Home School Resources

Home schooling materials: What every home schooler needs

Home schooling is gaining in popularity, and stores are making a fortune off parents who are unsure what to purchase. Beginners to the world of home schooling often buy as much as possible - everything they think they might need as opposed to what they actually need. Start with the basic supplies needed for home schooling, and expand from there as required.

The Basics

Writing supplies. Think about what a child might need in a traditional school setting, and add those to your list. Look for markers, pencils, crayons and colored pencils to start. Remember how much fun you had as a child picking out new school supplies, and keep that in mind by adding a few fun items to the list, such as scented markers or colored pencils in unusual colors.
Textbooks. Check with your state's requirements for home schooling, and focus on finding and purchasing good-quality textbooks for those subjects. Some parents decide to home school because they are unhappy with the quality of education in the public school system, but if you buy outdated or inferior textbooks, you are behaving in the same manner. Check with other home schoolers in your area or online to see what they recommend. Also, look for books that fit your child's age. It might be tempting to skip your child ahead a few grades, but stick with books geared for his or her reading level.

A computer. It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can be a great learning tool for your child. There are downloadable programs and online games that can teach children more easily and more quickly than a book, while also teaching them valuable computer skills for the future.
A chalkboard with colored chalk or a whiteboard with markers. Sometimes, children need visual stimulation to understand concepts, especially with math and science. Using a large board keeps their eyes focused on the work instead of wandering around the room. Using various colors to write can also keep the child interested and encourage him or her to use the markers or chalk him - or herself.
The most important thing you will need is lesson plans and a curriculum. Check with local teaching supply stores for tips and advice. Most teaching supply stores offer pre-made programs for school subjects, complete with home school worksheets and lesson plans. You cannot even begin to work out what supplies you will need until you decide how and what to teach.

Home schooling is not easy, but these materials will get you started in the right direction.

By Jennifer Eblin

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For all of you who are planning on homeschooling for the first time, if your child is computer savy....try Time4Learning.com. The tuition is very affordable, the lessons are fun. You may have to use some supplemental work, but there are tons of free printables if you just google it. Homeschooling is fun, rewarding for both the parent and child, and can be as inexpensive as you need it to be. Good Luck

Posted on 8/26/2010 10:50:00 AM by Anonymous

I have a special needs child. I would like to know what I need to do to home school him. The school system he is in is not interested in teaching him only getting him through with out working with him. He has ADHD, Autisum, Mild Retardation, and Vision problems.

Posted on 8/20/2010 10:25:00 PM by Anonymous

This website has been the very best and informative I have found yet. Thank you guys for this and keep up the good work.

Posted on 8/3/2010 12:23:00 PM by Anonymous

need some material for young students

Posted on 7/21/2010 7:08:00 PM by Anonymous

My two year daughter knows some her colors and shapes but I want her to know all, also I am trying teach to write her letters, How I get her going without making her bored or even stress out about it

Posted on 7/18/2010 10:54:00 AM by Anonymous

I have a son who is 6 and isn't adapting to public school because of the dangerous kids hes around him and the language barriers too. So I've decided to homeschool and need to know where to go to get started that wont put me into debt.

Posted on 7/15/2010 10:39:00 PM by Anonymous

I am wanting to homeschool my daughter this year, who is going into the 7th. grade, and our plan is for her to continue on in a regular high school. I libve in the State of Missouri, can anyone help with getting me started, ( ex. paperwork, etc, do we enroll, etc?) Thank you

Posted on 6/15/2010 4:50:00 PM by Anonymous

If anyone needs more help and ideas I will gladly email you. I have over ten years of classroom teaching experience and seven years of homeschooling experience. mimisarago@gmail.com

Posted on 5/26/2010 12:18:00 AM by Anonymous

I am a former homeschooling parent and a current teacher. I learned the hard way and then went to college and gained many insights and professional training . I hold fast to my trial and error days of teaching my children. The first thing you should do is go to your state education website and find out what laws are in place about homeschooling. What must you do to comply. Secondly, download the state standards for your child's grade. The state standards are the blueprint for WHAT you should teach. Use the library and get good trade books to teach [they are free] concepts.

