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School Supply

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:

  • Grade-Level Supply Lists for essentials by age and academic stage

  • 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:

  • Crayons and washable markers

  • Jumbo pencils and pencil grips

  • Safety scissors

  • Glue sticks and non-toxic glue

  • Construction paper

  • Dry-erase board and markers

  • Sturdy folders with pockets

  • Beginner activity books (letters, numbers, shapes)

  • Laminated tracing sheets

  • Playdough or modeling clay

 

Extras:

  • Counting bears or math manipulatives

  • Lacing cards and shape sorters

  • Storytime books

  • Magnetic letters and numbers

  • Whiteboard or chalkboard easel

 

Organizing Tools:

  • Plastic bins or cubbies

  • Art supply caddy

  • Child-safe scissors and tool holder

 

Elementary (Grades K–5)

Build strong reading, writing, and math foundations through hands-on learning.

 

Essentials:

  • #2 pencils and erasers

  • Pencil sharpener (manual or electric)

  • Lined notebook paper (wide ruled)

  • Composition notebooks

  • Crayons, colored pencils, and markers

  • Blunt-tip scissors

  • Ruler (with inches and centimeters)

  • Glue sticks and school glue

  • Pocket folders and binders

  • Dry-erase board and markers

 

Extras:

  • Flashcards (math facts, sight words)

  • Educational games and puzzles

  • Early writing journals

  • Basic calculator (for upper elementary)

  • Reading log or book tracker

  • Watercolor paint set

  • Clipboards for writing on the go

 

Organizing Tools:

  • Pencil box or pouch

  • Desktop organizer

  • Plastic bins for books and papers

  • Label maker or labels

 

 Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Encourage independence, critical thinking, and subject-specific tools.

 

Essentials:

  • Mechanical pencils and extra lead

  • Highlighters and pens (blue, black, red)

  • Lined and graph paper

  • Notebooks (spiral and composition)

  • 1” or 2” binders with dividers

  • Index cards and flashcards

  • Ruler, protractor, compass

  • Scientific calculator (TI-30XS or similar)

  • Sticky notes

  • Laptop or tablet (if applicable)

 

Extras:

  • Keyboarding/typing curriculum

  • Time-management planner

  • Educational software or apps

  • Research notebooks

  • DIY lab or science kits

  • Personal whiteboard for quick problem solving

 

Organizing Tools:

  • Binder with zipper pouch

  • Accordion file organizer

  • Bookshelf or rolling cart

 

 High School (Grades 9–12)

Support college prep, advanced courses, and personal organization.

 

Essentials:

  • Ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils

  • College-ruled notebooks

  • Graph paper

  • Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-84 recommended)

  • 3-ring binders and dividers

  • Sticky flags and index tabs

  • Highlighters

  • Laptop or Chromebook

  • Flash drive or cloud storage access

  • Lined index cards

 

Extras:

  • Planner or academic calendar

  • SAT/ACT prep books

  • Research paper guidebooks (MLA, APA)

  • Composition software (Google Docs, LibreOffice, Scrivener)

  • Lab journal for science

  • Portfolio folder for art or writing samples

 

Organizing Tools:

  • Digital file organization system

  • Desk organizer set

  • File folders and labels

  • Paper trays

 

College & Beyond

Stay organized and tech-ready for virtual or on-campus learning.

 

Essentials:

  • Laptop with reliable internet access

  • Word processing software (Google Docs, Microsoft 365, LibreOffice)

  • Notebooks and pens

  • USB flash drives and/or portable external hard drive

  • Backpack or messenger bag

  • Sticky notes and flags

  • Planner or scheduling app

  • Printer access (home or campus)

  • Highlighters and markers

  • Noise-canceling headphones

 

Extras:

  • Whiteboard and dry-erase markers for brainstorming

  • Index cards for studying

  • Coffee mug or water bottle

  • Blue light glasses

  • Rolling cart or desk for home setup

  • Study lamp

 

Organizing Tools:

  • Digital folder structure (e.g., Google Drive by semester/class)

  • Supply caddy for small dorm spaces

  • Cable organizers

  • 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:

  • Microscope (beginner or compound)

  • Magnifying glass

  • Safety goggles

  • Thermometer

  • Beakers, graduated cylinders, and measuring cups

  • Test tubes and test tube rack

  • Petri dishes

  • Dissection kits (for older students)

  • Science experiment books or curriculum

  • Lab notebooks

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Human anatomy model or skeleton

  • Planetarium projector or glow-in-the-dark stars

  • Weather station tools (barometer, rain gauge)

  • Crystal growing kits

  • Subscription boxes (e.g., MEL Science, KiwiCo)

  • Nature journals and bug catchers

 Math

Help students visualize and apply mathematical concepts across levels.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Rulers, protractors, compasses

  • Graph paper notebooks

  • Base ten blocks or place value charts

  • Fraction tiles or circles

  • Counting cubes

  • Timers and stopwatches (for drills)

  • Scientific calculator (middle & high school)

  • Graphing calculator (TI-84 for advanced levels)

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Math board games (Sum Swamp, Prime Climb)

  • Math storybooks for younger grades

  • Dry-erase math templates (place value, number lines)

  • Virtual math manipulatives (apps or online tools)

  • Abacus or soroban

  • Logic puzzles and Sudoku books

 

Language Arts (Reading & Writing)

Strengthen comprehension, communication, grammar, and creativity.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Wide-ruled or college-ruled notebooks

  • Writing journals

  • Index cards and sticky notes

  • Reading logs or book trackers

  • Phonics flashcards or games

  • Spelling manipulatives (letter tiles, magnetic letters)

  • Dictionary and thesaurus (print or digital)

