It would be easy for me to write a post here about 10 homeschooling items that you simply can not live without, but I fear that you might leave feeling defeated and inadequate if you were unable to have one or more of these items. Knowing my tendencies toward such thinking, I want to remind you in advance that this list is intended to be a helpful resource. NOT a you-will-fail-at-homeschooling-without-these list.
So with our minds set in the right perspective…these are the TOP TEN things that I simply would {rather not} live without. They are the heartbeat of our homeschool and I am so grateful to have them!
1. Bible
It would seem that this universal tool goes without saying, but I truly could not list my top ten must haves without listing my Bible. More specifically, my quiet time. About six months ago I changed my nighttime study habits into a morning quiet time as part of the Hello Mornings Challenge. This single action has been a game changer. I have found that if I don’t start my day before my kids, I am constantly playing catch-up and that never goes well.
2. Library card
Books make me smile. I own far too many and simply can never get enough. There is always a topic or new book that we have yet to read about. Our library card is also useful for borrowing audiobooks and educational videos. I’ve learned that if I set a day each week as library day I am far more likely to get those books returned on time!
3. Computer
My computer is like my left arm. It keeps track of everything from planning meals to planning lessons. I can also note appointments, connect with other home schoolers and find awesome printables. While it can be a distraction and should be closely monitored, the resources my computer offers me are almost limitless.
4. ipad
This probably seems a bit redundant, but I promise that the ipad is more than a portable computer. I’m not sure that I would have ever purchased one of my own, but now that I have one…it’s impossible not to put it on my top ten list. Why? Educational apps. The ipad offers free (or very cheap) education for my family in a fun and exciting way. There are games to captivate and teach my 2 year old and games that drill multiplication with my 8 year old. While this is useful anytime, I find educational apps to be extremely useful when I am at the doctor’s office or other appointments. All 4 of my children must come along and with the use of the ipad (and a few ipod touches) our day is no longer lost in the waiting room.
5. Mini white boards
Sometimes the simple things are some of the best. Teachers have been using chalk boards for centuries because they work. While white boards are a little more modern, they are equally useful. They keep little hands busy, which is always a plus. But perhaps their largest benefit is that they save money. There is no need for a worksheet when you have a white board. I save the paper for things that I need to document and use the white board for practice.
6. Pathways readers
We already talked about my crazy love for books. It would be safe to assume that we own several sets of beginning readers, most of which are fantastic. However, Pathways readers win a spot in my favorites. They are simple, wholesome and perfectly leveled. Best of all, my kids can not stop reading them. Even after they have finished the grade level set, they re-read them for FUN. The story line is simple and they can relate to the everyday lives of Rachel, Peter, Miriam and Andrew. The books do a great job of including rich vocabulary that is still simple enough not to frustrate the reader.
7. Notebooks
I floundered around quite a bit when I began this homeschooling journey. One of my biggest problems was the organization of “work”. Before long, I settled into notebooks. Each year my children get a notebook (they are pictured above). We call it the “first grade notebook” or whatever grade they happen to be in. We document our studies through out the year in our notebook. We can punch holes in just about anything and collect it as “evidence.” To learn more about note booking, check out The Notebooking Fairy.
8. Toddler box
I started the toddler box when my first son was just 2. In the box, I place games, puzzles, play dough and other appropriate activities for him to complete while I am working with his older sisters. The key is that this is his special school box and can only be used during this time. That way, when it’s school time, he is anxious to play in his school box. You can find great ideas for what to put in your box posted at 1+1+1+1.
9. Ticonderoga pencils
I’m picky when it comes to pencils. A few years ago I read a post where a blogger talked about Ticonderoga pencils and how great they were. I thought she might be a little wacky for spending a little extra on her pencils. After all, pencils are all the same, no? I could not have been more wrong. It only took one box of Ticonderoga pencils to change my mind. Why are these pencils better? The eraser stays attached to the pencil (novel idea, I know). They are almost unbreakable, which includes their led. No more throwing away pencils that won’t sharpen properly because their led keeps falling out or the child has a freakishly strong moment. No lie, a few packs of these pencils will last the whole year and then some. They are worth the extra dollar. Maybe even a little more.
10. Schedule
I hope you have enjoyed this post. Each Tuesday, I am teaming up with a wonderful group of homeschool bloggers to bring you 10 weeks of Top Ten Homeschooling Lists. Be sure you stop by ihomeschool network where you will find a list of over 30 other bloggers participating in the series. I wonder how many of the items will be matching?
Linking up with Hip Homeschool, Raising Mighty Arrows, and Growing Home
newlifesteward says
I’m just beginning to consider homeschooling (my little one is 16 months). These ideas are great to tuck away for later!
Mary Beth
newlifesteward.com
Kim Sorgius says
It’s never to early to tuck ideas away. Sometimes I pull out parenting things that I learned long before children! I love that God gives us jewels just when we need them. Thanks for stopping by!