Posted on 5/26/2010 12:14:00 AM by Anonymous

I'm a homeschooler. I think the best place to start is by reading reviews of different products, and also learning about the different styles of teaching and learning. If you are going to continue with a public school education at home, there are lots of inclusive curriculms such as Abeka and Bob Jones University. The other step I would take is to contact your local Homeschool support group and talk to some of the parents there. They will most likely be glad to help. Check out the Homeschool Legal Defense Agency's (HSLDA) website for more info for your area.

Posted on 5/21/2010 11:33:00 AM by Anonymous

my son will be in 8 grade this coming year iant to home school himjust for this one year till he goes to high school i feel he is being racial profialed in this school he was hancuffed and taken to a detention center because of to many absenses 15 he had doctors notes for the m he has bad allergies and get severe headaches that keeps him at home, please help with some suggestions thank you

Posted on 5/5/2010 6:52:00 PM by Anonymous

My daughter is in special ed. (iep), and her school is no longer offering special ed. classes next year. We will be living in Michigan, (U.P.). I want to home school her for 11th, and 12th grade. I am totally new to this, and I am hoping someone can tell me who to contact, or can talk to about, resouces, getting started, (what I will need to do), financial questions, what supplies I will need........ I have read the laws for Michigan, but still have some questions. I would be grateful for any help I can get.

Posted on 5/4/2010 11:13:00 PM by Anonymous

I am seriously considering home schooling my two daughters, I am not really sure where to begin. They both currently attend public school. We live in Tennessee. Can someone please help me?

Posted on 5/3/2010 6:55:00 PM by Anonymous

I recently withdrew my son from public school. He was getting bullied and picked on by students because he was in a in a class that needed a little more support than others. I havent got him started in a home school yet, I am working on it. Now the school has turned me in and I have to go to court this month. Can anybody help??? Please.

Posted on 5/2/2010 9:49:00 AM by Anonymous

I have homeschooled for 8 years now. We recently got involed with Classical Conversations. It is a great support group and a wonderful Biblical World View. We are sold out on it. You can google Classical Conversations for a group in your area.

Posted on 4/27/2010 3:04:00 PM by Anonymous

If you go to inch.org there is a homeschool conference 5/14/10 in Michigan. I am just beginning myself and I think I am going to go with Math U See for math still working on the other subjects. Also, Mavis Beacon has a good program to teach the keyboard.

Posted on 4/22/2010 11:47:00 PM by Anonymous

I need to remove my son from public school and home school him I do not know where to begin, can anyone help?

Posted on 4/8/2010 6:33:00 PM by Anonymous

Hy whats up home skilit biskuts i love this website its pretty but how do you work it

Posted on 4/6/2010 7:15:00 PM by Anonymous

Navy does not accept GED currently. Whether or not they do depends on the staffing needs of the Navy and changes at any given time. Here in WA, there are community colleges that offer programs to allow you to get your HS Diploma via testing, there is probably a similar program in your state on online.

Posted on 3/19/2010 2:20:00 PM by Anonymous

You can buy the stained glass coloring books at Dover. Check doverspublications.com. You can sometimes find them at stores like Cracker Barrel, too.

Posted on 1/25/2010 11:55:00 AM by Anonymous

The Navy accepts GED. I know this because we are a Navy Family. If I were you I would ask to speak to another recruiter or even go to another recruiting location. GED and Diploma are looked upon in the same manner when it comes to military.

Posted on 1/11/2010 10:05:00 PM by Anonymous

I want to homeschool but don't have alot of money and can't find an umbrella school

Posted on 10/13/2009 5:21:00 PM by Anonymous

I need help! I have home schooled my son from K-12. He received his GED at age 16. He decided he wants to join the Navy. He scored a 79 on his ASFAB, but the Navy will not take him because he has a GED, something that the Great State of Louisiana requires. Louisiana does not give out Home School Diplomas. So I would like to know how do I get him a High School Diploma.

