Inside: Truth? Most of these unschooling supplies are basic home office supplies. You really don’t need much when you first start unschooling, and your supplies will quickly be tailored to your child’s interests.
When I first started homeschooling, I thought I needed SO many things. Curriculum and jam-packed book shelves and monthly subscription boxes.
It turns out that especially when your kids are small, free library books, nature, fun board games, basic paper and art supplies are usually enough.
As we transitioned to unschooling completely, I brought into my home the things that brought me joy and cultivated curiosity in my kids, inspiring them to follow their own unique rabbit trails of learning.
And slowly, we decluttered the extraneous “homeschooly” stuff (mostly curriculum) that we no longer used and only kept what we used regularly in our everyday lives.
Unschooling Supplies: 15 Basics Most Unschooling Families Will Probably Need and/or Enjoy
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The truth about unschooling supplies? Everyone’s unschooling home is unique!
What an unschooling family needs to homeschool to the best of their ability will vary based on your unique kids’ ages and interests.
But if you’re just getting started, and you’re itching for someone to give you a basic “unschooling supplies” list (which I totally understand), here’s what I would tell you to get.
…most of which is what parents of growing, curious kids already have in their home anyway.
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1. A Library Card
We use our library card all day, every day. From physical books at the library every week to Kindle and audiobooks daily.
In my opinion, you absolutely cannot homeschool without a library card. It’s the most important tool in your homeschool “tool belt”.
We actually stopped spending our homeschool budget on books for the most part, and use the library almost exclusively now.
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2. Internet Connection
I’ve heard of families who homeschool without the internet…but I just think, how? HOW?!
Especially if you are going the unschooling route, you will use the internet all day, every day.
There are programs to help access the internet if cost is a concern. Here is a great article about 9 ways to get free internet.
3. Computer, Laptop and/or Tablet
Again, accessing the internet is going to be so crucial for your homeschool journey!
What you use to access the internet is up to you. You could buy a cheaper tablet like Amazon Fire tablets, or you could go the pricier route with an iPad (we think it’s worth the investment!).
My kids have used their iPads for all kinds of apps over the years, from Youtube (so.much.learning) to games to things like Reading Eggs and Stack the States and Scratch, Jr.
As homeschooled kids get older, a home computer is probably essential. But my younger children primarily use tablets, and only use computers at our local library.
4. Youtube
We use Youtube every single day, with every family member uses it differently.
Three of my kids utilize both long-form videos and shorts. My middle kiddo decided that shorts make him anxious, so he only watches long-form content.
I’m always amazed to see the range of content they choose to watch – from what seems purely entertainment to intentionally educational.
I also use Youtube heavily as a resource for the barrage of questions that are non-stop, especially in kindergarten and under.
5. Wall Map(s)
What homeschool would be complete without a map? We currently have two, one US map and one World map.
Any decent-sized wall map will do.
Our world map is similar to THIS one. Our US map is THIS 24×30 version – I love the colors!
We used poster hangers to hang both.
6. Globe
The globe is another essential, and it can double as décor (always a plus when you’re a minimalist!).
The ones with raised topography are especially fun for little hands to feel as you point out different countries.
I pull our globe out regularly to point out locations to my elementary-aged kids…and honestly to myself because my geography knowledge is sorely lacking.
7. Dry Erase Whiteboard(s) – Big or Small
We have a dry erase board in our downstairs space (you can’t really call it a homeschool room). I’ve used it more often in the past.
While I prefer the aesthetic of a chalk board, whiteboards are so much more practical.
You will also want to consider the age of your kids and whether or not those expo markers are going to end up all over your walls (ask me how I know).
But ultimately, just pick one and run with it.
Small dry erase tablets are perhaps a better portable option. You can get plain ones or lined ones.
8. Paper – Printer and/or Lined
I used to get most of our plain white printer paper for free from the Staples rebate program. Sadly, they’ve discontinued that deal.
It’s especially sad because my kids go through paper like its water! They draw every day, all day. I choose not to restrict their paper use.
We buy a case of Amazon Basics paper every couple months and use it as both drawing paper and printer paper.
Having lined paper on hand for general use is a good idea once you get past second grade or so. You can buy lined paper or thin notebooks.
9. Clipboards
We use clipboards for all the things. Especially because we unschool and are VERY far from “sit at the table” homeschoolers.
You can use them to hold printables to put on the wall, or for drawing or writing stories on the floor.
We bought THIS pack of 6 a few years ago, and they’re still going strong!
10. Pencils & Eraser Caps
Ticonderoga pencils are pretty much gold standard here. You can use a different brand, but there is a noticeable difference in quality.
Buy them in bulk, but keep most of them tucked away from your main homeschool area. Bring them out ten at a time.
Keep the pencils going with separate eraser caps.
11. Pencil Sharpener
What are pencils without a decent sharpener?
We bought THIS one several years ago now, and it’s still going strong with daily use!
I see it recommended over and over again by other homeschool moms as well.
12. Glue & Tape
No matter your homeschool style, glue sticks, white glue and Scotch tape are homeschooling essentials.
You won’t regret having this stuff on hand.
13. Physical Letter and Number Tiles of Some Kind
I love having letters on hand for my elementary-aged kiddos, and while I don’t strew physical things very often, I do lay these out on the table from time to time.
We have two sets of magnet letters, mostly because you can’t spell decent sentences without two sets.
For older kids, I use Scrabble or Bananagrams tiles.
We also have a couple sets of number tiles from Mobitiles and a hand-me-down resource from a friend.
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14. Interesting Educational Wall Art
I love using educational wall art for reference and inspiration!
My kids tend to study THIS history timeline post the most. I also recently bought THIS periodic table wall hanging, and the kids love looking at it (…and telling me about the “Neon” typo – Neno is a thing, I guess).
Eventually, I plan to frame THESE language mechanics posters and hang them in the bathrooms. Oh, and the ASL alphabet, too!
I really really love educational wall art. Can you tell?
15. Art Supplies
What you choose to purchase will largely depend on the ages of your kids, but I’m a firm believer in having at least basic art supplies available to your kids at all times.
Here’s what you need for a basic art supply stash:
- Colored Pencils
- Markers (we prefer Sharpies)
- Watercolors
- Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Sturdy Paper (for painting)
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
We’ve also found having organizing tools for all those supplies is super helpful.
You could have a letter tray (or trays) for separating paper types, and a rotating tabletop organizer similar to this one makes the different art supplies accessible.
The Rest? Whatever Delights YOUR Unschooled Kiddos & Lets Them Pursue Their Interests
Most of unschooling is bringing into your home what connects with your unschooled kids’ interests.
Do they love Greek Mythology? Percy Jackson books and Greek Mythology books are going to be essential (to keep OR from the library).
Do they love to bake? Baking ingredients and tools will be your essential “unschooling supplies”.
Do they love science? Science kits and science museum passes are what you’re going to spend your money on.
Do they love sports? Registration fees and supplies for the sport of their choice will be essential.
Start with the basics on this list, and then? Follow their interests, and save your homeschool money for those interests.
Anything else will be a waste of money, and who needs that?
Read Next: How Much Does Unschooling Cost? Typical Expenses & How to Save
