It’s back-to-school time and stores everywhere are promoting their merchandise as stuff your kids can’t supposedly live without. From backpacks and jeans to notebooks and electronic gadgets, the retail industry clamors for parents to buy, but what do you really need? After polling several homeschool groups on social media, AOP compiled the best school supply list for homeschool parents!
3-hole puncher
3-ring binders
Art smock (an old, oversized shirt put on backward works great)
Art supplies
Backpacks – (perfect for field trips or on-the-go studying)
Beads, magnets, and other math manipulatives
Bible and concordance
Bookshelves – (you never have enough)
Calculator – (multi-functional for older students)
Clear adhesive tape
Clipboards – (for all those learning moments on the couch)
Colored construction paper and tagboard
Computer and printer/ink cartridges
Craft table – (it beats having to clean off the kitchen table when you want to eat)
Craft supplies
Dictionary and thesaurus
Digital camera – (record all those precious learning moments)
Drawing paper
Dry-erase board, markers, and eraser (not as messy as chalk)
Electric pencil sharpener and pencils
Erasable year-at-a-glance wall calendar
Flashcards
Games (traditional and educational)
Globe and atlases
Glue/glue sticks
Graph paper
Heavy-duty stapler and staples
Index cards
Journal and composition notebooks
Lesson planner notebook or software
Lined penmanship paper (elementary students)
Markers, highlighters, colored pencils, and crayons
Multi-drawer storage containers (store daily to-do lessons or completed work)
Notebook paper
Paint and brushes
Pencil boxes
Penmanship letter charts
Post its
Report binders
Scanner
Scissors
Scratch paper
Sports equipment
Timeline charts
More enthusiasm for your homeschool year can also be created by shopping together with your children and letting them pick out their own supplies. Also, remember to buy reward stickers and other items that encourage your children in their daily work. Most importantly, work within your homeschooling budget, and don’t let yourself get caught in the hype to buy unnecessary school supply items.
About AOP
Founded in 1977, AOP is a leading provider of PreK-12 Christian curriculum, educational resources, and services to homeschool families worldwide. AOP follows its mission every day by creating and providing quality Christian educational materials to thousands of students through curriculum, support services, and an accredited online academy. Visit AOP online or call 800-622-3070 to learn more.
