jlcejb6 Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 For those who have been homeschooling for a while now, what are some must have items on your list that make homeschooling so much easier for you? Anything from curriculum, to pens and highlighters, to organizing... anything!! :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 My own laptop that the kids aren't allowed to touch. . . and a wireless network. . . and comfy couches everywhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof1plustwins Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Being without these things would cripple me. Well I guess I would learn to live without them, but I really wouldn't want to. laptop on a wireless network photoshop elements MS Word printer electric pencil sharpener Pentel RSVP medium point pens clear contact paper for laminating stuff workboxes plenty of 3 ring binders and tabs file folders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campmom Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Just an inexpensive one from walmart and pouches from Sams but I have saved so much money and kept things so much nicer by laminating I thought mine broke the other day and would have gone right out and purchased a new one because I just don't want to be without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patchfire Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 I could do it without these, but I wouldn't want to! - color laser printer (mine doesn't have duplex; I wish it did) - sheet protectors - dry-erase boards of all sizes. You really can't have too many of these, and they can't be too big or too small. :) - retractable highlighters - my newest find: Sharpie pens. I love those things. - wall-mount traditional pencil sharpener Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 First priority: Math curriculum, which I could never manage to "piece together" on my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoxcell Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Laptop Wireless router Dry Erase board(My dh just got me a big one and he hung it on the wall) printer old copier from my FIL laminator Copy paper electric pencil sharpener markers pencils math manipulatives paint magazine holders that I use for daily work Books(I get most of our reading books at thrifts stores or on Ebay) Book Shelves(my dh has promised to make me some) SkyAngel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 I'll echo the laptop and wi-fi. I live in an area where there is little opportunity to view curriculum in person. I can't imagine the stress some of the early homeschoolers went through trying to chose without being able to pop onto a website and view samples. So curriculum websites would be my next choice. You could say google is my friend. Other greats I couldn't do without: My own pair of scissors that doesn't leave the classroom bookcases for school material only My former dining room table (large rectangular) that is now our classroom table. I love it. pro-click binding machine binder clips electric pencil sharpener 3 hole punch my own desk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergreen Academy Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Colored pencils Library card and interlibrary loan SOTW - all 4 volumes, plus the activity books Books - lots and lots of living books Children's story Bibles NIV Bible Pathway readers and Explode the Code to start CLE and Saxon math Photocopier Lots and lots of plain and lined paper Reading lists from Sonlight, Ambleside Online and Simply Charlotte Mason Chocolate :-) Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids, ages 7-19, schooling grades 2, 4, 4 and 7 - and two in college now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krisandpaula Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 :bigear: What a great thread! I'm all ears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leaird Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Laptop for me and each child with Wi-fi Printer Proclick Binding Machine (I've only had it about a week and already can't live without it!) Paper Cutter Mechanical Pencils Homeschool Co-ops for great classes & socialization Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergreen Academy Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Forgot to add: Laminated wall maps of the USA and our state Globe and state map placemats kept in the living room, where we do history and read-alouds Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids, ages 7-19, schooling grades 2, 4, 4 and 7 - and two in college now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tennislady29 Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Please keep these coming!:bigear: Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepymommy Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Laptop stapler 3-hole puncher lots of scotch tape sharpies tons of dry erase markers dry erase board lots of bookshelves laminating machine erasers wall maps globe pillow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CathyT Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 WiFi and several computers Printer Unlined paper Markers and colored pencils Library card with interlibrary loan Car to get places A good cd player Lots of clear carpet and floor space A comfy couch with a good reading light A table to leave half completed projects on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 The Library online catalogue and hold system, so I can just pick up stacks of books that I want. Dry erase boards----magnetic ones A copy machine