Starting your homeschool journey can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting the right supplies. When I was getting started I spent hundreds of dollars on materials and resources that ended up being donated at the end of the school year. Here’s a list of essentials to help set up an effective and fun learning space for your kids that won’t go to waste.
Pencils, markers, glue sticks, and paper are non-negotiable. These will cover most art, writing, and daily lessons.
Use labeled bins or caddies to organize. This makes it easy for little hands to grab what they need and keeps the mess contained!
A small whiteboard can be a game-changer. It’s perfect for those quick math problems, spelling and vocab practice, or just doodling during breaks. Plus, it’s reusable!
We love using our whiteboard for family spelling bees and math games. My kids think they’re just playing, but they’re actually learning. Win-win!
Having something hands-on is key, especially for young learners. Things like counters, linking cubes, or even household items like beans or buttons can be great for counting and sorting activities.
If you don’t want to buy fancy math tools, try repurposing things around the house. Buttons, pasta, or small toys work wonders as counters! Really anything that you have multiple of works for this type of hands-on learning.
A tidy learning space sets the tone for the rest of the day. Having dedicated spots for books and supplies keeps everyone organized.
We have a small bookshelf where all our homeschool materials live. Not having to search for things has made our days so much smoother, and even my youngest helps out with putting things back when we’re done.
Whether you’re a planner by nature or not, some system for tracking lessons and activities helps keep everything on track. I highly recommend investing in a weekly planner that works best for you. It could be a physical planner or a digital scheduler, something to outline the subjects you want to cover each day.
Keep your plans flexible. Jot down ideas, but don’t be afraid to go with the flow when your child shows interest in something new!
Paints, clay, pipe cleaners, googly eyes and glitter—the possibilities are truly endless and creative supplies are a must for any homeschooling family. These items can turn a dull subject into a fun, hands-on learning experience.
We once made planets out of clay, glitter and acrylic paint to make a solar system for our lesson about planet positions. The kids ended up loving it so much that we spent an entire week exploring space!
Visual aids like alphabet charts, a world map, or weather charts can make a big difference. Plus, the kids love having something colorful to look at during lessons. It keeps them engaged while learning about subjects that can be a bit stale. Plus they’re reusable with the right care.
I like to switch out posters based on what we’re studying. It keeps the learning space fresh and relevant to our topics!
Create a cozy nook with pillows, blankets, and a stack of books to make reading time feel special. This doesn’t have to be overcomplicated! Utilize your local library to keep your reading rotation fresh and borrow some pillows and blankets from the guest room! Whether it’s independent reading or family storytime, a dedicated reading space can help encourage a genuine love of books.
James loves his little reading corner. We put together a quiet space in the corner of is room, complete with his favorite PJ Mask blanket and some throw pillows. It’s where he can get lost in a story and take a break from those more structured activities.
Homeschooling doesn’t always have to be indoors. You can’t forget about nature! Tools like binoculars, magnifying glasses, or a bug kit can enhance outdoor learning. We like to set aside at least an hour every day for lessons outside to get some fresh air and sunlight (depending on the weather).
We keep a small backpack ready with these items for spontaneous outdoor lessons. It’s one of our favorite ways to learn together as a family.
Not every kid works best sitting at a desk all day. Try different seating options like floor cushions, yoga mats, or even letting your child sit on a beanbag during lessons.
Clara loves playing at her “workstation”, but if we’re talking structured lessons, she always prefers the couch. We like to give her the freedom to move around while staying focused on her tasks. The key is finding what works for your child and just going with it!
Setting up your homeschool space doesn’t have to be a major home renovation! Start with these essentials, adjust as you go, and remember, your homeschool setup should be as flexible and fun as the learning journey itself!
Begin with a few of these items, and see how they transform your homeschooling day. There’s no need to buy everything at once—start small and build up a space that works for you and your family.
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