Over the next few weeks and months, as homeschool conventions roll out across the country, homeschool bloggers will share their plans for their upcoming school year and wax poetic on what they bought and why. I'm sure I'll do the same. Let's face it, next to the homeschool conventions my 2nd favorite thing is READING about what everyone is using, planning to use and just purchased.
However, I thought I'd take a moment and join my friends from iHomeschool Network and blog about my Top 10 Must-have items for homeschooling.
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| Click here for more 10 in 10 posts |
#1
Computer with internet access
Seriously, how could I homeschool without it? It's where I research curriculum, download printables, create lesson plans, keep up with my favorite homeschool blogs and of course there are the great online resources I can share with my kids.
#2
Laminator
I use a commercial grade laminator from Jackson-Hirsh and it has served me well for 12 years and counting.
#3
Promethean ActivBoard
This was a big ticket item for our homeschool but it was worth every penny and I know I will be teaching on it for a long time. There are wonderful whiteboard activities (that can be done on a computer with a mouse) that you can download for FREE at Promethean Planet.
#4
Playground area
This playground from Rainbow Play systems has served our homeschool well. My kids never seem to tire of it. I can view it from my home office/classroom and the playroom/learning center. Our children range from twin 9 year old boys to an almost 2 year old and they all love it. Even the dog loves it. Recess is a regular part of our homeschooling days and it also helps me when I want to have individual time with each of my children to rotate the others through the playground.
#5
Color Printer
I have the Brother MFC-9840CDW. It is a printer, fax and scanner all in one. The ink cartridges are each separated by color which is actually the best way to go if you print in color a lot. This way you only have to replace the colors you are out out of instead of entire cartridge when one color gets too low.
#6
Library Card
I love the library. So do my kids. Our library has wonderful programs but it's also a great place to just browse for books to read.
#7
PaperBackSwap.com membership
If you are a book lover then you have to try Paperbackswap. You can trade paperbacks with other users using "credits" you earn when you a) upload 10 books to open your account b) ship off your books to other users. Many homeschoolers use the service and there are some great finds. You can even create a wishlist and you'll be automatically notified when your favorite books are listed.
#8
Amazon Prime Membership
I buy quite a bit for our homeschool (and our home) on Amazon. Using the Amazon Prime membership I even get FREE 2-day shipping. It is easy to compare prices on Amazon and I even use their handy app which allows me to scan book codes to compare prices. You can place orders via the app quickly and easily too. Maybe a little too easily if you ask my husband!
#9
Homeschool Tracker
Homeschool Tracker is a software program for homeschool record keeping & lesson planning. I started off with the Basic Version, which is free, and I highly recommend going that route so that you don't become overwhelmed. I now own the Pro, which I also really like. The hardest thing to "get" about Homeschool Tracker is that it has many OPTIONS that you don't have to use. There is no ONE way to use the program and so if you try to use all the features you'll end up getting frustrated.
#10
Microsoft Office
I think everyone that homeschools should have Microsoft Office. I use Publisher (worksheets, printables), Word (documents), Outlook (email, calendar planning, contact management), PowerPoint (lesson plans)and I'm trying my hand at becoming proficient in Excel for spreadsheets. Don't forget as a homeschooler you are able to order software from Academic Superstore with the Student/Educator discount.
Do you agree with my list? What are your top 10 must have items?
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