If you follow the regular academic calendar like we do we all know what August means – back to school! To help you guys make sure that you have all the supplies you need I’ve put together this 2024 back to HOMEschool guide covering pre-k through 12th grade, focusing on the most essential items that won’t break the bank. Let’s dive into what your homeschooler really needs this year!
Please know that this is a suggested list and YOU are the teacher and make the final decision on what you need for your children. My goal with this post is to simply provide ideas on what you may need of the most essential items and what you choose to get is up to you. Read More
Also, some items are needed for multiple grades so if you already got it for an earlier grade you will of course not need to get it for the current grade. These are repeated for your convenience just in case you still might need it.
Quick Links (Jump to Your Grade):
- Pre-Kindergarten
- Kindergarten
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- 6th Grade
- 7th Grade
- 8th Grade
- 9th Grade
- 10th Grade
- 11th Grade
- 12th Grade
Pre-Kindergarten
- Chunky crayons: Easy for little hands to grip, perfect for first coloring adventures. [Link]
- Safety scissors: Blunt-tipped for safe cutting practice. [Link]
- Washable markers: For mess-free creativity (your walls will thank you). [Link]
- Watercolor Paints: For easy-cleanup creativity and getting started with painting [Link]
- Large lined paper: Helps with early writing practice. [Link]
- Alphabet flashcards: Colorful cards for letter recognition. [Link]
- Counting bears: Cute manipulatives for early math concepts. [Link]
- First 1000 Words Picture book: Expand vocabulary early and spark imagination. [Link]
- Play-Doh: Great for sensory play and fine motor skills (I linked to a gluten & wheat free non-toxic variety). [Link]
- Dry-erase handwriting practice: For letter and number writing practice without wasting paper and on the go. [Link]
- Building blocks: Develop motor skills and spatial awareness. [Link]
- #2 First Ticonderoga pencils: Ergonomic design for little hands. [Link]
- Disappearing Glue sticks: Less messy alternative to liquid glue. [Link]
- Construction Paper – Important for all kinds of projects [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
Kindergarten
- #2 Pencils for Kindergarten: Thicker diameter for easier grip. [Link]
- Pencil box: Keep supplies organized and portable. [Link]
- Crayons: Regular size for improving fine motor skills. [Link]
- Watercolor Paints: For easy-cleanup and more painting practice [Link]
- Play-Doh: Great for sensory play and fine motor skills (I linked to a gluten & wheat free non-toxic variety). [Link]
- Glue sticks: For crafts and projects without the mess. [Link]
- Rounded scissors: Safer option as cutting skills improve. [Link]
- Lined paper: For practicing letter formation. [Link]
- Alphabet & Numbers chart: Colorful reference for letter sounds (see pre-k section for flash cards). [Link]
- Number chart (1-100): Visual aid for number recognition (see pre-k section for flash cards). [Link]
- Sight word flashcards: Boost early reading skills. [Link]
- Notebook: For “journaling” and writing practice. [Link]
- Construction paper: Versatile material for various crafts. [Link]
- Small whiteboard: For quick practice and games. [Link]
- Pencil box: Keep supplies organized and portable. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
1st Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga pencils: Standard pencils for everyday writing. [Link]
- Erasers: For correcting mistakes easily. [Link]
- Crayons: For coloring and art projects. [Link]
- Colored pencils: For coloring and art projects. [Link]
- Scissors: For more precise cutting in projects. [Link]
- Glue sticks: Less messy than liquid glue for paper crafts. [Link]
- Wide-ruled notebook paper: For writing practice and assignments. [Link]
- Pocket Folders: To organize papers by subject. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: Introduce measurement concepts. [Link]
- Addition and subtraction flashcards: For math fact practice. [Link]
- Primary journal: Combines drawing and writing space. [Link]
- Beginner dictionary: Start building vocabulary skills. [Link]
- Small dry erase board: For quick practice and games. [Link]
- Pencil box: Keep supplies organized and portable. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
2nd Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga pencils: Stock up for increased writing. [Link]
- Pencil case: Keep supplies organized and portable. [Link]
- Colored pencils: For more detailed coloring work. [Link]
- Scissors: Regular scissors for various projects. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For different projects and crafts. [Link]
- Scotch Clear Tape: For various hands-on projects [Link]
- Wide-ruled notebook paper: For longer writing assignments. [Link]
- Wide-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for organized notes. [Link]
- Pocket folders: Keep work organized by subject. [Link]
- 12-inch ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Multiplication flashcards: For math fact practice. [Link]
- Beginner dictionary: Start building vocabulary skills. [Link]
- Children’s thesaurus: Expand vocabulary in writing. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
3rd Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For uses in all subjects. [Link]
- Erasable pens: To get them started on using pens. [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and illustrations. [Link]
- Pencil box: Keep supplies organized and portable. [Link]
- Scissors: Regular size for various crafts. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For different projects and crafts. [Link]
- Scotch Clear Tape: For various hands-on projects [Link]
- Wide-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments and reports. [Link]
- Wide Ruled Spiral notebooks: One per subject for organized notes. [Link]
- 3-ring binder: Start organizing work more formally. [Link]
- Pocket folders: One for each subject to stay organized. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For introduction to basic geometry skills. [Link]
- Division & Multiplication flashcards: For practicing math facts. [Link]
- Dictionary & Thesaurus: Their own set for reference. [Dictionary Link] [Thesaurus Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
4th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: Regular high quality pencils for different uses. [Link]
- Erasable Pens: Blue and black ink for various assignments. [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and maps. [Link]
- Scissors: For more complex cutting tasks. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For various craft needs. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various craft needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For longer writing assignments. [Link]
- College Ruled Spiral notebooks: One per subject for detailed notes. [Link]
- 3-ring binder with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Calculator: Basic functions for checking math work and prep for higher calculator use. [Link]
- Dictionary & Thesaurus: Their own set for reference. [Dictionary Link] [Thesaurus Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
5th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For everyday writing and sketching. [Link]
- Erasable Pens: Blue and black ink for various assignments. [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and diagrams. [Link]