A bic 4 n 1 pen. When I am going over material lists I use different colors for what I own, what I can borrow, and what I need to buy. I also use different colors for each child. Label machine (It was a gift and I really didn't imagine I would use it as much as I do) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 What I need and don't have because they aren't easy to find anymore. A cassette player and recorder. I am hunting the thrift shops for a decent one for my son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Kirsten~ Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 Hmmmm, this is tough and fun altogether! Let's see...top ten in order of priority, remembering I have young ones: The Well-Trained Mind laptop with wi-fi/these forums our library red wine (yes, it's about this high, and it might beat the library if I'm honest) math manipulatives Singapore and Miquon maths three-hole punch and binders printer/copier crayons/markers/plain paper our Yahoo list (where we've met lots of local friends) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 hmmm, fun question! :) Here are my must-have items: *color laser printer *laminator (Scotch from walmart for $20) *lots of art supplies (markers, crayons, glue, paper, more paper, anything and everything for kids to glue on to that paper.) :D *http://www.homeschoolshare.com *library card *friends to go on field trips with *computer (I prefer my laptop and having a separate one for the kids to use, but we *could* do it with one I suppose!) *CD player *lots of bookshelves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 For K-8 :iagree: with the things everyone else has said. Laptop Internet Printer Library Card Art Supplies MS Word Notebooks Three-Hole punch And, I would like to add MS Excel which I use infinitely more often than Word. If needed, I could homeschool with only these for K-8. However, for 5th through 8th I would like to toss in my beat up copies of Saxon54 - Saxon87; Writer's, Inc; IEW TWSS; and the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia. Thinking about this kind of thing always makes me feel silly about buying so much curriculum.:ohmy: HTH- Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Kirkwood Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 What I need and don't have because they aren't easy to find anymore. A cassette player and recorder. I am hunting the thrift shops for a decent one for my son. Do you have any older relatives who might have one in the back of a closet or basement somewhere? That's where we got ours, just by asking. I love it. Kids use it a lot and I plan to use it even more in the future. My beginning reader loves to practice his new reading skills onto the tape, then rewind and hear himself. :) And now back to our regularly scheduled thread. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 What I need and don't have because they aren't easy to find anymore. A cassette player and recorder. I am hunting the thrift shops for a decent one for my son. I got mine at Walgreens in the toy section for $10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Do you have any older relatives who might have one in the back of a closet or basement somewhere? That's where we got ours, just by asking. I love it. Kids use it a lot and I plan to use it even more in the future. My beginning reader loves to practice his new reading skills onto the tape, then rewind and hear himself. :) And now back to our regularly scheduled thread. :D That is exactly why I want one. I think my little guy would love to read into one and likes recording himself on the computer. I might have one person to ask about the recorder, I should have thought about that. I will check Walgreens too.....Amazon has one but the reviews are horrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlcejb6 Posted July 10, 2010 Author Share Posted July 10, 2010 This might be a silly question but for those who listed a laminator, what are you laminating? Im just curious, I used one in prek but havent come across anything yet in our 1st year of hsing that would need it. Or maybe I have and just havent thought about it! Thanks for all the replies, Im loving the lists! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I agree with everyone. I am such an office junkie, a thread like this is fun! Here's what I've been picking up at the office store lately. I'm going to assume things like computers/laptop/wireless/laser printers/Google/copier are already purchased, especially for a computer geek like me. I could've dittoed Patchfire's list actually. 3-ring binders Sharpie retractable fine permanent pens Retractable highlighters Flair felt-tip pens Lyra Ferby color pencils laminator Tons of dry erase boards of all sizes (from very small to very big, I'm lusting after one that is 6 feet long now) Floor globe Google earth iPad well-lit carpeted floor to sprawl out on label machines (I love to label and organize) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fhjmom Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Do you have any older relatives who might have one in the back of a closet or basement somewhere? That's where we got ours, just by asking. I love it. Kids use it a lot and I plan to use it even more in the future. My beginning reader loves to practice his new reading skills onto the tape, then rewind and hear himself. :) And now back to our regularly scheduled thread. :D Continuing the hi-jack: It doesn't record for playback, but many early readers love using "phonics phones". I know my daughter's co-op group used them some last year. They are fairly