What Supplies Do I Need to Homeschool My Child?

mom and daugther doing homeschool

As a homeschooling mom of three boys, finding the right school supplies is the first step to a smooth school year. From pencils to whiteboards, having the essentials keeps your lessons running seamlessly.

If you’re here, you might already understand why I believe in homeschooling. For me, there are countless reasons why homeschooling is better than traditional schooling—the flexibility, the creativity, and the chance to tailor education to each child’s needs.

If you’re wondering how to start homeschooling, don’t worry—it all begins with the basics. During back to school time, having a well-prepared supply list makes all the difference. This guide will help you create a learning space where your child can thrive. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Best Homeschool Supplies List

homeschool supplyy list

With years of homeschooling experience, I know how the right supplies can make your school year smoother and more enjoyable. Homeschooling is about creating an environment that works for your family and sparks your kids’ love for learning.

Let me walk you through some must-have supplies, along with tips to make your homeschooling journey as rewarding as possible!

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Core Learning Materials for Lessons

Core Learning Materials for Lessons

These are the everyday tools that you’ll rely on in just about every subject, so having them ready to go can save you a lot of headaches. Keep these on hand:

  • Pencils and Erasers for writing assignments, practicing handwriting, and note-taking.
  • Lined paper or composition book for daily lessons, whether it’s writing, drawing, or practicing grammar.
  • A white board with dry erase markers for teaching math, brainstorming ideas, and breaking down spelling words. We actually have two: a larger foldable whiteboard that both the kids and I can use, and a smaller, versatile board with a dry-erase surface on one side and a chalkboard on the other. It also has room for storage whether it is smaller dry erase makers or magnet letters.The smaller board is perfect for quick explanations when we’re sitting down, or for activities like practicing spelling words from their curriculum.
  • A computer or laptop is essential for online learning, research, and accessing digital curriculum. Alternatively, a smartphone with learning apps can be just as effective. For example, I use The Good and The Beautiful math and language arts curriculum, which pairs seamlessly with two of their apps that I’ve downloaded on my phone.
  • A printer for printing worksheets, lesson plans, or even creative activities. Highly recommend getting an ecotank printer. The ink lasts a very long time, about 1-2 years. I print A TON of color for my business and schooling, and I’ve only had to buy ink once in the 3 years we’ve owned the printer.
  • Printer paper to keep your printing station stocked.
  • A cork board or command strips and a string like I did to display schedules, lesson plans, or even your kids’ artwork.
  • Post-it notes for jotting down quick reminders or marking important pages in books or workbooks.
  • A pencil sharpener, because nothing slows down learning like a broken pencil!

Mom Tip: One thing that saved my sanity was creating a dedicated “lesson bin” for the basics. Each boy had his own pencil box with pencils, erasers, scissors, crayons and markers, so there was no scrambling to find things mid-lesson or arguments between the children.

I also turned our art display area into a “homeschool spotlight,” where I’d pin something my kids were proud of that week—like a certificate when completing a lesson unit/entire curriculum they rocked or a cool drawing. It gave them a boost of confidence and encouraged them to take pride in their work.

Art and Craft Supplies

Art and Craft Supplies

Crafting isn’t just a fun break from academics—it’s an amazing way to reinforce lessons in a hands-on way that your kids will love. Stock up on these supplies to keep creativity flowing:

  • Construction paper for making posters, crafts, and hands-on projects.
  • Colored pencils, crayons, markers, and paint for everything from detailed drawings to art projects to lessons in the curriculum. We use an organizer to keep all of our supplies in. It makes it easier to transport to the desk area.
  • Glue sticks and scissors for assembling crafts, dioramas, and timelines. In The Good and The Beautiful curriculum, some lessons ask to cut, glue and/or color.
  • A laminating machine to protect reusable materials like flashcards, maps, or even your kids’ art masterpieces. This isn’t a requirement; you can choose to purchase the clear protective sleeves instead. I personally like it because I make my children their morning menu which you can find here if you are looking for ideas!
  • A hole punch to help organize craft projects or create activity binders.

