So you’ve decided to homeschool, YAY! Maybe you’re just getting started with your preschooler, or you’re jumping in a little later with your big kid. No matter where you’re starting, one big question always comes up:
What homeschool supplies do I actually need?
It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of Pinterest-perfect homeschool rooms. But truthfully? You don’t need all the things right away.
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This guide is here to help you figure out what’s truly essential for your family, what’s nice to have later, and what might be helpful specifically if you’re homeschooling a high-energy, wiggly kiddo (like mine).
Over the years, I’ve accumulated… a lot. Like, a LOT. I’ve got a bit of a “be prepared for anything” habit (my husband will absolutely back me up on this), so if it’s a homeschool supply, I probably own it. So everything you’ll find in this guide is stuff I’ve tried, loved, and used regularly in our homeschool.
You can download my free checklist that includes the full rundown of what’s worked for us, but don’t feel like you need to buy everything on the list (or even half of it). I’d just rather over-share the tools that helped than leave something useful off the list! Which, I guess is another habit I have. *Sigh*
Who This List is For
- Parents homeschooling Preschool through 5th Grade
- Families just starting and overwhelmed by alllll the options
- Anyone homeschooling kids, especially neurodivergent ones, who learn best through movement, and hands-on play
- Budget-conscious folks who want to make smart purchases (hello Amazon Prime Day and back-to-school deals!)
Before I “get to it” I want to mention: don’t stress about getting everything brand new. You can grab a ton of these items for free at local neighborhood sales, or for cheap at your local dollar store, and many printables (like charts or flashcards) are inexpensive or sometimes free online. I’ll include links for the items I really love or use often, but you don’t need to buy everything from Amazon—do what works for your budget!
This post may contain Amazon, or other, affiliate links for products that I personally use and recommend for kids and homeschool learning. This means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, and if you do, we thank you so much! For more information, please read the full Disclaimer and Disclosure.
The Must-Have Homeschool Supplies for Preschool–5th Grade
Let’s start with the essentials; the things I genuinely use every day or week in our homeschool setup. These items work across grades, subjects, and personalities.
1. Basic School Supplies (obviously, but let’s get specific):
You’ll want to start with things like:
- Ticonderoga pencils (worth the hype! They are seriously the best and they come in fun colors too.)
- Electric pencil sharpener – aside from the fact they make sharpening fun, they are fast and less messy. We’ve had this electric pencil sharpener for the last few years and it’s been great.
- Crayons, markers (washable), colored pencils, and other art supplies
- Scissors and glue sticks + at least one bottle of liquid school glue
- Rulers and erasers (these block erasers are the BEST)
- Hole puncher – single and 3-hole
- Lined paper and blank paper
- A few packs of Post It sticky note pads (these are super handy for making up last minute games or hiding words, letters, or numbers for spelling and math)
- A clipboard (for outdoor, on-the-go, or sit-on-the-floor school days)
For older kids, a quick trip to the Target / Walmart school supply section can be fun too! I always let my daughter pick something new (but small) that will make her excited for the upcoming school year. One year it was a new water bottle. Another year it was a silicone ruler that doubled as a slap bracelet; turns out it wasn’t good at being either of those things but she thought it was pretty cool.
2. A Solid Printer (I Swear by My Epson EcoTank)
When you’re printing worksheets, printables, coloring pages, or full curriculum PDFs, a reliable printer is a must.
I’m a big time paper person and I print a lot (I recycle a lot too, so no judging! LOL). Anyway, I started with a fancy HP photo printer that I loved and had for a long time, but I was burning through ink cartridges like wildfire (and an ink subscription that was supposed to save me money but wasn’t with the amount I was printing).
So after TONS of overwhelming printer research and reviews, I decided on the Epson EcoTank. Best decision I ever made. This all-in-one printer changed my printing game. I refill the ink maybe once or twice a year, and I print everything: worksheets, games, full curriculum, all of it. The color isn’t as vibrant as a photo printer, but honestly? My daughter couldn’t care less. She’s in it for the activity, not the Instagram aesthetic.
I could go on and on about why I love my EcoTank but we’ll save that for another day. Today I’ll just suggest you do your budget a favor and go EcoTank. The model I personally have is the Epson EcoTank ET-3760 that comes with the printer and each bottle of ink you need to start printing ASAP. There are a few other EcoTank models out there, and I hear HP came out with their own version of a “tank” printer recently too, but I’m happily sticking with my 3760.
