A Complete Homeschool Supply List for Virtual Learning And Beyond
This school year will be a little bit different for me. It’s my son’s first year of “official” school (Kindergarten), and it’s also my first real experience with home schooling and distance learning. So I thought it would be fitting to dive into my online research and provide a complete homeschool supply list for the readers that come here to Keep Toddlers Busy.
Recently I did a post on homeschool room ideas that many people really seemed to appreciate, so this is somewhat of an addition to that. Even though we do a lot of crafts here, I know that homeschooling my late talking Kindergartner will not be easy for me, so I’m hoping this helps for anyone else who may be starting to prepare as much as it will help me!
Going back to school takes on a whole new meaning for families with students enrolled in a virtual school. Home schooling is not the same as virtual or distancing learning. Although much of the preparation is the same, we are moreso overseeing what the teachers and then acting as a tutor. There are differences that some of us can get prepared for sooner than later.
So my goal is to make this a real school experience for my son, in terms of environment, organization, and routine/scheduling. This will be in an effort to facilitate the best environment for him to learn from his teachers and assignments.
So take a look below and let me know what you think! And before you check out the list, if you are on Pinterest and love it too, then check out my Pinterest account and follow me for more homeschooling ideas!
Also check out this resource for distance learning materials!
Virtual Learning Homeschool Supply List
VIRTUAL MUST-HAVES
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You may not need everything on this list depending on what supplies you already have, but this exhaustive checklist will ensure you have what you need
Make sure you visit my Amazon Home School Must- Haves List for more ideas!
- An updated Computer if possible. There are actually some fairly affordable smaller options that would work for children.
- Strong internet connection
- Flash drive OR Cloud Storage. Anything to makes sure we don’t lose any work!
- Printer and Scanner. Having both with make life so much easier. There are also scanning apps to download on your phone
- Backup Ink Cartridge
- Dry erase board and Dry erase markers
- A Bulletin Board or Organizer to visually post assignments, reminders, and updates
- Headphones– these will be a GREAT tool for virtual learning
- A Timer or Alexa timer for assignments and transition
- A stand to prop up an Ipad or Tablet for video learning
- Lamp Light
- Lap Desk for the occasional change of scenery
- Screen Cleaning Wipes
- School Clock
- Recess Toys to get moving after the screen
- Portable Laminator
- Reward Chart to stay on task
ONLINE LEARNING HEALTH
- A comfortable chair– with online instruction, our kiddies may be sitting in one spot for a while as you engage. With this in mind, a comfortable chair that you can adjust to the right level to see your computer easily and aid in great posture would be great.
- A Ball Chair is a great alternative as well
- Healthy Brain Food and Lunch Plates /Cups- As I said earlier, I plan to treat this like the classroom. Healthy breakfast and lunch options are needed everyday for kids to learn, so I’m not going to slack on it. I picked up some trays similar to what kids have at school.
- Good spill proof water bottles– for breaks and longer lessons (try the Snackeez!)
- Stress Balls and fidget toys -for longer lesson and study periods
- Update Glasses Prescription for screen staring eye health
FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS 🙂
I intend to celebrate our home school experience just like any other school year, for me and for my kids!
- First Day of School Customizable Chalkboard
- Promoted Homeschool Mom Shirt
BASICS
You have to have the basics for any school environment, so make sure to check off this list! I recommend starting with a school supplies bundle pack if you are doing online shopping.
- Pens and pencils
- File folders and/or pocket folders
- Notebooks
- Loose-leaf paper
- Ruler
- Tape
- Paper Clips
- Scissors
- Supply holder
- 3 ring binders (one for Math, Science, Language, Arts, and Social Studies
- Crayons, Colored pencils, chalk, and/or Markers
- Pencil sharpener ( a real one!)
- Calendar
- Pencil box/supply container- Check out this cute monster pencil case 🙂
- Erasers
- Glue Sticks, and school glue, also colored glue for younger kids
- Math Counters for Elementary kids
- Lined primary handwriting paper
- Whole Puncher for binders
- Stapler
- Post-it Notes
- Dry Erase Activity Books
- Wipes and tissues
- Do-A-Dot Markers
- Chalk Markers for Blackboards
OLDER KIDS
- Calculator
- Math rulers and protractor
- White Out
- Index cards
- Highlighters
- Graph Paper
We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Keep Toddlers Busy may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our links in my disclosure policy.
CREATIVE
The creativity that our children express in school is a super important part of development, so we have to work hard not to leave this part out amongt all of the academics. Here is a list to get you started!
- Construction paper
- Card stock
- Colored pencils
- Glitter
- Art Smock
- Paint Easel, Check out my table easel review!
- Brown/White Paper Roll
- Yarn
- Pom poms
- Paint
- Old magazines that have lots of pictures (great for art projects)
- Flash Cards
OLDER KIDS
- Drawing sketch pads
- Art project kits
- Colored Pencils
- Gel Ink Pens
- Sculpting Clay
ORGANIZATION
No matter what kind of learner your child is, organization is the key to success. You need to create a learning environment that is free of distractions, completely accessible, and easy for your child to use.
- Stackable file racks that you can label for each subject
- Folder and paper wall pockets
- Whiteboard/magnetic board/ cork board
- Desk organizer
- Bookshelves/storage bins/crates
ENVIRONMENT
The space that our kids think, learn, and play in is a super important part of the process and I think in many cases it can make or break the experience. If you need more ideas on making your home school space great, check out my homeschool room idea post.
- Dedicated workspace
- A Locker for storage and atmosphere
- Screen conducive Desk or table
- Fun Stickers
- School Wall Art
- Wall Maps
- Table to work outside for needed change of scenery
- Double Sided Felt Board
PLAY BASED LEARNING
Check out my recommended list for more toddler learning resources!
- Abacus
- Blocks
- Learning Toys (check out my post on 2020 toddler learning toys)
- Dramatic Play Props (Dress up, grocery store)
- Sensory Bin
- Puzzles
- Puppets
- Magnatiles
Remember that good school supplies do not always have to be expensive. Go to garage sales in your neighborhood to see if you can find gently used shelving and storage bins. These kinds of sales are also great for odds and ends you wouldn’t want to pay full price for in the store.
I hope you found this homeschool supply list enjoyable and more importantly useful! I always feel better about changes when I can get super prepared so I actually felt better just writing it lol.
Please comment below and let me know if I missed some supplies! I would love to see some additional ideas on how you are setting up your home school or distance learning space.
Also, remember to sign up for your FREE weekly activities planner on the top or the right side of the page and check out my printables page
You have a pretty thorough list here! It’s appreciated. I all honesty, I think you did an excellent job and I am seriously thinking about my new baby being home schooled in the coming years along with the older siblings. Right now I’m over whelmed and I don’t even know where to start from so this is super helpful. Thanks!
You’re so welcome and I’m glad it was helpful. Congratulations on your new addition to the family and good luck with homeschooling!