Mom Tip: I once turned a history lesson about weather into an all-day hands-on learning adventure. We started by cutting paper snowflakes, then crafted clouds and raindrops, and even added a science twist by exploring how snowflakes form and why clouds produce rain.

The boys learned so much that day—without even realizing how much “school” was happening! The secret? Find creative ways to connect art and hands-on activities to your lessons. It keeps kids engaged, makes the material unforgettable, and turns learning into a fun experience they’ll always remember.

Subject-Specific Supplies

Subject-Specific Supplies

Each subject comes with its own unique challenges, and having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to take your lessons to the next level:

  • For math and language arts, use a white board and dry erase markers for visualizing equations, solving word problems, spelling words, or showing how letters or numbers are written.
  • For geography lessons, maps, globes, and colored pencils will help your kids explore the world in a hands-on way.
  • For science, experiment kits, magnifying glass, and measuring tools can turn abstract lessons into exciting discoveries.
  • For history or social studies, use craft supplies like construction paper and markers to create timelines, lapbooks, or historical dioramas.

Mom Tip: When we were studying geography, I had my boys each pick a state in the U.S. they were curious about. They colored a map of the U.S., worked together on a U.S. map puzzle, learned about the particular state they chose, and even helped me cook a popular dish in that state.

They didn’t just learn geography—they created memories. For science, we’d often do “kitchen experiments” after lunch (baking soda volcanos, anyone?)—these hands-on activities became the highlight of their day.

Organizational Tools for Homeschooling

binder for organization

Homeschooling can get messy, but staying organized will save your sanity. These tools will help you keep everything in its place and make your days flow more smoothly:

  • Binders and folders to separate and store completed assignments, printouts, and resources by subject.
  • Storage bins for keeping craft materials like glue, pens, scissors, and extra supplies tidy and accessible.

Mom Tip: I gave each of my boys their own color-coded binder for organizing their work. For example, math was blue, reading was red, and so on. It made grabbing the right materials simple.

Another game-changer? A rolling cart with three compartments for all our supplies. It kept everything in one place that we use often, and at the end of the day, we’d roll it into the corner to tidy up the space.

Creating a Functional Homeschool Room

homeschool rooms

A good homeschool room doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect—it just needs to work for your family. Here’s what to include:

  • A sturdy table or desk where your kids can comfortably work.
  • A bookshelf to store books, binders, and supplies within arm’s reach.
  • A calendar to plan lessons, track the school year, or even countdown to breaks or holidays. I have a homeschool planner to keep track of our weekly lessons, day to day lessons/tasks, and any other details I need to remember. It took me awhile to find the perfect planner and I highly recommend this spiral bound organizer.
  • Decorate the room with motivational posters or your kids’ completed projects to make it feel inviting and personal.

Mom Tip: The first-year homeschooling, our basement wasn’t fixed up yet, so I turned a corner of our dining room into a homeschool area using our dining table as our school desk and a small bookshelf. The boys helped decorate it with their projects until the basement was fixed!

If space is tight, portable storage like rolling carts or bins can help transform any room into a homeschool classroom in minutes. The best part? Letting your kids help set up the space gives them ownership and excitement about their new learning environment.

Need the full list? Don’t worry, mama—I’ve gathered all the homeschool supplies you need to make your journey smooth and successful!

Set Yourself Up for a Successful School Year

mom and son teaching session homeschool

Homeschooling doesn’t require every fancy gadget, Mama, but a few key school supplies can make all the difference. Focus on homeschool necessities like art supplies, a cozy and functional school room, and a few organizational staples to keep things running smoothly. Take advantage of back-to-school sales to save on essentials—trust me, every little bit helps!

I know homeschooling can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re just starting out. If you’re wondering about the legal side of things, we’ve got you covered—check out our article on how to legally homeschool your kids. It’s a helpful guide to take one more worry off your plate.

Remember, with the right tools, a little planning, and a whole lot of love, you’re giving your kids something truly special. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

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