Homeschooling has become a very popular choice for many families around the world. With the outbreak of the coronavirus, many families are now considering the option to homeschool their children. Also, some families have considered the option to do virtual learning at home for their children.
When I first started homeschooling my daughter, I made a school supply list that included the basic essentials. Pencils, paper, glue sticks, binders, etc were on my list. However, by the end of our first homeschool year, there were 5 homeschool essentials that I didn’t realize I needed! These were essentials that I didn’t think about when I first started homeschooling my daughter. These essentials have also helped us stay organized throughout the homeschool years! Here are my 5 homeschool essentials: what I can’t live without.
1). Storage Bins:
Whether you have a small area to homeschool or a big area to homeschool, storage bins are necessary to help you stay organized. I bought a storage shelf and 6 fabric storage bins from Target. As a way to stay organized, I dedicated each bin to a different school subject. For example, I have a storage bin for phonics, science, art supplies, math, writing, and social studies. If your child is younger, you can label each bin with a picture so they know where everything goes. Labeled storage bins have really helped me stay organized throughout the homeschool year. I also love how there are so many color options for storage bins that can go well with the decor in your house.
2). Kids Desk and Chair Set:
When I first started homeschooling my daughter, we did not have a kids chair and table set. I figured my daughter can just sit at our table or my office desk. However, because my daughter was still young, it started to become uncomfortable for her to sit at our table and do her writing assignments. My daughter would always end up standing in the chair. So I figured it would be helpful to buy a kids desk and chair set so she felt more comfortable. This was also helpful to have her own table and chair set because this was specifically dedicated to her doing her homeschool assignments. When my daughter was at our table, she would always have to gather all her supplies and move them. My daughter was also more excited to get her school work done now that she had her own dedicated table to her school work assignments.
3). Printer:
If you are considering homeschooling, you are going to need a printer. You’re going to want to easily be able to print off assignments for the week. I specifically remember a time during our homeschool year when our printer broke and it was very inconvenient to have to drive to the library anytime I needed to print off some school work for my daughter. Also, since many libraries are closed as a result of Covid-19, having a printer should be a top essential for all homeschool families.
4). Dry Erase or Chalkboard:
As a former teacher, I loved having my dry erase board and chalk board when I was teaching my daughter various lessons. I love how there are so many options for dry erase boards and chalk boards. Here are a couple of my favorites.
Melissa and Doug Chalk Board Easel
5). Rewards Chart:
Homeschooling your child can be a lot of fun, but this might be new for you and your child. It’s important that you put things in place for positive reinforcement and positive behaviors. This is really important for younger children. I’m a big believer in doing things to motivate children to do their best. When I first started homeschooling my daughter she was 4 years old. I remember I would constantly remind my daughter to do basic things like make your bed, brush your teeth, put your art supplies away. Of course my daughter wasn’t purposely forgetting. She just needed some motivation. So I found a great rewards chart at Target.
I currently have the rewards chart hanging in her room and she’s always motivated to get her tasks done throughout the day so she can put her stars on her board. If your child is a little older or needs more of a motivation, you can give your child some type of reward at the end of the day or end of the week.
In conclusion, I hope these homeschool essentials were helpful. Also, be sure to check out my blog post Top 5 Homeschool Questions!
XO,
Ashley
