get you started. Have a look for one that will suit you or use them as inspiration to design your own.
2. Calendar poster
Keep a colorful calendar poster somewhere on a wall where everybody can see it. It’s a place to note all your regular outings and extracurricular activities plus any forthcoming excursions.
3. File Folders
File folders are essential for organizing your lesson plans, your children’s work and artwork, and so much more.
4. Baskets/ bins
Baskets and bins are essential to staying organized throughout the school year. You can have a basket for each subject. It doesn’t have to be big and bulky, but there must be a storage space for everything.
If you don’t have a designated space for everything, stuff will get misplaced, and come revision time, you’ll be completely lost.
Related post: 10 Affordable Homeschool Programs
Another reason to keep things well organized is in case you teach the same level twice.
You can find cheap plastic baskets at your local dollar store and arrange them neatly out of the way on a bookshelf.
Supplies for teachers
1. A printer
A reliable printer is essential. You can use it to print out your lessons or downloadable worksheets from the internet – there are loads online. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive printer. You get good printers for under $50 on Amazon.
Bu I have to say HP printers are cheap and affordable brands and since this is something you are going to be using on a regular basis I suggest you make an investment and get a printer around $100. and Sign up for the HP ink subscription.
2. A laminator
You can do without a laminator, but most homeschools have one. They are great for making any printed materials, including lessons and artwork last longer – you can use the same lesson again and again if it has been laminated.
And your child can preserve his best work in the same way as well. You can buy a laminator for under $50.
3. Large sheets of paper
You can buy what is called “end rolls” at your local news-press. This is the unprinted paper that is used to print newspapers on. These end rolls cost nothing and their uses are endless.
4. Stapler and staples
Whether you’ll need an ordinary or heavy-duty stapler will depend on the number of worksheets you’ll be stapling together and the number of kids you’ll be teaching.
5. Heavy-duty electric pencil sharpener
Especially for pre-school and elementary classes, you’ll be going through pencils like anything. Most homeschooling parents recommend a heavy-duty electric pencil sharpener. It’s worth the investment as other pencil sharpeners simply don’t last.
6. A whiteboard
A whiteboard is essential for teaching. If you don’t have space on a wall for a large whiteboard, you can prop it up on a chair or simply buy a small 5’ x 8’ that can stand on the table where you work. A small whiteboard is very useful. You can also take it with you and teach in the lounge or outside for a change of scenery.
7. 3-Ring binders and a 3-hole punch
You can use 3-ring binders to keep your lesson plans organized. It’s also a nice way to keep your children’s portfolio of work for the year organized. To get all those loose papers organized in this way you’ll need a 3-hole punch. You’ll find that you use it every day.
8. Mavalus Tape
This magic multi-purpose adhesive tape is a must for your homeschool. It is super strong but removes easily without leaving any sticky residue.
Best of all, it sticks on all surfaces! Mavalus Tape is available on Amazon. With this tape, you can stick any size paper or map on a wall without it falling down and you can easily remove it when you’re finished with the lesson.
9. Dry erase markers
The most widely used markers for whiteboards are dry erase markers. You can use them on any type of whiteboard.
The ink comes off easily but it can have a strong chemical smell that makes some people nauseous. Look out for a make that doesn’t have a very strong smell.
10. Post-it notes
Post-It notes are a colorful way to stay organized. They are handy for marking pages in books, and for posting reminders to yourself and your children.
Supplies for students
1. Pencils and pens
Most homeschooling parents recommend Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils as they work well and last long. If you have young students you’ll go through a lot of these in a short time, so buy in bulk at the beginning of the school year.
For older children, take them with you when you buy the pens they will be writing with. A pen is a personal thing, some feel right in your hand and others just don’t. Let your older children choose the make of pen they are going to write with.
2. Paper
You’ll need loads of paper. Depending on the number and ages of the children you teach, you’ll need a variety of paper.
For little ones, you’ll need to have paper with a dotted line for them to practice their writing. For older kids, you’ll need wide ruled paper. For older children learning math, you might need graph paper.
For arts and crafts projects, you’ll need some colored construction paper. For the odd drawing, printer paper will do. Tracing paper also comes in handy for quick, satisfying artworks. If your children would like to paint, don’t forget to get some large sheets of paper.
3. Notebooks
For high school students, you’ll need lined notebooks. Buy a bunch when there are back-to-school specials.
4. World map
You can’t teach geography without a world map. Try to buy a really big one as they usually contain more detailed information. A map doesn’t have to stay on the wall all the time; you can roll it up and put it away when you don’t need it.
5. Desktop carousel
This is a great homeschool accessory. Shop for one at your local stationery store or have a look on Amazon.
There is quite a big range. I like one that has a few different compartments for pencils, pens, and crayons. Put it in the center of the desk so it’s within reach of everyone and no one has to get up looking for something to write with.
Art supplies
1. Crayola markers, crayons, and colored pencils
Look out for Crayola’s line of washable products. You can buy colored pencils, markers, and crayons from Crayola. Crayola uses a formula for its products that washes completely from surfaces like clothes, carpets, walls, and desks.
2. Scissors
You’ll need a good pair of scissors for yourself and for the kids you teach. It’s best to have a pair of scissors for each child so they don’t need to wait for each other to use it. Buy kid-friendly round-pointed scissors for the younger children.
3. Colored gel pens
Children love gel pens. They love to write and draw with them.
4. Watercolor paints and paint brushes
There is a large variety on the market. Look for a set that comes in bright colors. Prang makes a washable watercolor paint that washes off skin and most clothing.
5. Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is ideal for painting on paper, wood, canvas, metal, fabric, and ceramics.
6. Tempera paint
Tempera paint is ideal for projects that involve newspaper print, cardboard, paper-mâché, poster boards. It’s also useful for finger and sponge painting.
You don’t have to buy all the different paints. It all depends on your particular situation. Some parents and kids are more into art than others. You can just have the basics available and if your child shows talent, then you can invest in a wider range of products.
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