Posted on 10/1/2009 5:36:00 PM by Anonymous

I am also interested in the strain glass coloring books, a young women had them at our chiropractors office and my daughter loved it. Does anyone know where you can get them?

Posted on 9/10/2009 11:18:00 PM by Anonymous

This is my first time homeschooling pre K. I excited!!!

Posted on 8/28/2009 3:15:00 PM by Anonymous

I was in a friends home and she had these wonderful art books called Stained Glass Coloring Books and I was wondering if I could order some for my Grandaughters as they were very taken with them. The numbers they chose were 019771--023739--024609--000466---012884--038801--please let me know--they were in the 08-09 book page 1077

Posted on 8/25/2009 10:33:00 AM by Anonymous

After teaching art for 34 years, I retired and put a studio in my home. Last year I started to offer art classes. I would like let more people know what I have to offer. How do I go about that? I had three children from two families. I am sure that those families would be willing to give their impression of the classes with which their children were involved. Thank you, Indian Summer Art Cheryl kibler indiansummerfarm@boku.net

Posted on 8/4/2009 12:07:00 PM by Anonymous

There are so many resources out there, it's hard to know where to start. There are so many different levels and needs of children, it's hard to find one curriculum to fit them all. I found one place that has audio, videos, downloadble software, worksheets and online library etc. I think it is a relatively new website, but it's growing and has a lot of things in place already. It's pretty cheap for all that it offers. Check it out at wingsed.com!

Posted on 7/23/2009 12:54:00 PM by Anonymous

Always make sure that u can prove that there is "education" going on in your homeschool. As long as you have your records in order there is not much the so-called authorities can do. In my state, Arkansas, your children can actually be taken away from you for child abuse and neglect if those authorities can prove that you are not teaching your children as they should be. However, this is very hard to prove, so it doesn't happen often. The 5 year old reading at first grade level? Don't contact principal or teacher. They will only give you the runaround. Google "homeschool laws (your state)" to find out what you need to know. Then find the state agency that is devoted to homeschooling in this search. It takes some doing but it is worth it to know the exact rules and regs.

Posted on 7/19/2009 11:28:00 AM by Anonymous

I would like to know what you do when you have been turn in for homeschooling? my land-lady turn me in for my child not going to public school.

Posted on 7/15/2009 8:22:00 PM by Anonymous

My son Travis who is 5 1/2 yrs is reading at a comfortable 1st grade level. Since Jan 2006 he has attended daycare /3yr old class ppk and pk until January 2009, unfortunately we had to take him out of school. I have been home schooling him since then. I have been trying to get in touch with the school principal where we enrolled him for kindergarden in May. I wrote a letter and visited the ISD but the only thing i keep hearing is "It is state law that my son starts in kindergarden". Don't get me wrong but I asked to speak with a kindergarden teacher, and she said when my son starts kindergarden he will learn his ABC's, sounds of letters and colors and numbers. The only thing that the secretary told me was "they have never had a student enter kindergarden who could already read" I tried and tried to speak with the principal but i was unable to before summer started. My son knows all the U.S. states and locations as well as addition and subtraction and colors, shapes. I feel that since I have home schooled him, he will get bored at public school. Please give me some advice. ( But due to the economy i will start working when he starts school.) Thank You tkh

Posted on 7/12/2009 11:28:00 PM by Anonymous

I am offering beginning-Level 2 piano instruction for home schooled students starting in the fall. Lessons are either in my Pewaukee home or I will travel to yours. Please email: mehlfolkert@yahoo.com if you know how I can spread the word. Thanks, K

Posted on 7/9/2009 2:09:00 PM by Anonymous

I currently homeschool my daughter. I am looking for some type of forum or some way to get in touch with other homeschooling parents in my area, which is north-western part SC. If someone has any information or knows of any forums, I would greatly appreciate the info! :) Thanks so much!!

