Current events have MANY parents questioning whether or not their children will be returning to traditional schooling. And who could blame them? Thankfully there are plenty of resources and seasoned people (hi there!) who have been in the trenches of homeschool and can offer some (hopefully) helpful advice.

I have several past posts that go over different recommendations for websites and apps we frequently use in our homeschool days. This post will start from square one with the basics of supplies and a few manipulative we’ve found useful in our learning journey.

Here we go…

The basics:

+ Pencils

+ Wide ruled paper

+ Spiral notebooks for different subjects

+ Binder for worksheets

+ Dividers with tabs

+ Colored pencils

+ Glue and / or glue sticks

+ Scissors

+ Printer paper

+ Clipboards

+ Ruler

+ Markers

+ Crayons

For art or craft projects:

+ Art canvases (can be found at dollar stores or bought in bulk at craft stores)

+ Craft paint / acrylic paint / watercolors

+ Air dry clay

+ Playdough

Subject – Specific Materials:

+ Math cubes

+ Abacus

+ Science starter kits

+ Toolset for woodworking

+ Apron for cooking

+ Sewing kit

To (try to) keep things organized I have a small cabinet where everyday supplies are kept like pencils, glue, erasers, etc.

The lower portion of the cabinet houses our worksheet binders and some workbooks.

Since we don’t have a designated homeschool area (hey, my kids homeschool all around the house!) we also have a rolling cart with extra supplies and some reference books, extra reading books, etc.

And really, my kids learn wherever they are comfortable, so don’t feel pressured to rearrange a room in your house into a Pinterest – worthy homeschool room… I felt I needed to do so years ago, and it ended up being a waste of time and energy in my case…

They love to read outside on the patio, trampoline or in the hammock… or inside, curled up in the pappasan chair or my bed.

With current happenings in the world, our front room has turned into a work-from-home office, and we need to keep the doors closed for video conferences and calls. So, we have book bins for each of the kids that house their daily assignment checklist and any workbooks or reference books they may need to complete their work. They carry it wherever they feel like plopping down and getting to work.

Our daily routine is somewhat lax, and flexible, and we allow for them to follow their own circadian rhythm, especially during growth spurts and these teen years. They get all of their assignments done and test at or above grade level for their age, so I know they are on track. Here is a brief schedule of what a day could look like. Other homeschool families I’ve talked with do the same and ease into their days, allowing for peaceful mornings and connecting over breakfast instead of rushing out the door, which is yet another reason we appreciate homeschooling.

I hope these tips help you feel less daunting about the choice to homeschool. Again, there are many online resources and groups to ask questions and glean wisdom from these days. You don’t need to go overboard – or spend tons of money either. There are many free or low cost resources available and plenty of projects that can utilize recycled materials found around the home, so don’t feel you have to create an explosive classroom setting overnight. Remember this is homeschool, not school at home. Start with the basics and gradually add as needed if necessary.

Feel free to follow along over at Teachers Pay Teachers where I post many affordable and free worksheets covering an array of levels and subjects: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Joyfullydwell