3. Dry Erase Boards & Markers
This might be the most-used item in our homeschool. Depending on your learning space, grab:
- A whiteboard for parent/teacher – can be a wall mountable board or a smaller fridge-size board
- Mini whiteboards for each kid
- Dry erase sleeves for reusable worksheets or DIY mini whiteboard
- Dry erase markers (Expo are the best) + Erasers
- Dry erase erasers
Quick Tip: get a set of the dry erase sleeves. I discovered them from a teacher in a Facebook group, and they’ve been one of my favorite homeschool finds ever. These sleeves turn any printable into a dry-erase activity instantly (no laminating required).
We use them for worksheets, playdough mats, even a DIY mini whiteboard: put a blank piece of paper in the sleeve, attach it to a clipboard and boom—portable writing surface. The sleeves come in a rainbow set with a little ring clip for storage, so you can organize them by subject or activity type when you want to be fancy. They are inexpensive and seriously so simple, and so worth it.
4. A Calendar + Visual Schedule
Even for the most go-with-the-flow homeschoolers, having a calendar helps kids build a sense of time and routine, which is especially important for neurodivergent minds.
You can use:
- A wall calendar (paper or magnetic)
- My Flip Calendar with Movement Prompts to add daily wiggles and seasonal fun!
In addition, a visual schedule helps kids see what’s on the agenda for the day. It can outline the subjects you’ll be teaching that day and where breaks or lunch will fall (which can sometimes help with focus knowing a break is coming once they finish XYZ).
For younger learners who aren’t reading yet, create a simple daily rhythm with pictures or blocks of time like “Play,” “Read,” “Snack,” “Outside,” etc.
Quick Tip: A few times I tried to include specific times on our visual schedule but found that some things needed more time than others, so it felt a little stressful if we weren’t moved on to the next lesson or activity “on time”. Now our schedule only shows what subjects and activities we need to do for the day, and I let my daughter pick the order.
5. Reference Posters or Sheets
Especially for younger grades, having quick visual references is so helpful.
Here’s a few good reference posters or sheets to start with:
- Alphabet Posters (w/ real life photos for each letter)-They can be printed as individual letter posters, as well as a single page sheet with all letters.
- Numbers to 20 Posters
- A Number Line
- 100s chart
- Shapes and colors
- Left Hand / Right Hand reminders
- World and US Maps
Out of those listed I would say letters of the alphabet and numbers to 20 posters are most important. Seeing these every day really helps kids with familiarization.
If you have the space, you can purchase (or make) reference posters to hang on the walls. If you do not have the wall space that’s ok; print letter size pages to keep in a binder. You can also still use large posters and only bring them out during learning time.
6. A Small Desk or Learning Nook (Optional but Helpful)
Kids don’t need a fancy desk, but they do need a place to focus (and in all reality, so do you). Homeschool is super flexible and learning can be done any and everywhere. But it really helps when there is one dedicated place to do it. It doesn’t need to be a huge space, just a space.
Ideas:
- A small table or desk, set up in a room or section of the house.
- A corner of the kitchen table with a rolling cart of supplies
- A lap desk with device ledge (the device ledge keeps laptops, tablets, books and even pencils in place). Lap desk are great for car schooling, couch days, teaching outside…or when it’s the only “desk” you have room for.
Quick Desk Tip: For a budget friendly desk, check your local garage or neighborhood marketplace sales. Our first “desk” was a kids art table my husband picked up for free. Our current desk he made from a 2-inch thick piece of scrap wood cut into a 20-inch by 30-inch rectangle, then sanded and sealed. I attached these adjustable metal desk legs so it can grow with my daughter.
7. Flexible Seating: For Wiggly Kids (and Honestly, All Kids)
Let’s talk about flexible seating—aka giving your kids the freedom to move a little while they learn.
If your child has trouble sitting still, a regular chair can feel like a straightjacket. Flexible seating options give them the movement they crave without turning the whole table into chaos (well, most of the time anyway).
But here’s the cool part: even kids who don’t struggle with focus or energy levels tend to do better when they can move around a bit. So flexible seating isn’t just for neurodivergent kids; it’s a win across the board!
Here are a few of the flexible seating options we use and love (yes, we own them all). For more options be sure to download the free checklist:
- Wobble stools – rock slightly in all directions while sitting (available in 2 sizes based on age)
- Balance ball chairs – core-strengthening and surprisingly comfy
- Bean bag or floor chair – great for reading corners or kids who constantly “fall” out of their chair
- Wobble cushion – fun for balance and core-strengthening while learning (also helps posture!)