Posted on 6/19/2009 7:11:00 PM by Anonymous

If any of the inquiries from families thinking of homeschooling are from Oregon, all you have to do is call or visit your local ESD (Educational Service District) and ask for the Intent to Homeschool forms. Kids who do not turn 7 before Sept 1 do not have to be registered until the following year even if you choose to homeschool them. You mail in or deliver the forms to the ESD Homeschool office (address on the form) and within 2-3 weeks you will receive a letter of confirmation for your files. That's all there is to it....very easy to get started. Then it's up to you to choose your method and curriculum as best fits your child. The only thing the state requires other than the initial intent form, at least at this time is that the kids be tested in 3rd, 5th, 8th and 10th grade like all the other public school students. The odd thing is, you don't even have to send in the scores to anyone to prove that you've done it though. You just have to have the scores on file in your records in case anyone ever does get zealous and decide to check. My sister-in-law has been doing this longer than I have and she says no one has ever checked. We've been at this a little over a year and the only thing that has been checked, since the kids had been in school last year is that the school reported their non-attendance (even though we had informed the school as a courtesy) so a police officer came by one day. But I just showed him the forms and letters from the ESD and he started quizzing me on homeschooling because he and his wife are thinking about it too. So it really wasn't a big deal. As long as you have all your records in order, it is easy as pie.

Posted on 6/2/2009 7:36:00 PM by Anonymous

To the moms wanting to homeschool but don't know where to start; what states are you from?

Posted on 5/11/2009 6:52:00 PM by Anonymous

For the mom who is trying to get their children to do their schoolwork; what works for us is at 9:00 everyone receives their "to do list" for the day. They are welcome to do it at their leisure; but until it's completed, they are not permitted to watch tv or videos, play non-educational computer games or video games, and not allowed to play with friends. The house must stay relatively quiet. We try not to hound or nag. This usually works well for us.

Posted on 5/11/2009 6:51:00 PM by Anonymous

I want to home school my 1st grader and my 6th grader. How do I get started. Can anyone help me sort out all the information I'm finding on the internet.

Posted on 4/28/2009 4:32:00 PM by Anonymous

Help! Two of my children hate doing their school work, and I hate making them do it. It's a constant battle of wills and I have two toddlers besides that keeps me up and moving when I'm trying to get the older ones to do their work. I'm not sure if this is working out. I don't want to give up, but I am out of ideas!

Posted on 4/24/2009 3:50:00 PM by Anonymous

Is there anyone who is working and home schooling.? Me and my husband work full time and I am thinking about letting my daughter stay with her grandmother during the day do work and I home school evenings and weekends. Am I crazy.? I don't want to send her to the middle for our district because they are unorganized and have a bad reputation. My daughter has a emotional disability. Please share your thoughts. Anonymoua

Posted on 4/16/2009 10:10:00 PM by Anonymous

I am A Mom w/7 kids I am having trouble seeking Home school info. on where to start. My 8 yr old is having trouble in school with teachers not understanding his ability of learning.

Posted on 4/14/2009 10:22:00 AM by Anonymous

Dear Autumn, I am a mother of children who had been bullied at school - we moved -. Thank God we were in a position we could and wanted to make a life change. But that being said had we not been able to move I know for a fact we would have researched homeschooling. I am very impressed with your ingenuity and openmindedness to an alternative education. Much better to see a wonderful mind still wanting to learn than taking the "quitting" road. No matter what you choose to do - make sure you join a club even girl scouts or guides (not too expensive) to keep your finger on the pulse of kids your age. Social ed is extremely important too. Best of luck to you resolving your situation at school and know bully= coward. They want to drop you down a peg so they feel superior. All the best D

Posted on 4/8/2009 10:16:00 AM by Anonymous

Autumn, I am a homeschool mom. Is your sister raising you? If yes and she is your legal guardian, then all she has to do, is call the school district in your area, find out the laws in yor state, and get started! You can sometimes get materials and curriculum from the school district, or there are several stores, libraries, homeschool groups, and even online. I am sorry you are having such a hard time at school, I will pray things get better for you, and that everything goes great for you homeschooling!

