
Supplies
Welcome to your one-stop shop for school supply guidance—whether you're homeschooling a kindergartner or supporting a college student. This guide is divided into two parts:
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Grade-Level Supply Lists for essentials by age and academic stage
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Subject-Specific Learning Tools for hands-on enrichment and specialized learning
Part 1: Grade-Level Supply Lists
Pre-K (Ages 3–5)
Focus on fine motor skills, early literacy, and creative play.
Essentials:
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Crayons and washable markers
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Jumbo pencils and pencil grips
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Safety scissors
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Glue sticks and non-toxic glue
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Construction paper
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Dry-erase board and markers
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Sturdy folders with pockets
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Beginner activity books (letters, numbers, shapes)
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Laminated tracing sheets
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Playdough or modeling clay
Extras:
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Counting bears or math manipulatives
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Lacing cards and shape sorters
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Storytime books
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Magnetic letters and numbers
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Whiteboard or chalkboard easel
Organizing Tools:
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Plastic bins or cubbies
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Art supply caddy
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Child-safe scissors and tool holder
Elementary (Grades K–5)
Build strong reading, writing, and math foundations through hands-on learning.
Essentials:
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#2 pencils and erasers
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Pencil sharpener (manual or electric)
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Lined notebook paper (wide ruled)
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Composition notebooks
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Crayons, colored pencils, and markers
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Blunt-tip scissors
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Ruler (with inches and centimeters)
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Glue sticks and school glue
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Pocket folders and binders
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Dry-erase board and markers
Extras:
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Flashcards (math facts, sight words)
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Educational games and puzzles
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Early writing journals
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Basic calculator (for upper elementary)
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Reading log or book tracker
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Watercolor paint set
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Clipboards for writing on the go
Organizing Tools:
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Pencil box or pouch
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Desktop organizer
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Plastic bins for books and papers
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Label maker or labels
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Encourage independence, critical thinking, and subject-specific tools.
Essentials:
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Mechanical pencils and extra lead
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Highlighters and pens (blue, black, red)
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Lined and graph paper
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Notebooks (spiral and composition)
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1” or 2” binders with dividers
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Index cards and flashcards
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Ruler, protractor, compass
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Scientific calculator (TI-30XS or similar)
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Sticky notes
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Laptop or tablet (if applicable)
Extras:
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Keyboarding/typing curriculum
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Time-management planner
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Educational software or apps
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Research notebooks
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DIY lab or science kits
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Personal whiteboard for quick problem solving
Organizing Tools:
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Binder with zipper pouch
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Accordion file organizer
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Bookshelf or rolling cart
High School (Grades 9–12)
Support college prep, advanced courses, and personal organization.
Essentials:
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Ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils
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College-ruled notebooks
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Graph paper
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Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-84 recommended)
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3-ring binders and dividers
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Sticky flags and index tabs
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Highlighters
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Laptop or Chromebook
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Flash drive or cloud storage access
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Lined index cards
Extras:
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Planner or academic calendar
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SAT/ACT prep books
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Research paper guidebooks (MLA, APA)
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Composition software (Google Docs, LibreOffice, Scrivener)
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Lab journal for science
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Portfolio folder for art or writing samples
Organizing Tools:
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Digital file organization system
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Desk organizer set
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File folders and labels
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Paper trays
College & Beyond
Stay organized and tech-ready for virtual or on-campus learning.
Essentials:
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Laptop with reliable internet access
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Word processing software (Google Docs, Microsoft 365, LibreOffice)
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Notebooks and pens
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USB flash drives and/or portable external hard drive
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Backpack or messenger bag
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Sticky notes and flags
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Planner or scheduling app
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Printer access (home or campus)
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Highlighters and markers
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Noise-canceling headphones
Extras:
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Whiteboard and dry-erase markers for brainstorming
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Index cards for studying
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Coffee mug or water bottle
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Blue light glasses
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Rolling cart or desk for home setup
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Study lamp
Organizing Tools:
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Digital folder structure (e.g., Google Drive by semester/class)
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Supply caddy for small dorm spaces
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Cable organizers
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Time-tracking or productivity apps (Notion, Trello, Forest)
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Science
Build curiosity through hands-on experiments, observation, and real-world applications.
Core Supplies:
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Microscope (beginner or compound)
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Magnifying glass
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Safety goggles
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Thermometer
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Beakers, graduated cylinders, and measuring cups
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Test tubes and test tube rack
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Petri dishes
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Dissection kits (for older students)
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Science experiment books or curriculum
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Lab notebooks
Extras & Enrichment:
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Human anatomy model or skeleton
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Planetarium projector or glow-in-the-dark stars
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Weather station tools (barometer, rain gauge)
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Crystal growing kits
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Subscription boxes (e.g., MEL Science, KiwiCo)
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Nature journals and bug catchers
Math
Help students visualize and apply mathematical concepts across levels.