One Favorite Find: The Bouncy Band
We started using the Bouncy Band in 2nd grade. It’s a thick rubber band that stretches between the legs of the desk (but can also attach to the straight legs of a chair). Kids can press their feet against it and bounce or push for that extra sensory input while staying seated. It’s been amazing for my daughter. It gives her something to do with her feet without distracting from the lesson. It can make a little noise if your child is a heavy bouncer, but for us, the benefit has totally outweighed the bounce sounds.
8. A Rolling Storage Cart
Our rolling cart is one of the hardest-working tools in our homeschool setup. It’s perfect for small spaces, and you can wheel it from room to room—or even outside on a nice day! I love that mine is metal, so I can add magnetic hooks or clip-on storage cups.
Use it for:
- School and Art supplies
- Morning basket items
- Daily subject bins
- Manipulatives, task or flash cards, pocket chart cards
This 3 Tier Rolling Utility Cart is similar to the one I have, except it’s better because it also has more storage in the top tier – mine doesn’t.
9. Level Up Your Storage Cart with a Supply Caddy!
Okay, I told you about the awesome 3-tier rolling cart, but if you don’t want to run across the room for pencils every five seconds, pair your cart with a tabletop supply caddy. Of course if you’re a patient person who can calmly put crayons, markers, and pencils back into their boxes, then you might not need a supply caddy. I am NOT that person. And our boxes do not stay intact long enough even if I was. So….
We have the Learning Resources 10 piece Desk Organizer for kids and I love it because all of the cups are removable so my daughter can just take the one she needs. Plus it rests nicely on the top tier of our rolling cart.
Options:
- Buy a fun supply organizer (if you can find one that spins, even better) OR
- DIY one with mason jars + a turntable (lazy Susan) or handled tote
A supply caddy is also great for moving supplies from your school area to the couch or backyard, or taking a cup of crayons to color on-the-go!
10. A Pocket Chart (+ Hanging Hack)
I didn’t think I needed a pocket chart—until I got one (and then I ended up needing two). They’re amazing for early learning: songs, sorting, math games, calendar time, schedules, sight words, building sentences, everything.
You can get by with a small tabletop pocket chart but having a larger one is so much better. The only problem? Wall space.
So I found this genius hack on Pinterest to make it work in my house: hang your pocket chart from a rolling clothes rack! I used zip ties and metal rings to attach mine, and now it’s mobile, adjustable, and gets used almost daily. You can even raise/lower it depending on the activity. And if you happen to have a yard sale and need an extra garment rack, you’re covered!
This standard pocket chart and adjustable metal rolling clothes rack are the exact ones I have.
Bonus: I hang a giant Post-It easel pad on it too for anchor charts!
11. Fidget Toys and Focus Tools
If you’ve got a mover, shaker, or fiddler, you’ll want a stash of sensory-friendly tools. We keep a “focus bin” nearby so my daughter can pick what she needs, when she needs it. It really helps with read-alouds and anything that involves sitting still-ish.
Amazon sells a lot of combo packs of sensory and fidget toys so you can see what your kiddo likes best.
Some of my daughter’s favorite fidgets are:
- Squishy balls or characters
- Sensory putty (recommended by our occupational therapist due to the different resistance levels for meeting sensory needs while strengthening fine motor skills, and it’s worked really well).
- Spinners (we use these ones because they’re easier for small hands)
If your kiddo is a chewer (like mine), we have a few fidget toys that were made with food grade silicone, specifically for chewing. Check out:
- Gum – regular chewing gum. This might not be a go in your house but it does wonders in mine. I keep one pack of a special flavor that is only allowed for school time.
12. Math Manipulatives
Teaching math to high-energy or ADHD kids can be tricky. There’s a lot to juggle, and sitting still doesn’t help. That’s why I lean hard on math manipulatives for hands-on math, at any age.
One of our go-tos: a simple set of unifix cubes. Coloful stackable blocks that are used for everything: adding, subtracting, making 10, grouping, multiplying, place value, building shapes… even simple fractions. If your child is just starting out, I recommend a basic stacking set—it’s easiest for small hands.
We also love to use themed manipulatives (bears, families, animals, fruit and even cacti!) for sorting, patterns, and visual counting. I’d say start with unifix cubes and one fun set—then build from there as your child’s interests grow.
For math we also play a LOT of games so having a set of dice and clear plastic game spinners on hand are a big help.
