Are you trying to figure out what supplies are needed to homeschool? Well, that depends. It depends on your style of teaching, how many kids you have, how deep you plan to go into each subject…. But, I am confident that I can give you a fairly thorough homeschool supply list.

What Do I Need to START Homeschooling?

I will assume if you were searching for an answer to this, chances are you are new to the homeschool gig. Then chances are, you have a plan that will change. I’m just speaking from experience. 😉 Most of the things on this homeschool supply list will come in handy at one time or another. But, you can certainly start small and add on as you need it! If your budget is tight, I’ll go so far as to say you could teach your children everything they need to know with some pencils and paper (the only things that I would consider “must-have” 😛 ), free resources on the internet, and at the library!

Breakin’ It Down

I’m going to break this homeschool supply list into sections. I’ll cover Portfolio Essentials, Curriculum Materials, Reference Books, “Classroom” Materials and Basics, Things For Teacher, Learning/ Teaching Aids, Learning Games, and Project & Art Supplies. Some of the items may have a brief explanation of why or how I use them. Also keep in mind that I am homeschooling 4 kids, so some details may be just to keep their things separate. If you have one child, those things wouldn’t be necessary! We use ALL of the things here (well, I’ll note if it’s an alternative to what I use), so I promise I’m not trying to get you to buy whatever seems logical.

This post does have affiliate links! I’d rather not overdo it in that department, so know that while some items contain a link (those are highlighted, so you can see what item I’m talking about if you need to by clicking on the word), I’m not expecting you to buy everything (or anything) from this list. I, however, am a very visual person, so I always appreciate when someone shows me what they’re talking about. Also note that I have bought some of the items when they would randomly appear at the dollar store!

The Homeschool Supply List

Oh, and since you may just want to use this as a reference at a store, here is a printable homeschool shopping list that you can use to write down the things you’ll want and need as you go through this, without all the text in-between!

But, back to your list! I like to have the things that I need at hand, and have always felt better when things are organized. Some states have you present a portfolio to be reviewed at the end of the year, so having the schoolwork organized should have you ready to go!

With that I will start with what I consider my….

Portfolio Essentials

Binders 
All of their work goes in binders. Except for big projects, of course. Heavy duty with view front for decorating. The subjects and subcategories are divided by……

Binder Pockets and Dividers
Having tabbed dividers and pockets  to separate work and provide storage is key to them quickly finding their work for the day.

Paper
Any lined paper will do, but I like to use this for the color coordinating factor. 😛

Handwriting Paper in Bulk
Buying this in bulk allows everyone to practice print and cursive.

3 Hole Punch
This makes it so easy to add any worksheets to their binder! But, of course with punched paper, you’ll need to keep handy…..

Reinforcement Tabs
I’ve never regretted having these on hand!

Page Protectors
I keep a section in one of my binders to store a master of anything that I will be printing more of in the future.

Pretty Binders for Me
I have 3. One is to keep before and after yearly assessments I’ve done for reference that go in their portfolio at end of the year review, along with some other things I have that relate to the kids individually. One is for prepared lesson plans by subject, and for the masters I mentioned above. One is for general information about each subject (outlines and timelines I want to follow), and future ideas for subjects. I have other specific storage listed below.

ALTERNATIVE: One of these accordian files for each kid could store any work you’ll want reviewed. One for you could separate lesson plans. I like easier visual access, though. So I prefer the binder method!

Curriculum Materials

You have so many options when it comes to your curriculum! Here’s where it really depends on how and what you teach. This is what I bought this past year, and what we’re sticking with:

Saxon Math Books
Math isn’t exactly our party area. I wanted to use something that after researching it, I felt confident this could work for my kids. Saxon uses the spiral method, and I really like the continuous review process, instead of master and move on (and then often forget). You can buy as a set for each level, or find what you need individually – student workbooks, worksheets, solution manuals – used on Amazon. For the pages in the workbook that they do, I make a copy and put in their binder. That way I can use the book again for the next kid down the line.

Scholastic Workbooks
Grammar, Reading, and Writing – I love these! They are for supplementing lessons really, but I sometimes use them as the whole lesson. They cover a lot, and really help me track where they need more focus. They’re super cheap, too!

Word Ladders
These are great for working on vocabulary, phonics, and spelling!

I Can Fly Reading Program
These are workbooks (A & B) that are Orton-Gillingham based. This is the method often used for children with dyslexia. But, It’s a great method for teaching any child to read. Dax has really struggled when it comes to reading. In the 2 years I homeschooled him for preschool, I was noticing that it just felt different from teaching the older two to read. At traditional school for kindergarten, there still didn’t seem to be progress. They started using the OG method with him for 20 minutes or so a week. He was never diagnosed with dyslexia (testing is very expensive and our district doesn’t use the word dyslexia), although I did have him take an online test. Regardless, sometimes momma just knows, so we continue to use these workbooks and a little of this method. We’ve definitely made progress! These are now being used with Viggo, too.