Core Supplies:
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Rulers, protractors, compasses
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Graph paper notebooks
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Base ten blocks or place value charts
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Fraction tiles or circles
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Counting cubes
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Timers and stopwatches (for drills)
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Scientific calculator (middle & high school)
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Graphing calculator (TI-84 for advanced levels)
Extras & Enrichment:
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Math board games (Sum Swamp, Prime Climb)
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Math storybooks for younger grades
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Dry-erase math templates (place value, number lines)
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Virtual math manipulatives (apps or online tools)
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Abacus or soroban
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Logic puzzles and Sudoku books
Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
Strengthen comprehension, communication, grammar, and creativity.
Core Supplies:
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Wide-ruled or college-ruled notebooks
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Writing journals
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Index cards and sticky notes
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Reading logs or book trackers
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Phonics flashcards or games
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Spelling manipulatives (letter tiles, magnetic letters)
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Dictionary and thesaurus (print or digital)
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Grammar and writing workbooks
Extras & Enrichment:
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Audiobooks and headphones
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Creative writing prompts
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Book club guides
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Pen pal kits or letter writing sets
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Digital tools (Grammarly, Hemingway Editor)
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Composition apps (Scrivener, Google Docs)
Art & Creativity
Develop motor skills, imagination, and emotional expression through art.
Core Supplies:
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Sketchbooks
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Pencils, erasers, and colored pencils
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Watercolor paints and brushes
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Acrylic paints and canvas
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Scissors, glue, and tape
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Modeling clay or air-dry clay
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Craft paper and cardstock
Extras & Enrichment:
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Easel
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Mixed media supplies (chalk pastels, charcoal)
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Art history books and famous artist studies
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Origami paper
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DIY art kits or subscription boxes
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Digital art tablets (Wacom, iPad with stylus)
History & Geography
Connect with past and present cultures through maps, timelines, and storytelling.
Core Supplies:
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Globe or world map
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U.S. map and state flashcards
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Atlases and geography workbooks
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Timelines and historical charts
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History textbooks or living books
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Primary source printouts (e.g., Constitution, Declaration of Independence)
Extras & Enrichment:
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Timeline wall or printable templates
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Country/culture activity kits
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Board games (Ticket to Ride, Constitution Quest)
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Historical fiction novels
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Model kits (pyramids, castles, famous landmarks)
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Documentaries or history-based YouTube channels
Technology & Coding
Prepare students for the digital world with basic tech skills and programming knowledge.
Core Supplies:
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Laptop or tablet
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Headphones with mic
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Typing program (TypingClub, BBC Dance Mat)
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Word processing software (Google Docs, Word)
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Internet safety curriculum
Extras & Enrichment:
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Coding platforms (Scratch, Code.org, Tynker)
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Raspberry Pi or Arduino starter kit
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3D modeling software (TinkerCAD)
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Graphic design tools (Canva, Krita)
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Robotics kits (LEGO Spike, Sphero, Ozobot)
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Animation programs (Stop Motion Studio, Blender)
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Bible / Character Education
Encourage moral development, spiritual growth, and values-based learning.
Core Supplies:
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Age-appropriate Bible (children’s, teen, or study edition)
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Devotionals or character education books
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Memory verse cards or printables
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Bible storybooks or comics
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Journals for reflection or prayer
Extras & Enrichment:
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Felt board or storytelling kits
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Faith-based activity books and coloring pages
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Scripture copywork pages
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Hymnals or worship music playlists
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Bible timeline or maps
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Character trait posters or charts
Health & Nutrition
Teach students how the body works, nutrition basics, and the importance of wellness.
Core Supplies:
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Age-appropriate health textbooks or curriculum
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Food group charts and activity sheets
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Anatomy posters or flashcards
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Basic first aid kit for demonstration
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Daily/weekly wellness journals
Extras & Enrichment:
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Human body models or puzzles
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Kids’ cookbooks and recipes
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Calorie & food tracker apps (older students)
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Videos or interactive programs (MyPlate.gov, KidsHealth.org)
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Role-playing kits for safety and hygiene
Physical Education
Build physical literacy, coordination, and lifelong fitness habits.
Core Supplies:
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Jump rope
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Cones and agility markers
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Yoga mat
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Stopwatches or timers
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PE logs or fitness trackers
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Age-appropriate exercise posters
Extras & Enrichment:
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Pedometer or wearable fitness tracker
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Fitness cards or dice games
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Bean bags, hula hoops, or foam balls
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Access to local park trails or nature walks
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Dance, martial arts, or kids’ fitness videos
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Sports equipment (e.g., soccer ball, frisbee, basketball)
Foreign Language
Support language acquisition, cultural appreciation, and global awareness.
Core Supplies:
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Language workbooks or textbooks
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Flashcards (words, phrases, verbs)
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Audio CDs or language apps
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Dual-language picture books
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Notebook or journal for vocabulary practice
Extras & Enrichment:
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Language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone)
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Songs, movies, or cartoons in target language
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Cultural games and crafts
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Pen pal programs or email exchanges
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Label items around the house in the target language
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Mini dictionaries or translation tools
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Life Skills & Homesteading
Teach independence, responsibility, and real-world problem-solving across all ages.