inexpensive from many teacher supplies or you can make one yourself from PVC pipe. Since DD has her own hi-tch version she can use (FM system for her hearing loss) she used that instead, but she loves to hear herself read through it. :) If you really want somethign with playback, you can find inexpensive digital voice recorders at office supply stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Wow I feel old. Back when I started homeschooling we had one computer for the whole family, though at least it was on a cable modem -- I think we had gotten rid of the dial-up by then. Individual laptops didn't happen til the kids were teens. I survived 11 years homescholing, graduated one without a copier or binding machine or laminator. Good grief, what do you ladies do???! My must haves for homeschooling: a globe a library card computer, printer and internet Reference books such as: Usborne Science Encyclopedia Kingfisher History Encyclopedia a good dictionary and atlas area bird and wildlife guides Well Trained Mind, Rebecca Rupp's Homeschooling Day by Day and other homeschool books lots of colored pencils and markers lots of Ticonderoga #2 pencils reams of lined and blank paper binoculars magnifying glasses a car cable tv and originally a vcr -- now it's the dvr! bookshelves -- with at least one shelf dedicated to each child's books for school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I'm going into my fifth year and I really think all I would list as a must-have is a good cup of coffee.;) Everything else I can get by without. It's not even the caffeine for me (I drink decaf sometimes). It's the aroma, the hot cup between my hands, the comfort that it bring me each morning; my faithful companion through the hardships of educating my young. :lol: Best of all, I can delicately sip it when things get tense and I need a few seconds to gather my thoughts before responding and saying something I'll later regret. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spock Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 For those who have been homeschooling for a while now, what are some must have items on your list that make homeschooling so much easier for you? Anything from curriculum, to pens and highlighters, to organizing... anything!! :bigear: Large dry erase board to write everyone's assignments for the day on (for my high schooler--allows independent work for the most part. for the elementary schoolers--allows them to see what is left to do so they don't either keep deciding they are done and trying to run off to play after each class, or keep asking when/if they are done for the day Small dry erase boards (for spelling, math, grammar, diagrams to keep track of Bible/literature/history stories that get complex, etc.) Pencils/pens/dry erase markers/paper (of course) Cuisenaire rods--apart from the obvious early elementary math uses, I have occasionally pulled these out to illustrate long division, fractions, decimals, algebra, and even Spanish (as props to act out a story so I could explain it without using as much English). Lots and lots of real books (for our family, the Bible in particular) With the above and a math program, I could manage the rest of homeschooling without anything else, though I like having spelling and language arts texts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaMa2005 Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 My top 5 things: *laptop and printer *copy machine *erasers *my Desktop Apprentice (I actually use three of them) *magazine holders (they really help keep paperback curriculum books upright and organized) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Large and small cafeteria trays for messy craft projects and science activities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I still say: my iPod (memory work, audio books, dc's violin pieces) IKEA Billy bookshelves (well ALL bookshelves) laser printer my PC timers (love the timer and count up features) adding: these flags - how did I function w/o them before? my laminator :) these white erasers - when I met them, I broke up w/ the pink ones by Papermate! magnetic dry erase board yet to get: laptop binding machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommee & Baba Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Hmm..how difficult. I love EVERYTHING we have and it's what makes things easier on us.. But I'll pick the top 5. Our Curriculum Our 3-in-1 Printer/Copier/Scanner Our Computer/Laptop & Internet Shelving Storage Unit Laminator Now for the extra's that I love nearly as much are.. Binders Workbox System Filing System File Folders - I use to file things, lapbooks and more!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 electric pencil sharpener iPod laser printer with copier/scanner built in The Shorter Oxford -- CD-ROM version (we have the print version too, but this one you can search for derivatives, etc.) Spanish/English dictionary and Latin/English dictionary Google Books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bright_Future Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Library card Electric pencil sharpener IMac Computer with internet access Laser copier/scanner/printer Copy paper Good colored pencils (prismacolor) and good pencils (ticonderoga or black warriors) Kids-I guess they are pretty important Everything else is gravy and could be lived without, but I prefer to not to have to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama25angels Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I will say: library card printer ink/paper netbook flashmaster tape