5 Homeschool Must-Haves

Recently, someone asked me about my homeschool must-haves. I thought it would be fun to list mine and then open it up to the interwebz to read about everyone else’s must-haves. After all, homeschooling is so unique to each family and therefore I’m sure there’s a lot of variation out there. Without further ado, I present to you my top five homeschool must-haves.

1. An amazing planner

When you are homeschooling, there are so many things to think about: schedules, activities, lessons, projects, etc. And all of that is in addition to regular family happenings. That’s a lot of stuff to organize! In my opinion, every homeschooler needs an amazing planner, whether that planner is electronic or paper. I am someone who needs an old-fashioned planner. I have tried digital planners but I just can’t. I need to write it all down, to see it all laid out before me. I have used so many planners over the years and then I discovered the Erin Condren Life Planner. Yes, it’s not just a planner, it’s a life planner. It was love at first sight, folks! I can assure you that it lives up to its name. I have gushed about this planner before and I’m sure I’ll do it again. My search is over; this planner is perfection.

2. Coffee (or tea), and lots of it.

Let’s face it: you’re going to be with your children almost 24/7. You’re going to need to be on. I treasure my early morning coffee ritual- before the kids are awake- I love that space between all the chaos. Later in the day when I need a pick me up, I indulge in my most favorite tea. It’s important to take a moment to recharge yourself each day, homeschooling mama!

3. SO MUCH patience

Here’s the thing… homeschooling is wonderful. It is the best decision, by far, that I have made during this parenting gig. Our son is thriving, he is happy, he is learning joyfully. I would not change this path for the world, and yet… sometimes, there are ugly days. In fact, during a particularly ugly day, you might even threaten to send them back on the big yellow bus. You are going to need patience. Take care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat well, cut yourself some slack. Whatever you need to do to keep up your patience stores, do that.

4. HEAPS of good books

Whether you get them at the library, buy them online, or if you are lucky enough to be given oodles of books by a homeschooling mentor, you are going to need heaps and heaps of good books. Anyone who reads this site knows that we are a book-obsessed family. If you are looking for book recommendations, check out The Books That Fill Our Shelves series, or take a peek to see what we’re reading for our {Virtual} Family Book Club, or drop me a line if you need an Usborne fix.

5. Friends… for you AND your children.

If it takes a village to raise a child, what does it take to raise and homeschool a child? Surround yourself with a community of supportive folks. Look for co-ops and informal gatherings. If you can’t find a community, that means there is a need. In that case, take matters into your own hands and create one! In the past month I have had the pleasure of taking part in the creation of an in-person community and an online community. My only regret is that I didn’t create these communities sooner! So, take it from me- create your own community and you’ll be so happy that you did.

Now, it’s your turn…

I’ve shared my top five homeschool must-haves and now I’d love to hear from you folks! What are your must-haves? Share here, I love hearing from you all!