Posted on 4/3/2009 3:36:00 PM by Anonymous

hi my name is autumn im 13 years old and im in the 7th grade, my sister is 19 and i want her to homeschool me, and she agreed. we just moved at the begining of the school year whic was fine but now we moved again except this time, the school district im in sucks i hate it, the kids are mean and im even more stressed out about everything. my sister graduated high school and is taking online courses for college, shes very smart and obviously eligable to do this we just cant figure out who to contact to get started, i want out of this school as soon as possible i cant handle it. sometimes i freak out so bad from stress of this new school that i just brake down and cry i dont know what to do can u please help us??? WHO DO WE CONTACT???

Posted on 3/30/2009 12:32:00 PM by Anonymous

im looking at home schooling 3children grdes 3rd thru 10th i don't even no were to begin i live in wisconsin. can anybody help?

Posted on 3/25/2009 2:29:00 PM by Anonymous

I would like to homeschool my fourth grader for the rest of the school year,how do I get the ball rolling and who do I contact in order to do this?

Posted on 3/18/2009 8:50:00 PM by Anonymous

I'm a single mother and I am thinking about homeschooling my 6 year old daughter but I am not sure that is possible in Indiana, since I only have my income. Does anyone know if I can even though I don't anyone at the house to help?

Posted on 3/16/2009 12:38:00 AM by Anonymous

My daughter and myself are going to begin homeschooling her 11yr. old 5th grader, Alex. He has some tough challenges to deal with (ADHD and BiPolar) and the public school system does'nt have the answers for him to succeed. Their final answer was calling the police and pressing Battery charges against him instead of calling me or his Mother to intervene. Consequently, I pulled him out of their school (disenrolled him ) to homeschool him. I have no idea what I am doing, so I am desparate for help! Can you help my daughter and me get started to homeschool the remainder of this school year?

Posted on 3/12/2009 2:11:00 AM by Anonymous

I want to start homeschooling my ninth grader simply b/c he has f"s in 5 classes both first semester and second semester maybe he can't focus on all the classes he has during the day. Maybe I can do better.

Posted on 3/11/2009 6:07:00 PM by Anonymous

I am homeschooling a 10th grader. How do I have her tested for her EOCT in Biology and Algebra II.

Posted on 3/5/2009 4:45:00 PM by Anonymous

Im curious about the laws that pertain to homeschooling, don't you have to have a license? And can you teach another persons child along with yours?

Posted on 3/4/2009 10:30:00 AM by Anonymous

Another option I just learned about is umbrella schools. In Florida, you can "homeschool" by signing up for a private school called an umbrella school. Basically, they're a school in name only. By going this route, you have no obligation to the local school district. Some umbrella schools are expensive, some are free, some are very restrictive and some don't really care what you do. It's a cool option I suggest you check out if you're looking into homeschooling.

Posted on 2/27/2009 4:01:00 PM by Anonymous

I didn't answer the question as to how much it cost. Well, it really depends on what you use or what school you decide to go through.

