While our homeschooling isn't normally a big part of what I write about here on What Can We Do With Paper And Glue, it is a BIG part of our lives! We're well into our second year of homeschooling, and most days things run pretty smoothly. One of the main reasons is because we're well equipped! Today I'm sharing some of our Top 10 Favorite Homeschooling Supplies. These are all things that we use every day that I consider vital to our success.
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Revolving Organizer - This thing has been a lifesaver! All our pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, rulers, and other goodies go in here. I know its kind of pricey, but has been completely worth it for us. We usually homeschool at the kitchen table, and I just carry this organizer over for school time so that we don't have to run back and forth for any supplies that we may need.
Stickers - I continue to be surprised by how a simple sticker can motivate my children! A sticker on a completed paper also make them feel proud of their work for a job well done. It's an easy way to bring a smile to their faces.
Audiobooks - We listen to TONS of audiobooks! The girls listen to stories during breakfast when I'm unable to read aloud to them. They have a collection that they pick from to hear during their quiet time. We almost always play something interesting when we're riding in the car. They're such an easy way to incorporate more stories, more listening, and more learning into your child's homeschool. While we own some, and occasionally listen to something through Audible, we mostly utilize our public library for audiobooks.
Dry Erase Board and Markers - Some homeschool families have a large white board or chalk board, but we prefer these smaller ones. We pass them back and forth to show examples and completed work. I also like to make a checklist for Lena everyday.
As for markers, I'm all about washable! These dry erase markers from Crayola aren't quite as bright and vibrant as regular dry erase markers, but I'll take muted colors if it means I can wash them out of my tablecloth and clothes!
Timer - Like many young children, my children have a limited attention span and ability to focus! We use our time everyday to time math fact drills, set a time limit for a play break, or to encourage a quick clean up.
Clipboards - We mostly work at our kitchen table, but also end up all over the house! Lena likes to work on the couch, on the floor, or on her bed. When the weather is nice, we like to head outside for some schoolwork, too! Simple and inexpensive clipboards provide a hard surface wherever you need one.
Dixon LYRA Pencil Sharpener - If you had told me a few years ago that I would be willing to spend $9 on a small manual pencil sharpener, I would have said you were bonkers. Then I fell in love. I hate electric pencil sharpeners (the sound drives me crazy), so I always use manual ones. The blade on this pencil sharpener is super sharp and makes a perfect pencil point every time. The larger hold is great for triangular or jumbo pencils. We store it in a little paper cup and just let the shavings drop right in.
Plastic Crate - We store all of our homeschool books and binders in this plastic storage crate. I move it into the kitchen for school, and then put it out of the way when we're done. Since we don't have a lot of shelf space for materials to be out all the time, this is such a tidy way to store our supplies.
Amazon Instant Video - I like to supplement our homeschooling with some educational videos. We use our Amazon Instant Video service (included with an Amazon Prime membership) nearly every day. The girls watch Sid The Science Kid, Magic School Bus, Planet Earth, Word World, and other goodies. It's nice for those times when this mama needs a break!
Lap Desk - A simple plastic lap desk allows your child to work anywhere! They can sit on the floor, the couch, or the bed. Many of them have little pockets and compartments to store supplies, as well.
Child's Desk (bonus!) - This "supply" is number 11, so I'll call it a bonus. I think that all kids need their own special place to work. We love this desk. It's sturdy, has a nice drawer underneath, and can grow with your child. Lena likes to keep the work surface down to do her "serious" work, but tips it up (like in the picture) when she's drawing. Sometimes Lena needs to move away from the rest of the family in order to focus to finish her work, so we keep her desk in her room as an independent study area.
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