  • Grammar and writing workbooks

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Audiobooks and headphones

  • Creative writing prompts

  • Book club guides

  • Pen pal kits or letter writing sets

  • Digital tools (Grammarly, Hemingway Editor)

  • Composition apps (Scrivener, Google Docs)

 

Art & Creativity

Develop motor skills, imagination, and emotional expression through art.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Sketchbooks

  • Pencils, erasers, and colored pencils

  • Watercolor paints and brushes

  • Acrylic paints and canvas

  • Scissors, glue, and tape

  • Modeling clay or air-dry clay

  • Craft paper and cardstock

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Easel

  • Mixed media supplies (chalk pastels, charcoal)

  • Art history books and famous artist studies

  • Origami paper

  • DIY art kits or subscription boxes

  • Digital art tablets (Wacom, iPad with stylus)

 

History & Geography

Connect with past and present cultures through maps, timelines, and storytelling.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Globe or world map

  • U.S. map and state flashcards

  • Atlases and geography workbooks

  • Timelines and historical charts

  • History textbooks or living books

  • Primary source printouts (e.g., Constitution, Declaration of Independence)

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Timeline wall or printable templates

  • Country/culture activity kits

  • Board games (Ticket to Ride, Constitution Quest)

  • Historical fiction novels

  • Model kits (pyramids, castles, famous landmarks)

  • Documentaries or history-based YouTube channels

 

Technology & Coding

Prepare students for the digital world with basic tech skills and programming knowledge.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Laptop or tablet

  • Headphones with mic

  • Typing program (TypingClub, BBC Dance Mat)

  • Word processing software (Google Docs, Word)

  • Internet safety curriculum

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Coding platforms (Scratch, Code.org, Tynker)

  • Raspberry Pi or Arduino starter kit

  • 3D modeling software (TinkerCAD)

  • Graphic design tools (Canva, Krita)

  • Robotics kits (LEGO Spike, Sphero, Ozobot)

  • Animation programs (Stop Motion Studio, Blender)

 

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Bible / Character Education

Encourage moral development, spiritual growth, and values-based learning.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Age-appropriate Bible (children’s, teen, or study edition)

  • Devotionals or character education books

  • Memory verse cards or printables

  • Bible storybooks or comics

  • Journals for reflection or prayer

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Felt board or storytelling kits

  • Faith-based activity books and coloring pages

  • Scripture copywork pages

  • Hymnals or worship music playlists

  • Bible timeline or maps

  • Character trait posters or charts

 

Health & Nutrition

Teach students how the body works, nutrition basics, and the importance of wellness.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Age-appropriate health textbooks or curriculum

  • Food group charts and activity sheets

  • Anatomy posters or flashcards

  • Basic first aid kit for demonstration

  • Daily/weekly wellness journals

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Human body models or puzzles

  • Kids’ cookbooks and recipes

  • Calorie & food tracker apps (older students)

  • Videos or interactive programs (MyPlate.gov, KidsHealth.org)

  • Role-playing kits for safety and hygiene

 

Physical Education

Build physical literacy, coordination, and lifelong fitness habits.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Jump rope

  • Cones and agility markers

  • Yoga mat

  • Stopwatches or timers

  • PE logs or fitness trackers

  • Age-appropriate exercise posters

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Pedometer or wearable fitness tracker

  • Fitness cards or dice games

  • Bean bags, hula hoops, or foam balls

  • Access to local park trails or nature walks

  • Dance, martial arts, or kids’ fitness videos

  • Sports equipment (e.g., soccer ball, frisbee, basketball)

Foreign Language

Support language acquisition, cultural appreciation, and global awareness.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Language workbooks or textbooks

  • Flashcards (words, phrases, verbs)

  • Audio CDs or language apps

  • Dual-language picture books

  • Notebook or journal for vocabulary practice

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone)

  • Songs, movies, or cartoons in target language

  • Cultural games and crafts

  • Pen pal programs or email exchanges

  • Label items around the house in the target language

  • 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:

  • Chore charts or household management binders

  • Budgeting worksheets or apps (e.g., EveryDollar, YNAB)

  • Recipe books for kids and beginners

  • Kitchen tools for age-appropriate cooking (measuring cups, peelers)

  • First aid manual or safety guides

  • Gardening supplies (gloves, seed packets, hand tools)

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Sewing kits or craft projects

  • Toolset for home repair or DIY projects

  • Cleaning caddies with safe supplies

  • Journals for goal setting and personal growth

  • YouTube or online classes for baking, carpentry, car care, etc.

  • Volunteer guides or community service checklists

 

Music & Performing Arts

Foster creativity, rhythm, coordination, and emotional expression.

 

Core Supplies:

  • Recorder, ukulele, or beginner keyboard

  • Sheet music or music theory workbooks

  • Rhythm sticks or percussion instruments

  • Music appreciation books or listening guides

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Subscription to music streaming services (for genre exploration)

  • Online lessons or tutorials (e.g., Hoffman Academy, JustinGuitar)

  • Costumes or dress-up materials for dramatizations

  • Props and backdrops for skits or performances

  • Local performance or museum guides

  • Theater scripts and improv games

 

Civics, Government & Financial Literacy

Equip students with knowledge of rights, responsibilities, and money management.

 

Core Supplies:

  • U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights (print copy or PDF)

  • Civics curriculum or textbooks

  • Fake money or financial board games

  • Budget planners and financial literacy worksheets

  • Online banking simulators (many banks offer demos for students)

 

Extras & Enrichment:

  • Voting process kits or role-play materials

  • Guest speakers or virtual field trips (e.g., city hall, state capitol)

  • Documentaries or civics-based YouTube channels (CrashCourse)

  • Personal finance books for teens (e.g., “I Want More Pizza,” “The Teen Investor”)

  • Tax basics and check-writing practice worksheets

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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
    .

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