Buying guide · Supplies
You do not need a classroom at home. You need a place to keep records, a way to print, the basics for each child, and a few tools for math and science. Here is the list, in the order most families buy it.
Updated November 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our tools free.
| Pick | Best for |
|---|---|
| Homeschool Records Binder (our printable) | Attendance, grades and logs in one place |
| 1.5-inch three-ring binder with clear cover | Your records binder |
| Sheet protectors and tab dividers | Keeping records neat |
| Letter-size copy paper and cardstock | Printing at home |
| Dry-erase board and markers | Math and phonics |
| Pencils, sharpener and erasers | Every day |
| Rolling cart or book bins | Storage |
| Wall calendar or school year calendar | Counting school days |
| Timer | Short lessons and breaks |
Start with records. Many states ask for attendance or a portfolio. A binder from day one saves a scramble at the end of the year.
Buy per child. Notebooks, pencils and crayons per child; everything else can be shared.
Storage. One bin or shelf per child keeps books and work from taking over the kitchen table.
Best for: Attendance, grades and logs in one place
31 pages for the 2026–27 school year: attendance by month, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test records and a year-end summary.
Good to know: Print it and slide it into the binder below.
Best for: Your records binder
Holds a full year of attendance, grades, reading logs and work samples.
Good to know: Our printable Records Binder fits it.
Best for: Keeping records neat
One tab per section; protectors for report cards and test results.
Good to know: Eight tabs is enough.
Best for: Printing at home
All our printables are US Letter. Cardstock for certificates, diplomas and covers.
Good to know: 65 lb cardstock goes through most home printers.
Best for: Math and phonics
Faster than paper for practice problems and spelling words.
Good to know: A lap-size board per child works well.
Best for: Every day
Buy more than you think: they vanish.
Good to know: An electric sharpener saves arguments.
Best for: Storage
One drawer or bin per child for books and current work.
Good to know: Rolling carts move out of the way after school.
Best for: Counting school days
Mark each school day to see your progress toward your state’s required days.
Good to know: Or print ours free.
Best for: Short lessons and breaks
A visible timer helps kids focus for a set time and know when they are done.
Good to know: Visual timers work well for young kids.
Supplies alone often come to well under $100. Curriculum is the larger cost and varies widely, from free library books to full boxed programs.
No. Most families homeschool at the kitchen table with a shelf or cart for storage.
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