Core Supplies:
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Chore charts or household management binders
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Budgeting worksheets or apps (e.g., EveryDollar, YNAB)
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Recipe books for kids and beginners
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Kitchen tools for age-appropriate cooking (measuring cups, peelers)
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First aid manual or safety guides
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Gardening supplies (gloves, seed packets, hand tools)
Extras & Enrichment:
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Sewing kits or craft projects
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Toolset for home repair or DIY projects
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Cleaning caddies with safe supplies
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Journals for goal setting and personal growth
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YouTube or online classes for baking, carpentry, car care, etc.
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Volunteer guides or community service checklists
Music & Performing Arts
Foster creativity, rhythm, coordination, and emotional expression.
Core Supplies:
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Recorder, ukulele, or beginner keyboard
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Sheet music or music theory workbooks
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Rhythm sticks or percussion instruments
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Music appreciation books or listening guides
Extras & Enrichment:
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Subscription to music streaming services (for genre exploration)
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Online lessons or tutorials (e.g., Hoffman Academy, JustinGuitar)
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Costumes or dress-up materials for dramatizations
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Props and backdrops for skits or performances
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Local performance or museum guides
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Theater scripts and improv games
Civics, Government & Financial Literacy
Equip students with knowledge of rights, responsibilities, and money management.
Core Supplies:
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U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights (print copy or PDF)
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Civics curriculum or textbooks
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Fake money or financial board games
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Budget planners and financial literacy worksheets
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Online banking simulators (many banks offer demos for students)
Extras & Enrichment:
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Voting process kits or role-play materials
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Guest speakers or virtual field trips (e.g., city hall, state capitol)
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Documentaries or civics-based YouTube channels (CrashCourse)
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Personal finance books for teens (e.g., “I Want More Pizza,” “The Teen Investor”)
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Tax basics and check-writing practice worksheets
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Student entrepreneurship kits (business planning, marketing ideas)
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Part 2: Subject-Specific Learning Tools
Where to Shop
A curated list of websites and stores to help homeschooling and college families find what they need — organized by subject and supply type.
(Note: Some stores may appear in more than one category for convenience.)
Science Supplies & Lab Equipment
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Home Science Tools – homesciencetools.com
Kits and lab equipment for biology, chemistry, and physics. -
Carolina Biological – carolina.com
School-grade dissection kits, microscopes, and chemicals. -
Ward’s Science – wardsci.com
Advanced science resources for middle school through college. -
Rainbow Resource Center – rainbowresource.com
Affordable science tools for multiple age groups. -
Amazon – amazon.com
Wide range of microscopes, lab supplies, and STEM kits.
Curriculum & Workbooks
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The Good and The Beautiful – goodandbeautiful.com
Open-and-go, faith-based curriculum by subject and grade. -
Timberdoodle – timberdoodle.com
Custom curriculum kits and individual subject bundles. -
Christian Bookstore – christianbook.com
Faith-based curriculum, devotionals, and parent resources. -
Master Books – masterbooks.com
Biblical worldview curriculum for K–12. -
Memoria Press – memoriapress.com
Classical curriculum including Latin, literature, and logic. -
Khan Academy – khanacademy.org (Free)
Online curriculum and videos for K–12 and college prep.
General School & Craft Supplies
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Target – target.com
Affordable back-to-school items, planners, and basics. -
Walmart – walmart.com
Notebooks, pencils, binders, and homeschool basics. -
Dollar Tree – dollartree.com
Flashcards, classroom décor, and budget-friendly extras. -
Staples / Office Depot –
Tech gear, printers, laminators, and filing systems. -
Michaels – michaels.com
Art and craft supplies, posters, and creative kits. -
Rainbow Resource Center –
Also carries many core supplies and learning games.
History, Geography & Timeline Tools
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Notgrass History – notgrass.com
Faith-based history curriculum with literature integration. -
Beautiful Feet Books – bfbooks.com
History through living books and guided reading. -
Knowledge Quest / Map Trek – knowledgequestmaps.com
Printable historical maps and timelines. -
Teachers Pay Teachers –
Unit studies, timeline cards, and interactive history lessons.
Art, Music & Creative Learning
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Michaels –
Paint, drawing supplies, clay, and seasonal crafts. -
Rainbow Resource –
Art curriculum and music education tools. -
Joann Fabrics – joann.com
Sewing kits, craft supplies, and DIY projects. -
Hoffman Academy – hoffmanacademy.com (Free/Paid)
Online piano lessons and music theory. -
Classics for Kids – classicsforkids.com
Free classical music lessons, games, and activities.
Digital & Printable Resources
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Teachers Pay Teachers – teacherspayteachers.com
Downloadable curriculum, unit studies, and resources. -
Twinkl – twinkl.com
Printable worksheets and teaching packs by topic and grade. -
Education.com – education.com
Games, worksheets, and lesson plans for all ages. -
Notebooking Pages – notebookingpages.com
Template pages for all subjects and age groups.