To get started, grab some:
- A set of dice (kids have a blast with these large foam dice)
- Transparent game spinners – so you don’t have to DIY a spinner every time
- Deck of cards or Uno cards – you can play so many math games with a plain ol’ deck of cards!
Some other helpful manipulatives you can get later:
- Ten frames (I love magnetic sets – I’ll tell you why in the next section!)
13. Magnetic Learning Tools
Magnetic activities are seriously underrated, especially if you’ve got little ones who are always on the move! I love magnetic learning tools because everything stays put (hallelujah), even when excitement levels are through the roof. There’s just something super satisfying about the sticking and unsticking action too that keeps busy hands engaged.
We use magnetic letters and numbers for spelling and math, ten frame sets for building number sense, and story sets or dress-up characters for creative play and sequencing. They’re fantastic for hands-on learners, and you can use them on everything from a whiteboard to your fridge or even a baking sheet if space is tight.
Bonus? They’re perfect for car schooling or portable setups!
Some great magnetic starter sets we use:
- Jumbo Magnetic Math Manipulatives Set – this set will cover you from Kindergarten – 3rd grade or beyond
- Magnetic Scenes Game – imaginative play for little learners
Quick Tip: Use a metal baking sheet. If having a magnetic white board isn’t an option (or your fridge is already booked as the art gallery), grab a cheap metal baking sheet! It makes a perfect lap-sized magnet board that you can even take on the go.
14. Books, Books, Books
I instilled a love for reading in my daughter at a very young age and now she loves books. And I mean actual paper copy books. Yes there’s the internet, and Kindle, and Audible, and so on… but there’s still nothing like an actual paper book. So start building a home library slowly—but intentionally.
You’ll want:
- Picture books and read-alouds – look for classics that can grow with your child. The Giving Tree is one of my favorite books of all time and has a new meaning to my daughter every time she reads it
- Early readers and phonics books (think Dr. Seuss) – check local yard sales and neighborhood marketplace
- Reference books and magazines like Discovery Kids, National Geographic Kids, an Elementary Dictionary, a “First” Encyclopedia.
- Poetry and Chapter books for older learners – again look for classic books that can be re-read at different ages and still be interesting. Poetry books like Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends or Random House Book of Poetry for Kids are a couple of our favs.
And don’t forget about your local library! It’s a great way to “try before you buy” or get the literature you need for your curriculum but don’t want to have to purchase the book. Many libraries have e-book options online now, too.
15. Have Some Sort of Homeschool Planner
Whether you’re the plan-every-hour type or more of a “rough outline and wing it” kind of person, using a planner of some sort will make your homeschool life feel less chaotic. Having some place to jot down ideas, map out lessons, and track your progress will save your sanity—promise!
- Paper Planner: If you’re a paper-and-pen person like me, I highly recommend a Happy Planner Teacher Planner. It’s flexible, cute, and just the right amount of structure without feeling rigid.
- Printable Planner: If you’re new to homeschooling or still trying to get into a groove, a printable planner is a great way to customize your setup without spending a ton. This editable teacher planner includes weekly planning layouts, reading logs, and more. Or check out this themed monthly calendar set with digital stickers; it’s perfect for easy, preschool play-based planning.
- Digital Planner: If digital is more your thing, you can totally create your own planner using Trello, Notion, or Google Keep + Calendar. I personally use Trello for both business and homeschool—it’s like a bunch of organized digital Post-its (perfect for my paper-loving heart) that sync to my Google Calendar! Notion is more customizable (and popular with teachers!), and Google Keep is great for simple lists and reminders.
I’ll link to a full blog post soon with my in depth planner reviews. If you want to know as soon as that post is up, be sure to get on my email list!
Preschool + Kindergarten Specific Must-Haves
When you’re homeschooling little ones, the name of the game is hands-on and sensory play. Your supply list should support exploration and connection vs. worksheets on repeat.
While it’s still a good idea to invest in the supplies and tools already mentioned, these are some great add-ons for this stage:
- Alphabet and Number reference posters – keep them visible for easy reminders
- Disposable plastic table cloths – trust me. Get a few packs at your local dollar or craft store. Use them as drop cloths for painting, playdoh, glitter, anything messy. They make clean-up a breeze.
- Lacing cards – great for fine motor work and independent activities. Plus they provide a slight challenge for those busy brains.