recorder/tapes printer computer homeschool tracker plus Using my Birthday money to buy later: Binding machine laminator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchbark Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 For those who have been homeschooling for a while now, what are some must have items on your list that make homeschooling so much easier for you? Anything from curriculum, to pens and highlighters, to organizing... anything!! :bigear: 3-ring binders 3-hole punch headphones for the computer or the little one watching a video- a splitter with an additional set is nice too blank index cards closed storage a red pen wiggle room in the schedule bookends good lighting Cuisinaire rods The Well-Trained Mind forums http://www.Homeschoolreviews.com Times Tales The Sentence Family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Whiteboard. Dry erase markers, wet erase markers, either sheet protectors or a laminator. Abacus Folders with grommets in the middle to hold three hole punched papers. Three hole punch. Color printer/copier/scanner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 I don't think I have any must haves, but lots of "great to haves." Top of the list would be: this forum. No kidding. I have learned so much here. Also the library, the internet, and lots of outdoor space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehogs4 Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 this may sound strange, but silly putty, to keep little hands busy while i read a laminator, purchased from wal-mart, and the pouches at sam's--very reasonable. a mini-trampoline in the school room for burning off the wiggles between lessons white board and many colors of dry-erase markers beads and crafting activities to keep dd 5 busy when working with ds a chart for each student with the goals for each subject worked out and placed in the front of their notebook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehogs4 Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 This might be a silly question but for those who listed a laminator, what are you laminating? Im just curious, I used one in prek but havent come across anything yet in our 1st year of hsing that would need it. Or maybe I have and just havent thought about it! Thanks for all the replies, Im loving the lists! flash cards, maps, memory verses, pictures that they drew, anything that is going to have multiple hands on them with potential wear and tear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Laser printer/ copier Bookshelves Computer Slight hijack---What's a good printer (with cheaper ink) for color copies? I would love to have color copies again! Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaMa2005 Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 I still say: these white erasers - when I met them, I broke up w/ the pink ones by Papermate! Are these not the BEST erasers in the world!? Believe it or not, I went into the Staples the other day and they had them on sale - a four pack for 90 cents!!!!!!!!!!!!! We now have enough erasers to last until my DS finishes high school! :lol: :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Oh, for curriculum: Writing With Ease. It covers more ground while still being useful to just about everyone. It is my #1 recommendation. If you have phonics already well covered, you can use Writing With Ease and a math program you can get your basics covered for times when you just can't handle anything else. Exposure to a wide variety of literature, reading, comprehension, writing skills in all areas, grammar; it is all there in manageable doses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlcejb6 Posted July 18, 2010 Author Share Posted July 18, 2010 This was so great! My shopping list has grown so much! :D Cant wait to make our trip to gather things up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSDCY Posted July 18, 2010 Share Posted July 18, 2010 -A printer/copy machine -A good atlas -A good encyclopedia -A teacher planner -A student planner, this has become invaluable for my student from 4th grade and up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvenice Posted July 18, 2010 Share Posted July 18, 2010 I'm going into my fifth year and I really think all I would list as a must-have is a good cup of coffee.;) So...coffee is the first thing, then: Charlotte Mason's 6 Homeschool Volumes WTM Geography Matters (laminated maps, Trailguide to Learning) Simply Charlotte Mason dry erase board laminator Excel sharpies really nice 3 ring binders in black (best ones are from Ultimate Office) color coded everything bookshelves! google & my laptop pencil and paper (sometimes I forget that I can use that instead of my computer :D) my husband walking in the door after work!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Closeacademy Posted July 18, 2010 Share Posted July 18, 2010 My must-have list: block crayons black pens sharp pencils colored pencils in a variety of colors good markers loose-leaf paper--for planning 3-ring binders--for storing plans and completed work manila file folders--for lapbooks colored paper--for lapbooks white paper--for notebooks, worksheets, etc. folders with 3 binder clips--for storing completed and uncompleted work tabbed dividers--to use in binders glue sticks tape--lots and lots of it 3-hole punch Rod and Staff math Spell to Write and Read Oak Meadow Hands of a Child lapbooks Homeschoolshare.com internet access That's what makes my homeschool run smoothly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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