Our Homeschool Essentials

Since we started homeschooling way back when Israel was going into Kindergarten( has it really been that long???) I have come to realize that you don't necessarily need a lot of extra doo dads and thing ama bobs to effectually homeschool. Of course there are some things that are essential to making your homeschool run smoothly and effectively.

We have slowly added to these things over the years as we have had need of them. Somehow most of our supplies that are so vital to doing anything, often end up missing and broken. Which leaves me frustrated and fuming when I can't find what I am looking for. To remedy this I have decided to take matters into my own hands and put all of the supplies that go missing or broken in one container. I have hidden it in a secret spot, to be only opened and administered by me. So far this method has worked wonders. I now know where all the pencils, sharpies, glue, scissors and tape are! This is such a tremendous feeling for me. Really. You have no idea. Or maybe you do!

Here are a few things that I have found to be extremely helpful and essential to our homeschool. Most of these you probably already have in your home and may seem obvious. Chances are there are some of you out there who didn't know they needed them...that is till now.

Electric Pencil Sharpener

I finally bought an electric pencil sharpener this week! I knew something was missing in my life! It was this. I can't tell you how nice it is to have sharpened pencils! This little machine has made my life so much easier. No wondering where the pencil sharpener is, no complaining students saying they don't have a sharpened pencil. The kids have been obsessed with it. As soon as we got it, they went right to work sharpening e v e r y. s i n g l e.  p e n c i l.  in our home! If you have had the same dilemma with pencils like I have, you need an electric pencil sharpener in your life!

All In One Printer

It wasn't too long after I started homeschooling that I realized we needed a printer. Many of the books I have allow for copying so that I can reuse them for future students. There are also so many resources online that you can download and make free copies from. It is a no brainer. If you don't have one, go get one now. They are very affordable and don't take up a lot of room.You need a printer. End of story.

Ink


Of course you are going to need some ink to go with your printer!

Printer Paper

Of course to go with your printer you are going to need some paper. My kids draw all day so we have invested a lot in paper. To me it is a investment that is well worth it. We use so much paper that we buy it in bulk and it is cheaper that way.

Pencils


We have gone through a lot of pencils in the 6 years we have been homeschooling. I discovered quickly that the cheap ones I was buying were not saving me any money. These Ticonderoga pencils been worth their weight in gold. We can't go back now and neither will you once you try them.

Stapler

If you want to attach papers together...you need this. That is all.

3 Hole Ring Punch

This little doo hickey has come in so handy. We put a lot of our school work in binders and you need this to do so...obviously.

World Globe


So much of what we learn centers on Bible, Geography, History and Science and wouldn't be possible without a globe. I found mine at a garage sale but it is starting to fall apart. This one is so affordable that I will be replacing ours soon with it.

World Map


What I said above but with a map also. I am so thankful that we had room to put one up in our school room. It is the focal point in our room and makes it feel like a real school room. Not to mention we use it almost every day!

File Holder


Staying organized has been key in helping me stay sane. I love having these file holders to keep all my loose papers categorized and organized.

Binders


We have been using binders to store all of our paper work. The kids all have their own and it is so nice to have all their school work in one place for when we are evaluated at the end of the year. They each have one also for all their art work.

Art Supplies

Water Colors

water color pad


Sketch Journal


We recently started a nature journal. The boys love these sketch books! They feel like they are making a real book. I got one for myself also!
Brushes


Kids Paint


Brushes


We love any form or medium of art in our home. There isn't one day that goes by that someone is not drawing, painting, or creating. So having the right tools on hand for my little artists is very important.

Of course there are other things that I could add to this list but these are what I have found to be the most necessary along with a willing spirit and humble heart...

What are your homeschool essentials? 

Anything I should add to my list?

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