- Letter and Number manipulatives – for building words and simple math (see section on Magnetic Activities)
- A sensory bin and fillers – rice, beans, corn kernels, pom poms + miniature toys or printable sensory bin activities = endless creative play
- Play dough and cutters – build letters, numbers, shapes and imagination!
- Peg and magnetic puzzles and shape matching mats – especially helpful for hand-eye coordination
- Water painting books or no-mess markers – mess-free fun. Great for restaurants and travel too!
Let your preschool or kinder homeschool be full of curiosity, movement, and joyful messes. These supplies are all about setting the stage for playful learning!
You can find lots of play and learn preschool ideas and activities for your homeschool in our preschool curriculum section!
1st – 5th Grade Essentials
As your kids grow, their learning shifts, and so do your supply needs. You’ll still want to keep it hands-on and interactive, but now you’ll also be adding a bit more structure.
For 1st–5th grade learners, I recommend incorporating:
- Phonics and leveled readers – help build confidence and fluency
- Composition notebooks for story writing and/or daily journaling
- Additional math manipulatives – based on grade level
- Multiplication chart – you can find many to print for free online but also give this multiplication pop-it chart and game a try. It’s a little more fun for fidget-y kids.
- Non-Fiction reference magazines and books
- Their own laptop or tablet (if it’s in your budget) for online learning or new accessories for their device
Kids in this age range still need movement-based learning, so don’t ditch the hopscotch math or spelling scavenger hunts. But you’ll also see them starting to enjoy checklists, independence, and showing what they know.
Got a Wiggly Kid? Here’s What to Focus On
If you’re homeschooling a neurodivergent child (or just a high-energy one), the right tools make a huge difference:
- Flexible seating (balance cushions, wobble stools, beanbags)
- Timers and visual schedules
- Movement-based activities and task cards – you can find a variety of these in the High Energy Mommy TPT store!
- Short lesson bursts with movement breaks
- My Flip Calendar with Daily Movement Prompts (coming soon to my TPT store for back to school!)
You’ll find more about this topic in an upcoming blog post all about homeschooling wiggly kids, but these basics will help get you started!
A Few Optional but Awesome: “Buy Later” Supplies
These aren’t must-haves for the first day, but they’re a few items that have become well-loved parts of our homeschool setup. Pick and choose what fits your space, style, and budget for now. Then slowly build up your supply stash as you get more comfortable with your homeschool rhythm:
- Laminator + laminating pouches – Perfect for turning printable activities into dry-erase tasks, preserving special artwork, or making long-lasting reference charts.
- Over-ear headphones – Especially helpful for kids with sensory needs, or for focused listening during audiobooks or online lessons.
- Art easel with whiteboard + paper roll – Check local sales! I snagged ours for $5 (used). Took it home, cleaned it up, and added wheels so we can roll it wherever we need.
- Science supplies – A ready-to-go science tool kit is great for hands-on discovery. We also invested in a kid-friendly microscope that has lasted us for years.
- Post-It Super Sticky Easel Pad – I use these giant sticky notes for anchor charts, lesson prompts, and activities we want to revisit. Bonus: they make an awesome large-format writing surface if you don’t have a whiteboard.
- World globe– helpful for geography lessons or just answering those “Where is that?” questions…(and for tracking Santa Claus too!) If it’s in your budget I highly suggest getting one that lights up and some have dry erase surfaces too. The light makes everything easier to read, and it’s a fun night light too.
- Binder organizer or file crate for your teacher brain
Reminder: Amazon Prime Day and BTS (Back-to-School) Sales are Coming!
Prime Day will be here soon—and it’s a great chance to grab stuff from the list like:
- Storage carts
- Furniture – desks, flexible seating, storage cubes, bookcases
- Dry erase boards and sleeves
- Basic school supplies
- Science Tools – Microscope
- Manipulatives
- Homeschool technology – computers, laptops, tablets, headphones
- That Epson EcoTank printer I was raving about
- Our favorite fidgets and focus tools
- Books!
- Games
Some Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Everything. Just Start With What Works for You.
Your homeschool doesn’t have to contain everything you’d find in a classroom. And it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s setup on Instagram. It can look like your kitchen table, your back porch, or a blanket fort with a rolling cart of crayons.
Start small. Build slow. Choose the things that fit your family and make your homeschool feel doable and fun.
‘Cause really, YOU are the most important supply your kids need. But it’s always fun to have new stuff too!
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Coming Soon on the Blog:
- How to Homeschool a Wiggly Kid (real-life tips and tricks)
- My Favorite Homeschool Planners