Top 10 Must-Have Homeschooling Supplies

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Narrowing down a list of top 10 must-have homeschooling supplies can feel nearly impossible when first starting out. How is it possible to decide what supplies are “must have” when there are SO many resources available!?

This seemingly simple question has the potential to reap a whole host of complicated answers.

And this can leave one feeling, well…

Overwhelmed.

So before I share my top 10 must-have homeschooling supplies, I want to be clear about what I am NOT including.

I am not including many typical homeschooling supplies like crayons, calculators, scissors, or glue. Nor will I mention board games, puzzles, and other activities.

I will also assume that you have a computer, printer, and the necessary related supplies already taken care of.

And if you’re looking for ways to maximize using your public library, and enhancing daily tasks through podcasts, I’ve already got you covered!

Alright, so with all of that out of the way, let’s do this!

1. Sticky Tabbies

OK, so for the sake of full disclosure, these are not actually called Sticky Tabbies.

Technically they are known as Post-It Flags.

But whatever.

Around these parts, we lovingly refer to them as sticky tabbies, thank-you-very-much. And here is the beautiful thing about our beloved sticky tabbies: They make THE perfect bookmarks for any book you’re reading.

Use them in your planner, cookbooks, curriculum guides, and anywhere you need to mark an important spot you need to return to.

They stay in place, are reusable, and easily transportable.

Add these to your must-have list!

2. PLASTIC SHEET PROTECTORS

These are ideal for using with any sheets that need to be used repeatedly.

Daily subjects and responsibilities that need to be marked off, various checklists, and tracing maps are perfect examples of documents you can use with plastic sheet protectors.

Just slide the document into the protector sleeve, use your dry erase markers on them, wipe away when finished, and repeat.

Now I strongly prefer using sturdier plastic sheet protectors over the flimsier quality.

But use what works best for you, OK?

3. Frixion Erasable Pens 

In case you didn’t notice it in the title, these pens are ERASABLE!

Hooray!

They also come in an assortment of colors which is just another way to spread happiness.

So when you’re wanting the ease of writing in pen, but need the ability of a pencil to erase, search no more, these pens will do the trick.

I use these pens exclusively for writing in my planner and calendar. They are seriously a LIFESAVER!

NOTE: They make markers as well. I have them and use them too. I don’t like them as much as the pens, but if you prefer markers over pens, they are still worth the purchase, in my humble opinion.

Full disclosure: These pens tend to run out of ink much quicker than non-erasable pens. And while this is a bummer, for sure, having the ability to erase makes these worth EVERY PENNY!

4. Fine Point Sharpies

Everyone needs at least a few sharpies on hand!

And while the regular size is important to have, I am especially fond of the fine-point variety. They make writing small details a breeze as well as other areas that require small(ish) writing.

And I am such a fan of the large assortment of colors!

5. Laminator and Laminating Pouches

I know that laminating can get pricey and for big projects, outsourcing is usually the way to go. Staples, Office Max, or your favorite vendor are probably your best bets.

But for standard letter-sized documents and items that are smaller in nature, having your own laminator comes in really handy.

Examples of when having a laminator comes in handy: reinforcing homemade flashcards and protecting various charts to make them sturdy and reusable.

Now I’ve had my laminator for over a decade and I’m sure there are countless other makes/models that are better. My advice would be to avoid the cheapest models but don’t go over the top and get the most expensive either. Middle of the road in this department usually does the trick.

Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without my laminator!

6. Small(ish) Dry Erase Boards 

We own a large dry erase board which we have used regularly over the years. But having a small(ish) board for each of my children has been an ideal way for them to work out math problems, practice dictation, and do some brainstorming independently.

They can easily use these boards at the kitchen table, at their desks, or on the couch.

We have found 9 X 12 to be too small to get enough writing and problem solving in. Our preference is 20 X 16, but again, use what works best for you and your kids!

7. Clipboards

These are perfect for taking notes while standing, (think science projects, nature study, etc.) as well as writing in different locations around the house.

Over the years I’ve succumbed to the temptations of the latest design or newest feature. But the standard clipboards are always the best. They last the longest and do the trick. And if you want to get creative, it’s always easy to decorate with stickers and sharpies!

I like to stick with plain, good ol’ fashioned clipboards!

8. Post Its 

Yep, there’s something about a post-it that helps my brain simplify organizing and processing.

I use these for EVERYTHING!

In my planner, books, computer screen, mirror, steering wheel… honestly, EVERYWHERE!

Yes, I can write things in my planner and enter things in my phone but there’s something about the tactile simplicity of the post-it that I find oh-so-helpful.

Simple. Useful. Easy.

9. Blue Sky Planner 

I have friends that have super fancy and expensive planners. Some of them love these fancy-pants planners but others have found them to be highly overrated.

Personally, I’ve found simple and economical to be more my style. I have used Blue Sky Planners for years and the simplicity helps to lessen potential overwhelm and keeps me focused.

Affordable, simple, done.

NOTE: This past year I ordered the Living Well Spending Less planner. After hearing incredible things about it, I decided to take advantage of a pre-order sale they were having. I’m pleased to report that it has served me very well and I LOVE it! This planner’s extra features have helped me up my organizational game and streamline my goals more effectively. I highly recommend it!

But if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more frugal option, Blue Sky Planners served me well for years and I continue to recommend them whole-heartedly!

Use a planner to keep you organized!

10. World Globe 

I firmly believe that every homeschooling family should own a high-quality globe!

We have this exact Replogle globe which we continue to refer to all the time.

Honorable Mention

I know, I promised my top 10 must-have homeschooling supplies, and technically this makes 11.

But…PENCILS!

There’s no way around it, every homeschooler needs a steady supply of pencils. Now the Ticonderoga pencils seem to be a fan favorite of many homeschooling families, so I think it’s important to mention this.

But my family tends to roll with whatever we currently have on hand over here.

Now here’s where you can help me.

I am still on the hunt for low odor, fine tip, long-lasting dry erase markers!

Any suggestions for me?

You would think that with nearly a decade of homeschooling under my belt, I’d have this nailed, alas, the search continues. So let me know in the comments below if you have any recommendations.

I hope you’ve found this list of my top 10 must-have homeschooling supplies helpful as you consider what will best serve you!

Alright, now it’s your turn! Any tried and true homeschooling resources that you love! Hit reply and let me know what they are!