One of the beauties of homeschool is that you don’t technically need anything. You have very few limitations above and beyond ensuring your child has a full time education appropriate to their age, ability and aptitude. The form that education takes is up to you - you can teach entirely in the garden if you wish!

The learning environment

Despite this freedom we can’t lose site of our ultimate aim, which is to provide the best learning environment for your child. In light of this, we’d suggested that setting up a designated work space for your child will help to shape their approach and set the tone for their learning. They’ll need a quiet place, free from interruptions, and with space to work. Your designated space might be a whole room, it might simply be the kitchen table, how you set up your area is up to you.

Stationary & books

Below we’ve included a list of all the basics you’ll need to get started. You might need more or less than what we’ve included depending on the age of your child, where they’re at in their education and how excited you get about new stationarywhich is very, for us here at EdPlace!

You can stock your learning environment and equip your child with all they need from specialist educational suppliers. However, you can just as easily find everything you need in high street stationary stores if you’re not looking to bulk buy.

Online retailers are also excellent for just about all of your stationary requirements without even needing to leave the house!

Homeschooling stationary checklist

Essentials:

· Writing pens (variety of colours)
· Pencils
· Erasers
· Pencil sharpener
· Ruler
· Glue
· Scissors
· Maths set (protractor/compass/etc)
· Calculator
· Coloured pens/pencils
· Paper (lined/plain/graph)
· Exercise books

Optional Extras:

· Highlighters
· Sticky notes
· Whiteboard and marker pens

Workbooks, reading books, maths and science equipment are all key additions to any educational environment. But as a home educator where can you get your hands on everything you need to help bring learning to life for your child?
Visit our chapter on finding communities and support to discover the best way of linking with other home-educating parents. You might find others in your area who are keen to pool and share resources.

Experiences and real-life learning

The single most amazing resource available to you for educating your child at home is the world around you. Your child can learn all about capacity and measures without even leaving their kitchen. Why not take your lesson about friction out into the garden or the park?
The best bit about educating from home is that you are not constricted by school hours. And so why not visit that museum, explore that castle or walk on that beach? Home education is a great opportunity to share all of your passions and interests with your child as well!

Workbooks and textbook

Most high street retailers stock an excellent supply of National Curriculum aligned textbooks, revision guides and workbooks perfect for supplementing your lessons.
Many of these books are tailored to the relevant exam board if your child is approaching their GCSEs and the younger books are geared towards essential skills in maths and literacy for your primary-aged child.
Your local library will also be an invaluable resource for giving you free access to a broad range of books and texts to study if you don’t want to purchase a copy yourself.

Downloads and printables

The Internet is a veritable cornucopia of printable teaching resources and worksheets. Many classroom teachers magnanimously choose to share their creative endeavors online, many of which you can access and download for free.
TES – A wide range of teacher created resources and activities, many of which are free to download.
Primary Resources – A hub of printable and editable worksheets and activities for all subjects in the primary curriculum.
Oxford Owl – Created by Oxford University Press and packed full of ideas and resources for educators.

The single most amazing resource available to you for educating your child at home is the world around you. Your child can learn all about capacity and measures without even leaving their kitchen. Why not take your lesson about friction out into the garden or the park?

Miss Amy, teacher and homeschooling writer

EdPlace have created a variety of versatile and printable templates, to help children become independent learners! We have a range of supportive resources and guided worksheets that complement our curriculum aligned activities, ensuring an all-inclusive learning experience. Simply download and print off your chosen resource to guide and support planned activities!