eksargent Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 I'm a new homeschooler...so I can't say I have actually "used" anything yet. After reading this thread I am going to run out right now and buy a pencil sharpener! So far, I use my library card DAILY! I have stacks of books at my feet right now waiting to be read! Also, I use this message board daily. The advice and experience everyone shares has been very valuable! So far it has been fun! Emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T Baer Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 map/globepencil sharpener :D I am off to google desk apprentice... It's at Staples and you can get it at the store and online. I sent one to my sister because I really like mine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plaid Dad Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 The three-hole punch and the pencil sharpener get daily use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 HMMM, the top 2 things I use daily 1. Patience (I have a 3 year old that's into every manipulative we have while I teach the other 2) 2. Shoes, so I don't step on the above mentioned manipulatives and hurt my feet anymore :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mesa Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Our list of favorite things used daily... Timer, for both ds and I to use. Colored pencils, for coloring and for writing. My son likes writing with the Blue pencils. Hey, if it helps him do his Language worksheet, go for it! Timelines, maps, & globes Flashmaster (electronic flashcard thingy) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lori in tx Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 library card (to check things out to make sure I need to buy them) and a turn in basket (this is where the kids put their completed work so I don't have 1400 papers/workbooks/ binders) sitting in front of me other things on the short list graph paper for math highlighters sticky notes whiteboard copier/printer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarcyM Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Definitely use my 3-hole punch and clipboards each and every day. But can I add a third? Lots of manipulatives to keep my littlest busy during school. But now I'm thinking I should get an electric pencil sharpener. So many people have mentioned it. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Post-it notes!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Silly me-I can't even think of what we use- hurray for those who reminded me-- colored pencils (the big prismacolor set) maps turn in basket waste basket also: cd player for audiobooks dvd player for history and latin lectures I just can't stop at 2... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in SouthGa Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 coffee and pencil sharpener Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Closeacademy Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 1. colored pencils 2. my cutterpede (for scrapbooking) We do a lot of lapbooks and I use the big cutter to cut out the papers and such. We also do a lot of coloring to go with history as well as the lapbooks.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 1. Science supply box ( so many fun things in there to do) 2. Paper We don't use the pencil sharpener during school times, I sharpen up a bunch of pencils before hand. If I did not my son would get up every few minutes to sharpen a pencil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabuford Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 internet and lots and lots of paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverfront Headmistress Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 wall maps - keep us globally focused calendar - aka "The Brain" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hswarden Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 coffee maker broom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Computer and white board. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Pencil My Tanglewood Corebook (planner) 3-hole-punch almost every day :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Electric pencil sharpener white board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetbaby Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 white board hole puncher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubermomto5 Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 it is amusing! our yard would probably be #1 (quick, go race around the tree 4x!), #2 my portable file box with all my 'things'. we hs on our kitchen table, so everything has to be quick to put away and still be organized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMarie Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Post-It Notes - How in the world can you home school without them?! FlashMaster - I kissed flashcards goodbye. ;) Ticonderoga pencils - After sharpening a truckload of cheap pencils I've become quite a pencil snob! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolyn in Ohio Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 The kids have Desk Apprentices - I almost forgot that's what they were called, we call them "spinners". AND Pentel Twist Erase .9mm mechanical pencils - the BEST mechanical pencils ever made. We had severe pencil angst years ago and found these. They are great. Carolyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 A small whiteboard and a laptop computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lvbeingmom Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 hole puncher and pencil sharpener. Could not live without the pencil sharpener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 apx 2'x3' map of each continent (separate maps of each). Especially Africa as we studied a lot about it last year. Wheeled cart for our history resources. But the most used part was the front pockets with our basic school supplies in it. If I can list more that two.. Clear, plastic shoeboxes to store our art supplies and school supplies Large wall of bookcases with doors to separate and provide storage, but love having doors to put it all away at night! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnTeaching Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 One of our favorite things: A desk calendar called- "1,000 Places You Should See Before You Die". We pull a sheet off everyday, read the blurb and ooh and ahh over the picture. Then we find where it is on the globe and the kids fight over who gets to keep the picture and stick it up on their little cork board for the day. A fun daily geography routine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 One of our favorite things: A desk calendar called- "1,000 Places You Should See Before You Die". We pull a sheet off everyday, read the blurb and ooh and ahh over the picture. Then we find where it is on the globe and the kids fight over who gets to keep the picture and stick it up on their little cork board for the day. A fun daily geography routine. Oh I like that. I can use that idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Yes, these are my two biggies, also. And I can't *find* a good pencil sharpener since my last one wore out!