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As a homeschooler, I know that finding the right homeschool supplies and products can make all the difference in making your homeschool day go more smoothly. Here are nine of my favorite homeschool supplies that have helped me over the years to make our day run smoother. Whether you're just starting or have been homeschooling for a while, these products might just become your new favorites too!
My list of the top 9 homeschool supplies:
1. Planner
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Getting organized and planning out our days, weeks, months, and year may be the best thing to happen to our homeschool. It takes time, but the amount of time we save from being prepared is much more. I made this printable homeschool planner with other homeschool moms in mind.
2. Organization totes
Being organized and knowing where everything is kept is invaluable to making your homeschool day run smoother. There is less time spent looking for that “thing” we “just had right here.”
3. Timer
I bought this timer in October of 2016. It is still going strong six years later and saving our homeschooling day. We use it in the early years when kids (and honestly the teacher) need a break. The timer has a green, yellow, and red light to provide a visual cue and a buzzer to let you know when it is time to get back on task. (You could also use it in reverse when you have a subject that is trying, just set the timer for the amount of time you want to focus)
4. Electric Pencil Sharpener
Pencils that are sharpened and ready to go will make all the difference when it is time to sit down and start working. This electric pencil sharpener has held up to years of use and is still going strong. I highly recommend an electric pencil sharpener.
5. Good Quality Pencils
In reviewing other lists like this before I started homeschooling, pencils were always on the list, and they always stressed good quality. I thought this was crazy until we started going through pencils. While they may be more expensive upfront, you will save money in the long run with these pencils.
6. Color Coordinated Reusable Cups
Reusable color-coded cups have been a lifesaver in the dishwashing department. The kids are each assigned a color, and that is their cup. This dramatically eliminates new cups being used because they don't know which one is theirs.
7. Pre-made snacks
Again, this does take some time during your week to prep, but you do save so much time in the long run. These reusable bags are an investment but are so much better than single-use plastic bags. I like to spend some time on Sunday prepping some snacks to have on hand through the week. When one kiddo needs a snack while you are helping another, they can help themselves to these. (also help so that you don't get hangry 🤣)
8. Chromebook
I added this close to the end because while it does make the day go smoother, it is expensive, and if it is not in your budget right now (or ever), it won't make or break your homeschool. With that said, this has made our days go so much smoother. I have made the kids' planners digital, their morning work is digital, and when I find something educational that I want to share on the internet, it is easy to send it to them through Google Classroom. (Be on the lookout for upcoming posts on how we use all of these in our homeschool)
9. Meal Plan
Last but not least, this isn't a supply per se, but it has made our homeschool day go smoother. Spending time each week making up a meal plan for the week has not only saved us money but also time, energy, and some of my sanity. As homeschoolers, we generally eat many meals at home and having a plan for those meals is invaluable. I made this free meal plan printable for your to download.
What Homeschool Supplies are Your Must Haves?
So that is my list of 9 homeschool supplies that will make your homeschool day run smoother. What supplies would you try out in your homeschool? What would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to download your free meal plan printable.
