It’s late summer, and it’ll be time to start the homeschool year before you know it. By now, you are knee-deep in back-to-school shopping thoughts. You could be nervous about forgetting something important, especially if you’re new to learning at home!

That’s why we made this homeschool shopping checklist just for you! Whether you’re a beginning or veteran homeschool parent, this list can help you restock everything you need for an amazing school year. And once your back-to-school shopping is finished, it’ll be easier to relax and soak up the last days of summer with your family!

After downloading the checklist, make sure you stick around for 6 extra back-to-school tips!

The Ultimate Homeschool Shopping Checklist

Writing Supplies

• Pencils 

• Pens 

• Erasers  

• White out  

• Highlighters 

• Notebooks  

• Loose-leaf paper 

• Sticky notes 

Arts & Crafts

• Glue 

• Crayons, markers, and/or colored pencils 

• Sketchpad 

• Tape 

• Paint and paint brushes 

Organization

• 3-ring binders and dividers 

• Folders 

• Paper clips 

• Pencil case 

• Planner and calendar 

• Backpack 

• Storage bins

Technology

• Computer and mouse 

• Printer, printer paper, and ink cartridges 

• Headphones  

Equipment

• Pencil sharpener 

• Scissors 

• 3-hole punch 

• Stapler and staples 

• Dry-erase board and dry-erase markers 

• Timer 

• Surge protector 

Math

• Calculator 

• Graph paper 

• Math manipulatives  

• Protractor 

• Compass  

• Ruler 

Optional

• Globe  

• Flashcards  

• Prize box or reward stickers 

Download your printable checklist here!

After You Shop

Back-to-school shopping is important, but there is much more to homeschool preparation. Here are 6 more tips for starting this year strong!

1. Surrender the Year to God

God wants to hear from you and help you as you learn at home, and the back-to-school season is a great time to bring Him your requests. 1 John 5:14 reminds us that the Lord listens to our prayers! “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”

A Prayer for the Homeschool Year

Heavenly Father,

I pray you give me patience, wisdom, and strength in this new homeschool year. Please help my child understand my lessons, enjoy learning, and grow both in knowledge and in their walk with you.

Even when we have challenges, give us your peace and grace. I surrender this school year to your care, and I know you’ll be with us every step of the way.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

2. Set Clear Goals

After God, the most important person to talk to about the coming school year is your spouse, trusted mentor, or a close friend. Together, the two of you can create clear, specific goals for your child’s learning.

To keep these priorities in mind, write them in your planner. You can revisit them during the year to make sure your child is on track.

3. Prepare a Calm Workspace

After planning, don’t forget to set up your child’s workspace. This could be a desk and chair, a living room corner, or a kitchen table. The possibilities are endless—what’s most important is that this space allows your child to focus.

You can also add storage bins and bookshelves to the area to keep materials organized and within reach.

4. Choose a Homeschool Program

If you still need to pick out this year’s homeschool program, here are ideas to help you decide.

If you’re interested in teaching your child daily, Parent-Led Abeka will allow you to instruct while giving you step-by-step guidance for how to teach.

Maybe you’d rather not teach. If that’s the case, don’t worry! Abeka Academy is a solution for parents who prefer to guide instead of instructing. This online video homeschool offers prerecorded lessons led by Master Teachers. You won’t have the burden of teaching, and your child still gets a high-quality education from the comfort of home!

Did you know you can save on Parent-Led Abeka or Abeka Academy for a limited time? Shop & save here.

5. Ease into the Year with Fun Activities and Frequent Rest

As you start learning again, you can make the change more enjoyable by adding regular breaks for play and rest. This approach can help your family avoid burning out. Here are just a few ideas!

• Throw a back-to-school party with learning games and favorite foods. 

• Plan a beginning-of-the-year craft, like a homeschool vision board.  

• Add frequent breaks, like a 15-minute play period, between each lesson.  

6. Get a Support Group

Homeschooling is a big commitment, but you do not have to do it alone. Consider inviting grandparents or retired relatives into your daily routine; they get precious quality time with your kids, and you get a much-needed break.

You can also build a community outside the house. Join a local church or homeschool co-op to plan group field trips, volunteer projects, and shared learning activities.

Finish Your Homeschool Prep with Abeka

We hope that our back-to-school checklist and advice inspires you as you get ready for the coming school year. This season sometimes feels overwhelming, but intentional preparation can help you homeschool with confidence.

Take the stress out of your school prep by marking curriculum shopping off your to-do list. Head over to Abeka to secure your student’s program and take advantage of limited-time promotions on your full-grade kits!