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 One of our favorite things: A desk calendar called- "1,000 Places You Should See Before You Die". We pull a sheet off everyday, read the blurb and ooh and ahh over the picture. Then we find where it is on the globe and the kids fight over who gets to keep the picture and stick it up on their little cork board for the day. A fun daily geography routine. I really like that. Where did you get the calendar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnTeaching Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 I think I picked the desk calendar up at either my local Borders or Barnes & Noble near the first of the year. It's a beautiful calendar and a lot of fun. I hope they have a new version for next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted August 5, 2008 Author Share Posted August 5, 2008 That was the number one answer! I love the 1,000 Places idea too. And I should have had my planner as my number two thing-I can't do a thing without consulting it to keep us on track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacey in MA Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Love all these great ideas! Here's mine.... 1. stapler/paper clips 2. Bookmark timers (each DC has one for reading time) OK, let me add just another couple - PLEAAASEEEEE?? 3. Small stand up white board/chalk board (we put today's date on there so they can date their work. Otherwise they'd ask me all day long, "Maa, what's the date today?") 4. kid scissors and glue sticks (I buy Costco quantity glue sticks for the 4yo and 6yo - they love crafty learning!) 5. Small clock in school room (so we don't have to get up and go in the other room to see if we're on track time-wise) 6. Yes, and can't go without mentioning some "staples": the computer (including Internet), printer with built-it photocopier, all types of paper, colored pencils, mechanical pencils and scotch tape.... 7. The "In Boxes" (paper file spots) where each DC puts their own completed work. 8. Oh, and all of our reference books: Unabridged dictionary, Bible, Atlas/Map books Thanks for indulging me! - Stacey in MA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenschooler Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Well....a magnifing glass because even with my reading glasses I can't see the teeny, tiny print in some of our answer keys. Why do they make those answers so small??? Oh, good, it's not just me! I think they should make the print bigger with each grade, since Mom's eyes are aging as the kids get older. I'm armed with a drawer full of cheap reading glasses this time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenschooler Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 1. Post it Notes - I use several of these every day. Every book needs two places marked: where we're starting, and where we're ending. 2. A clock - otherwise, we'd spend 2-3 hours on each subject, then sit around and talk half the day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 The clock and pencils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneNickerson Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 1. white eraser 2. three-hole punch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Our drawers (the boys each have a drawer for their school books and notebooks...and I have a drawer for Techer's manuals, etc. It is a LIFESAVER and we love it). Our big calendar and American Flag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennefer@SSA Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Desk and school supply box (full of crayons, scissors, colored pencils and glue sticks). My favorite 2 things that we use almost every day - huge wall maps (one of the world and one of the US) and my post-it flags (use these for everything! such time savers!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeri Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 I have 6 kids and the olders are always complaining about how noisy the youngers are. So, I bought 4 sets of hearing protection (ear muff style) which should help! (One is for me!) I'll let you know how it works. jeri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in SC Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Desk Apprentice Double sided tape Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Hey, is the Desk Apprentice the same as was designed on the show "The Apprentice" a few years back? I remember that show. Wonder if I need one? :tongue_smilie: Seems like a great gift for my college going sister. I guess I need to find my electric pencil sharpner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 For us, it would have to be our point charts (they earn points for whatever they do during school and can turn in their points for rewards) and legos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 1. Inexpensive kitchen timers (short lessons) (we have 3 and could use another one or two.) 2. small post-it notes - we use them as bookmarks and this one is probably the most important 3. Elan planners - one per person that Mom fills out on Saturday for the next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 ipod (latin vocab, audiobooks) planner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet in Toronto Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 No longer hs-ing, but when we were, our top two were 1. Date stamp (every page of work got stamped) 2. Large desk pad with a pad of blank or squared paper...protected the kitchen table and provided scratch/doodle surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted August 6, 2008 Author Share Posted August 6, 2008 What a great idea! Love the desk pad idea too-added that to the list. Ear muffs is another great one-it's becoming a problem as I'm adding on the second child and we need to interact and it disrupts the first child! (I can't imagine how it would be with more than two dc!) Yes, the Apprentice is from the show of the same name; sold only at Staples. Another couple of useful things I thought of (not daily use, but I thought I'd share anyway) are: 1. the Tac-On Information strips you can get at Rainbow Resource. They are 6' long, 2" wide strips of double sided sticky stuff that you can cut into any size you need and they attach to any surface and are strong but DO NOT leave marks on the wall and can be removed and moved, etc. You can also change the things you hang on it and it stays sticky. I hang a long strip of it along one wall to hang drawings, etc., on. We use this stuff for everything. My dh even uses it to hold things down firmly onto his art desk so they don't slide around, etc. They are perfect for anchoring timelines to the wall, putting up wall maps, etc. It has not harmed anything I've used it on so far. LOVE this product! 2. Along the same lines, the little Wacky Tac round sticky stick-on pieces are great for hanging smaller things. (We call them "boogers" around here because they kind of look like.... well, you know! Dh will call out, "Has anyone seen the boogers? So funny!) They sell them at RR, or you can find them at Michael's, A.C. Moore, etc., in the scrapbook section, sometimes called Sticky Dots or some such thing. They don't leave marks on the walls or anything you attach them to, but they hold firmly. Hope that helps someone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 my log book mulitcolored pen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bee Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Preferably paper in a notebook but computer or three holed punched paper will do almost as well.But you can never have too many pens or notebooks.Pens with caps are ok but not ideal because the tops always get lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen210 Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Globe and Kitchen timer. We do most of our school in the kitchen and I love using the kitchen timer on the microwave rather than the egg timers. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Mom Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 1. home-made wall calendar 2. color blocks for my 3 yo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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