Posted on 2/19/2009 10:23:00 PM by Anonymous

I am responding to the mother of the 6th grader and the 2 children who want to homeschool. Yes, you can do it and it's wonderful. But, I advise anyone to first seek God's will for you and your family. If then, you feel it is what is best for you, then there are so many resources for you to begin with. A great book to start with is Mary Pride's Complete Guide to starting homeschooling. Of course, there are many others as well that you should be able to find through the libraries. Start with a book that can help you determine what curriculum is best for your family and your child. Then, I would advise you to look locally into finding a homeschool convention to attend. These are great resources for homeschoolers. Everything from curriculum to seminars on homeschooling. Some even have used curriculum sales going on. Then, look into a local homeschool group to help you with any other questions or advice. They can be so helpful and your child can make great new friends. Many times there are local co ops going on in your city that you may be interested in. I also advise to look into homeschooling.com to help you out. There are so many homeschool academies that you can look into , but I do not have any experience in that area. I know of Abeka, Center for Distance and Independent Study, Time 4 Learning, Progress Academy, etc. I would mostly suggest you girls check out a homeschool convention first. Each vendor will be set up and can help answer questions. Also, this is the time to look out for conventions. And, just to let you know, you can homeschool for free all by using the internet and the library. We live in a world full of resources. In the different places I've lived, I've found curriculum within libraries as well. Good luck to you all and God Bless.

Posted on 2/19/2009 10:20:00 PM by Anonymous

i am very interested in home schooling my 6th grader i need any one to help me learn how to get started and how it works the school system here in ky is not working for her and i really am in need of answers to help start what are the requirements here in ky

Posted on 2/14/2009 12:52:00 PM by Anonymous

I am thinking about being home schooled and do you think that at her work she could home school cause she is one of the secretarys and sits there and does sometimes stuff on the computer

Posted on 1/20/2009 10:42:00 AM by Anonymous

There are Virtual Acadamies and state sponsored distance learning. Look into K12 and contact your county board of education. They will guide you in the right direction.

Posted on 1/13/2009 2:21:00 PM by Anonymous

Hi, Im Jessica Im 14 and Im going inot the 9th Grade. I need help understanding all of this because my dad is not good at this! So I have to figure it out. We are going to be moving and I want to be homeschooled. I know ur parents normally have to do it but my dad droped out of highschool so he doesnt have the education for it. And my friend told me they have homeschooling online. And I was wondering how much that would cost? And what all u would need for it?.. Im a really good student I make A's and B's. So can u PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!?

Posted on 1/12/2009 7:09:00 PM by Anonymous

HI, I'M VANESSA AND MY DAUGHTER IS 13 AND IN THE 7TH GRADE. SHE MAKES VERY GOOD GRADES, A,B,C, SOMETIMES A'S AND B'S, HONORROLL! SHE GET'S ALONG WITH EVERYONE, SHE'S A VERY HAPPY YOUNG LADY. I'M SO CONFUSED, I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. SHE WANTS ME TO HOME SCHOOL HER, BUT WITH THOSE KIND OF GRADES I DON'T WANT TO MESS-UP ANYTHING. HOW DO I FIGURE OUT WHAT'S THE RIGHT THING? "HELP"!!!!! THERE'S ONLY ONE THING I CAN'T GET OUT OF MY MIND. IT'S "WHY?" SHE CAN'T GIVE ME AND ANSWER. THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS SHE WANTS TO STAY HOME WITH ME. YOU SEE I'M DISABLED, AND I'M ALWAYS HOME, I JUST WONDER IF THAT'S IT? I JUST DON'T KNOW!

Posted on 1/8/2009 9:17:00 AM by Anonymous

Something I believe is even more important than the aforementioned "basics" (as if we couldn't have figured that out) is a philosophy of WHY you want to home school. It helps to write down the reasons you decided to home school and trust me, on those crazy days when you are questioning your rationale, you can go back to your personal philosophy and breathe a sigh of relief knowing you began a journey that will profit your children greatly. What do you want your home school to look like? It is not replicating a school classroom. That will get you no where and sucks all the joy out of educating your children. There is sooo much more available than life-draining textbooks. Try real, living books (see Charlotte Mason for definition) and remember that worksheets are an easy cop out for experiments, nature walks and narrations of books read. Home school is commitment, but well worth the effort.

Posted on 10/27/2008 11:30:00 PM by Anonymous

i think this resources can help a lot in schooling at home...keep up the good job...

Posted on 10/14/2008 5:22:00 AM by Anonymous