
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.