- Scissors: For various cutting tasks in projects. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For different adhesive needs. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various craft needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For longer assignments. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: One per subject for organization. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- Scientific calculator: Basic model for more complex math. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For vocabulary expansion. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
6th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: Mechanical and regular for different uses. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for advancing math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and illustrations. [Link]
- Scissors: For cutting tasks in various subjects. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For adhering items in projects and notebooks. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various arts & craft needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments across subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for detailed note-taking. [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- Scientific calculator: For more advanced math operations. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Student Planner/Calendar – For scheduling and managing time efficiently. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
7th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For math work and sketching. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for advancing math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Highlighters: Various colors for highlighting important information [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and diagrams. [Link]
- Scissors: For cutting tasks in various subjects. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For adhering items in projects and notebooks. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various arts & craft needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments in all subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- Index cards: For making custom study aids. [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Scientific calculator: For advanced math and science courses. [Link]
- Student Planner/Calendar – For scheduling and managing time efficiently. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
8th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For math and drafting work. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for advancing math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and diagrams. [Link]
- Scissors: For cutting tasks in various subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments in all subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- Index cards: For making custom study aids. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various arts & craft needs [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Scientific calculator: For advanced math and science courses. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
9th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For math and drafting work. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for Algebra+ math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and diagrams. [Link]
- Scissors: For cutting tasks in various subjects. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various organizing and crafts needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments in all subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- Index cards: For making custom study aids. [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Scientific calculator: For advanced math and science courses. [Link]
- Student Planner/Calendar – For scheduling and managing time efficiently. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
10th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For math and sketching in science. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for Algebra+ math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and diagrams. [Link]
- Scissors: For cutting tasks in various subjects. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various organizing & craft needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments in all subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- Index cards: For making custom study aids. [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing each subject thoroughly. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and assignments. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- Scientific calculator: For advanced math and science courses. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Student Planner/Calendar – For scheduling and managing time efficiently. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
11th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For standardized tests and math work. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for advancing math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Colored pencils: For projects and diagrams. [Link]
- Scissors: For cutting tasks in various subjects. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For adhering items in projects and presentations. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various organizing & craft needs [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments in all subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- Index cards: For making custom study aids. [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Student Planner/Calendar – For scheduling and managing time efficiently. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
12th Grade
- #2 Ticonderoga Pencils: For standardized tests and math work. [Link]
- Mechanical Pencils – for advancing math work [Link]
- Blue and Black Erasable Pens: For writing and continued penmanship. [Link]
- Red Pens – for editing assignments [Link]
- Colored pencils: For final projects and presentations. [Link]
- Scissors: For various project and portfolio needs. [Link]
- Glue sticks: For creating visual aids and portfolios. [Link]
- College-ruled loose leaf paper: For assignments in all subjects. [Link]
- College-ruled spiral notebooks: One per subject for comprehensive notes. [Link]
- Index cards: For making custom study aids. [Link]
- Invisible tape: For various organizing & craft needs [Link]
- Graph Paper Notebook: For math and science projects requiring graphs and charts [Link]
- 3-ring binders with dividers: For organizing multiple subjects. [Link]
- Pocket folders: For organizing handouts and worksheets. [Link]
- Pocket folders with prongs: For organizing reports and handouts. [Link]
- 12 Inch Ruler: With inches and centimeters for measurement. [Link]
- Protractor & Compass Set: For advancing math and geometry skills. [Link]
- Dictionary and thesaurus: For expanding vocabulary in writing. [Link]
- Student Planner/Calendar – For scheduling and managing time efficiently. [Link]
Quick Jump Back to the List of Grades
And there you have it, your essential guide to back-to-HOMEschool shopping for every grade level. Remember, these are just the basics – you know your child best, so feel free to adjust based on your curriculum and your child’s needs. The beauty of homeschooling is that we can tailor everything to fit our unique situations!
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Many of these items can be reused year after year, and you can always pick up additional supplies as the need arises. The most important tools for homeschooling are your creativity, patience, and love for learning – everything else is just icing on the cake!
Here’s to another fantastic year of homeschooling. Remember, you’ve got this! 🙂