KelLee Gray says
I have to add my vote to Ticonderoga pencils. They are so above the quality of any other pencil that my 4 year old will search the house for one and hand me the “ugly” ones (as he puts it) to throw away. LOL! Your list is perfect! Thank you for your insight.
Amy says
Good Morning Kim! Thanks so much for sharing your favorite ideas! I’m going to make myself a “toddler box” asap! My little boy is almost 2 years old, and so busy! 🙂 What a fantastic idea and way to keep him a little better occupied while I work with my older girls. ~ blessings today sister, Amy
Cheryl Long says
What a thorough list! Thank you for including the links. I’m sharing this post on my blog FB page.
Mary says
My son loves the Pathway Readers 🙂
Jessy Gaffen says
Oh, I definitely need some pencils like that! It seems the cheaper ones we have last about a whole day and no more! Ugh! We go through them like water from the faucet! Thanks for the tip!
Ginny says
Great list. Many of the same items are on mine. I know what you mean about being picky about pencils. We used to use
Ticonderoga pencils but I switched to mechanical pencils when the kids got older. I love my Bic pencils because to advance the lead you twist the bottom and don’t have to click the top. I can put a bigger pencil eraser on the top (we tend to erase a lot lol) and they seem to last about a 6 to 8 weeks before we have to replace them (unless we lose them first). I guess we are all a little quirky about some things, aren’t we. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your ‘must haves’. Be Blessed.
Amy says
We love mechanical pencils, too. I order a box of 12+ of the Bic Velocity pencils from Amazon when I need to add something to an order to qualify for free shipping. Much cheaper than what I find locally, and I have a stash on hand. No excuses about needing to sharpen pencils before getting to work? Works for me!
Also, for those of you with lefties who use notebooks for some subjects, I have found that composition notebooks work so much better than spiral for my two left-handed kids. The spiral binding (or 3-ring binders) make it harder to write on the front of the page if you are left-handed.
Kim Sorgius says
Great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca says
Hmmmm…those Pathway readers look interesting!
Jennifer says
Kim, I’d love to see a “homeschooling on a budget” post! We are still on the fence about homeschooling, and a lot of the reason for that is that we’re not sure if we can afford it (and also afford me not going back to work). Do you think you could write such a post? Thanks!
Corrin Simpson says
If you are still thinking about Homeschooling on a Budget, definitely check out some used book sites such as homeschool classifieds. Books being sold by homeschoolers to homeschoolers. Most prices include shipping. Sometimes you can find friends who have already taught that grade, or even a used book store! Depending on the age/grade, you can get workbooks at a dollar store, and there are tons of worksheets online.
Amanda Pelser says
Jonathan has done Pathway Readers 1st grade and a little of 2nd grade. They were perfect to teach him how to read. We had to stop because for his age, the 2nd grade reader print was too small and too many words on a page. We’ll pick them back up soon. I <3 Ticonderoga pencils. So worth the little extra money.
Sharla says
I’m actually going to look into those pencils because even though pencils may seem like a small thing, we are constantly having pencil issues around here! Enjoyed your list!
Deborah says
We have all the pathway readers too~!!
Katie says
I am also new to homeschooling and will be starting in the fall with my 5 year old. Thanks for sharing!
Kim Sorgius says
For those of you that are new to homeschooling, we are doing a Top 10 things you would tell a new homeschooler list, plus so many more useful lists! Be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss a single thing.
Amber says
I keep hearing about these Ticonderoga pencils.. I’m going to have to check these out…
Theres Just One Mommy says
Whiteboards are a must! Planning on using binders this year as well. Have never heard of those pencils, but they definitely sound like a better option than the ones we’ve been using!
Dana Irwin says
Have you noticed a decline in the quality of Ticonderago pencils? I got the black and neon ones last year and they were terrible— always breaking. I was not impressed. When I mentioned this on a forum someone said they had noticed a difference in quality between the pencils that say T. on them vs. Dixon/T. Mine were the Dixon/T. After looking though for the past several weeks in stores, I cannot find any that just say T. on them. I am wondering if they got bought out and are now a lesser quality than before. Any thoughts on this?
Kim Sorgius says
Oooo…I don’t know! I just bought some for this year and they say Dixon T on them. Boo! I think our previous ones were Just T. I haven’t bought any in a few years because they lasted so long and I didn’t expect that, so I bought so many that first year.
Lindsey says
I am going to start homeschooling a 1st and 3rd grader this fall….the parents of these 2 kiddos are turning their playroom into a classroom….she wants me to come up with a list of things that she needs to purchase (furniture, supplies etc…). Could you help me and come up with a Top 10 of these types of materials??? Thanks!!
Lindsey
Kim Sorgius says
This might help: http://www.notconsumed.com/simple-homeschool/