Other than that, we use the library, internet (education.com, K5 Learning, YouTube, etc.), and field trips to cover our learning. I make up lesson plans for whatever we’re working on, and print out A LOT of worksheets. We had a reliable printer at the time we decided I’d homeschool, but it sucked down the ink, and would only take genuine cartridges. It was crazy expensive. After researching, I found this
Printer that is so reasonable (mine was on sale, which you can always find!), uses the cheapest
Replacement Ink (generic) you can find, and is holding up wonderfully for us! I’ll add that my husband has been working from home for months because of ‘rona, and he is printing all day, too!
Copy Paper

We also use online games and guided lessons for math and ELA reinforcement, breaks, etc. They write stories, practice keyboarding, occasionally do an online class,too.  For all of that I invested in….

Chromebooks
I personally use an HP laptop, but the kids seem to like using these better. If I’m buying those, I’m certainly going to invest in these
Chromebook covers
This has saved us during multiple fumbles. (Just make sure you find one compatible with chromebook model!) Color coordinated, with decals on top, it’s easy to spot if someone forgot to charge theirs and “borrowed” someone else’s. 😛 Same deal with their
Headphones
Everyone can work at the same time without bothering each other! Or sometimes they might want to listen to music while they work, but not everyone else does.
Mouse and Pad
They don’t always use these, but sometimes prefer them for specific learning games.

Reference Books

For my personal teaching library, I have collected many hand-me-downs, but have a few things I’ve chosen to give me a starting point with some lessons. As I said before, there is a world of info online. But I like to have these at my disposal:

Dictionary and Thesaurus
Yep. I make them “look it up” all the time. I don’t want them to be relying on a Google search to teach them vocabulary. Easier? Yes. Use as much brain power? My non-expert opinion is no.
Personal Go-To Books
History of Art for Young People
Encyclopedia of The World
First Encyclopedia of History
The Complete Book of Maps and Geography
Encyclopedia of Animals

“Classroom” Materials and Basics

Storage
All of these these things will need to go somewhere. Most of us do not have a room just for homeschooling. Without going into a lot of detail now, I’ll tell you that I’ve found cube organizers to be a lifesaver. They don’t need a lot of floor space (depending on how you sort your items), and don’t leave everything hanging out and cluttered when using the bins. When the kids know what’s in which, it keeps them from digging through everything to find just one math game, and it doesn’t put Viggo’s speech materials in with general use. It gets pulled out when we’re going to use it, and I don’t spend my time running around the room gathering what we need.
Storage Baskets
These hold bigger things that I want to store flat. They go on top of my cubicles. I have one that has larger wooden puzzles, learning dry erase boards, etc. One stores bigger folded maps, my clipboard with next day lesson, etc. Also pretty.
Tabletop File Holder
Here I store file folders that have things like future worksheets for individual kids, laminated learning materials, and folders for each where they can drop completed work. This keeps me from spending a lot of time going through everyone’s binders to see what’s ready to be checked, and it’s pretty enough to be out all the time.
Files
Since these are out in a room we use everyday, I have some that go along with the color scheme a little.

Morning Board
Here’s how I made mine, along with the free printables to use on it. I’ll be adding to those in the future!

Easel Whiteboard
When we’re working on something all together, I love my portable whiteboard! I can set this in front of everyone when needed, and it folds and stores easily when it’s not. I haven’t missed having a classroom chalkboard yet!

Pencil Sharpener
This one I have was a great buy. It sharpens multiple sizes, works quickly, stops automatically at the perfect point, and dumps easily.

Graph Paper

Colored Book Bins
These are typically book bins, but I have one for each kid for loose things that don’t go in their binder – individual workbooks,
Whiteboards
This is their “scratch paper”/ doodle board.
Composition Book
Dry Erase Pockets
Nice for sheets they may do a lot, like practicing multiplication facts.
Ruler

I store the bins in our school cabinet. These help make it really easy to set up and put away our school day.

Pencil Caddies
They each have one to easily access and put away each day. We got ours at the dollar store. There are many options online, also, that are cute. But, they could even make these themselves! These are for the daily “desk” supplies, like
Pencils
I keep a pack of the regular ones on hand, then everyone gets a specialty pack to avoid fights about who did or did not bring their pencil to the table.
Star Wars, unicorns, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and the Avengers were their picks this year.
Scissors 
Glue sticks 
Highlighters
Dry Erase Markers
Whiteboard Erasers
These come with the whiteboards above!

