Another year of school has started (hopefully!) and we're all trying to find a routine so that both parents and our kiddos thrive! While choosing the right curriculum for your kiddo is certainly important, we've found that staying organized is key to a successful homeschool year. We've put this list together to help you with any last-minute organization and supply needs that lead to a great school year! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at the bottom to receive exclusive deals in your inbox! Now, let's jump in!
I feel like I could stop the list right here, hah! This little device has been sent from heaven to solve my organizational needs. It's so quick to set up, and the whole family uses it constantly. You download an app, sync it to your phone, and start printing! We label drawers, folders, shelves - everything and everything that needs organization! It's also a great way to start teaching the kids about staying organized as well. They can label their binder dividers, study guides, notes, or whatever they want. Plus, as of writing, it's 45% off (be sure to click the little box for "coupon" when you check out. Click here to grab one today. We also use clear labels for times when the white background labels don't quite fit.
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Okay, so maybe other things are needed besides the label maker... Binders are another essential tool, for both parents and kiddos. I've found there are two schools of thought on this front, either smaller 1-inch binders for each subject, or one large 3-inch binder. I think it is mostly a personal preference mostly. However, I tend to think for younger kiddos an all-in-one binder might be easier to track.
When using an all-in-one binder, having a color-coded system is essential. One color = one subject. For me, math is red. Any folder, binder, etc. that deals with math is then red. These color-coded dividers are so helpful in keeping things straight. What's nice is that you can then extend the color to items other than the binder.
Sidenote! Don't forget the 3-hole punch and some sheet protectors for the papers you don't want to punch!
Last, if you do decide to go the 3" route, I highly advise picking up a binder case or cover. They come in so many colors and I love that they have additional pockets to hold pens, pencils, highlighters, or whatever else might needed for lessons. Less time spent searching for materials, more time spent getting work done. Here are a few examples below, but this is one item that I think is fun to pick out on your own!
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Yes, I realize that it is 2023, and things like iCal and Google Calendar exist. Those tools have their use, but not in the homeschool classroom. A dry-erase calendar for weeks and months is the answer. There's something about everyone having a shared calendar visible in the house that keeps everyone on the page, particularly the kiddos. It's a great way to track holidays, field trips, coop groups, and any other event you either need to remember or just simply want to look forward to! Just don't forget to pick up some markers and an eraser!
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Spiralbound notebooks and composition books are likely given. However, because they're so useful I felt I couldn't leave them off! Personally, I prefer spiralbound for things you're not going to keep long-term and want to be able to tear out pages if necessary. I save composition notebooks for exactly that - composition. Creative writing, journaling, or even things to memorize - all of these go in the composition notebooks.
These dry-erase pockets are one of my more recent discoveries and I can't believe I had never thought to use them before! I am obsessed with not needing to print things when I don't have to (save a tree, and no fights with the printer - or ink!). I can print a worksheet, slip it in this sleeve, then wipe down the case and reuse the worksheet immediately or save it for another kiddo.
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Clutter can happen so fast! Crayons, pencils, pens, glue, sticky notes, markers, scissors, and snacks (is this one just me?) seem to get thrown into a tornado some days and strewn about our classroom! Having a simple place where we can quickly gather our supplies and regroup is so helpful. A desktop organizer/caddy thingamajig is essential! I cannot focus whatsoever when the room is a disaster, and oftentimes kids are the same way! Obviously, there are times when things get messy (aka the art or craft lesson!). But when it's time to buckle down and learn some multiplication tables or when the Civil War occurred (1861-1865 ;) ), no one wants markers rolling everywhere. Throw them in their bin and back on the shelf!
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I can't recommend this laminator enough! We've used this laminator so much and it is so easy to use! Flashcards and worksheets w/dry-erase markers are some of the common uses. Lesson materials can really take a beating over time, especially if you're planning to use them for multiple years or kiddos. Laminating is a great way to extend their lifetime! Yes, it's a little bit more work upfront, so I don't advise it for every lesson or material, but it is so useful for things that are going to see a lot of use! Also, don't get tricked into buying the combined set on the listing. Instead, buy extra laminating sheets from Amazon Basics; they're so much cheaper and just as good.
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Maybe it's just me, but I hate dealing with printers! They seem to always be in a mood when I go to print. Finding a reliable printer/scanner like this one with cheap ink refills is crucial for me! The other thing that drives me nuts is how expensive ink can be! I always cringe when that little popup shows up on my computer saying "low ink". If you want the name-brand ink, go for it. But I think the generic ink cartridges for this printer work just as well and are 1/4 of the price! Be sure to snag some extra paper while you're at it!
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8. Excellent Shelving and Storage - A Homeschool Must!
This is another one of those things that is a bit of personal preference. You need to design a space that both looks good and is functional. Below are a few options that we like, but ultimately want to get something that works well for you. The black cubby system is particularly functional because you can arrange it in different ways, or even split it up. However, I love the reading bench with shelving built-in and the white bookcase with different-shaped shelves!
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I really do not like chalk. I don't like the dust and I don't like the feeling of writing with it. Chalk is great for driveways and sidewalks, but not the classroom (in my opinion!). This is where a whiteboard comes in. They can be used to explain lessons or write a schedule for the day for your kiddos to see, or even play games on! I love the wall-mounted whiteboards. However, I know that not everyone has the wall space to dedicate to a 4'x3' whiteboard, but if you do, the one shown is a great option. If you're tight on space, consider a whiteboard with adjustable height that sits on an easel. This one even comes with clips so you can attach stuff to it (paper, lesson materials, etc.)! Don't forget to grab some of the larger dry-erase markers to go along with it.
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Hear me out on this one because I know you might be like, "Wait, a Kindle is not an organizational tool?" Au contraire mes amis! For me, any tool that can reduce clutter falls into the organization category. I love the simplicity of the Kindle Paperwhite. It's the most book-like tablet out there and I'm not going to find my kid on YouTube 15 minutes after reading time starts! Not to mention Kindle Unlimited provides access to a ton of books. Fortunately, there is basically always a sign-up trial deal that gives you a month free. If you don't end up using Kindle Unlimited, pretty much all libraries now have ways for you and your kiddos to get ebooks directly onto Kindle! This means fewer physical books to keep track of to return and fewer late fees(or is that just me?)
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Alright friends, that's it for now! Hope you found one or two items that will help you on your homeschool journey! It's such a fun and exciting adventure and you all are doing a great job! Add your email below to receive our newsletter with exclusive deals!
Cheers!
-E
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