Pencil Case
These are the ones we use to store all of their extra pencils, highlighters, dry erase markers, etc., along with their own
Colored Pencils 
Stapler and Staples
Pens
Compass
Protractor
Calculator

For one thing it makes it easy to grab for learning outside of the house, and we know there’s at least one of everything in there. The other reason I use these is to give them their own things to be responsible for. Same thing for the caddy. My oldest will steal everyone else’s pencils, and then as one of his fidgets, bite off the metal end with eraser. I think it’s called a ferrule? I really do remember the most useless things. 😆

To immerse you fully in my weirdness, at this point I’ll tell you that most of the items above (and below) are color coordinated. The bins and caddies, cases and binders – everyone has a color. For some reason that makes me feel more organized, and they enjoy having things feel a little more personalized. Like with their….
Tri-Fold Boards
These are their barriers at the table, if they’re feeling the need for more personal space. Everyone decorates their own. These are also occasionally at the dollar store!
Noise Cancelling Headphones
There are times when one kid is feeling the need for silence while trying to concentrate. They’ve all had those days. So have I. 😆
Paper Cutter
How did I ever live without this?? I’ve had mine for about 5 years, and it’s used constantly. This may not be the most essential thing here, but it would have to be at the top of MY homeschool supply list. 😛 
Laminator and Pouches
Cardstock
You may not think you’d need these last few things until you have them and don’t want to ever let them go!
Folder
Notebook
Backpack
These are for learning on the go. If we decide to sit in the park to do our lessons, dragging the binders with us would be a pain!
Clipboard
Along those same lines, sometimes we just grab a clipboard for whatever we’re working on, and a pencil, and go! Or sometimes one of them needs a break from the rest (or me 😉 ), so they’ll take a worksheet in another part of the house.
Fidget Bin
We have a basket that I set out on the table as we get started. I have some fidgeters, so it’s filled to the top with whatever type might strike their fancy for the day. It includes various types. This is a sampling of ours:

For Teacher

Label Maker
I’ve had this label maker for about 15 yrs. Everyone in the house knows not to touch it. I made a label with my label maker with my name on it to label the label maker as mine. But, maybe that’s just me. 😆  I find this useful for numerous things in our “classroom”!
Red/Colored Pens
My Pencils
My Pencil Holder
Big Scissors
Big Stapler  
Staple Remover
Paper Clips
Binder Clips
Sharpies
Stickers
Post-It Flags
I sometimes mark where the work is to do in the binder or workbook if I’ve decided to take things out of order. I can find it to correct a lot faster this way, too!
Post-Its
Single Hole Punch

Learning/Teaching Aids

Some of these things will be used for every age. Some of the math equipment and manipulatives are good for the younger crowd.

Globe
Maps
Even if a country just happens to come up in a conversation about anything else, we find it on the globe. During geography lessons, we’ll use both. I am one of those people who have trouble (I get nauseated and go blank), trying to put myself inside a map to read it. Hopefully I can help them avoid that by giving them multiple reference points when it comes to location.
Blank Flash Cards
We use these for EVERY subject. You can group them together with these….
Binder Rings
I also use these rings for packets of assignments.
Timer
Reading Comprehension Cubes
Science Experiment Kits and Books
Atlas and Tinker Crates
Smithsonian Museum Craft Kits
Rock & Mineral Kit
DIY Circuits for Kids
Balance
Microscope ages 3-6, and up
Telescope
Outdoor Thermometer
Rain Gauge
Geo Boards
Pretend Money
Fraction Circles
Math Linking Cubes
Foam Dice
Pattern Blocks
Intelligence Sticks
Counting/Sorting Bears
Plastic Counters
Tri Block Word Builders
Word Builder Cards
Self Correcting Puzzles – word, number, letter
CVC Puzzles
Reading Guide Strips
Flash Cards
Dab Dot Markers

Learning Games

Have fun with learning! Some things just stick better when its’s a game they’ve played many times over. Don’t overlook this category for your homeschool supply list!

Math Trekkers
This is basically a set of flash cards set in a little electronic device. I just can’t recommend these strongly enough.
Polyhedral Dice
6 sided Dice
Blank Acrylic Dice
Use a sharpie to make any game you want!
Alphabet Bingo
Sight Words Bingo
Dominos
Sight Word, First Words, Rhyming Words, etc. Dominos
Proof
Math War
Brain Busters
Super Sleuth
Math Art and Drawing Games for Kids
Memory 
Hot Dots
Mini Motor Math Activity
Bean Bag and Rings Set
Use these to make your own games using cardstock as targets on the floor with sight words, rhyming words, factors – anything!

Project and Art Supplies

Construction Paper
Regular size, and a pack of bigger sheets for projects and calendars.
Multicolored Paper Packs
Multicolored Cardstock
Poster board
Watercolor Paint
Acrylic Paint
Paint Brushes
Pastels
Markers
Colored Pencils
Watercolor Pencils
Crayons
Posterboard
Drawing Paper Roll
Kids Pottery Wheel
Clay
Glue and other adhesives

I hope as you’ve gone down this list, you’ve gotten some ideas for what supplies YOU need to homeschool. Don’t forget to print out your portable homeschool supply list! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!