Connecticut Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Getting Started, Homeschooling in Connecticut

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Connecticut Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Key Takeaways:

  • Start with essentials; expand over time
  • Many supplies can be DIY or sourced free
  • Connecticut libraries offer excellent free resources
  • Budget $200–$400/year for supplies (beyond curriculum)
  • Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces save money

Core Supplies by Subject

Language Arts & Reading

Essential:

  • [ ] Pencils (regular and colored)
  • [ ] Pencil sharpener
  • [ ] Eraser set
  • [ ] Pencil grips (if child struggles with grip)
  • [ ] Notebook or journal for writing
  • [ ] Lined paper (500-pack)
  • [ ] Index cards
  • [ ] Highlighters

For writing instruction:

  • [ ] Dry erase board and markers
  • [ ] Whiteboard eraser
  • [ ] Spell-check dictionary
  • [ ] Thesaurus
  • [ ] Grammar reference guide

For reading:

  • [ ] Bookshelf or reading nook
  • [ ] Reading log or notebook
  • [ ] Book light (if child likes reading in bed)
  • [ ] Bookmarks and page-savers

Optional:

  • [ ] Colored pencils (art + writing)
  • [ ] Fine-tip markers
  • [ ] Calligraphy pens (for handwriting practice)

Mathematics

Essential:

  • [ ] Basic calculator
  • [ ] Ruler (12-inch)
  • [ ] Measuring tape (for real-world measurement)
  • [ ] Compass (geometry)
  • [ ] Protractor (geometry)
  • [ ] Grid paper or graph paper
  • [ ] Dry erase board and markers (for practice)

Math manipulatives:

  • [ ] Base-10 blocks (elementary place value)
  • [ ] Counting blocks or counters
  • [ ] Fraction bars or pie pieces
  • [ ] Measurement tools (graduated cylinders, measuring cups)
  • [ ] Play money (for money practice)
  • [ ] Dice and number tiles

Optional:

  • [ ] Scientific calculator (upper grades)
  • [ ] Whiteboard square tiles with grid
  • [ ] Geometric shapes (3D models)
  • [ ] Abacus (visual counting tool)

Science

Essential:

  • [ ] Science notebook (for observations and drawings)
  • [ ] Safety goggles
  • [ ] Apron or old clothes for experiments
  • [ ] Magnifying glass
  • [ ] Basic lab supplies: beakers, test tubes, funnel
  • [ ] Measuring spoons and cups
  • [ ] Thermometer
  • [ ] Flashlight

For experiments:

  • [ ] Small containers for mixing
  • [ ] Eyedroppers
  • [ ] Notebook for recording observations
  • [ ] Basic household items (vinegar, baking soda, food coloring)

Optional:

  • [ ] Microscope (older elementary+)
  • [ ] Bug collection kit
  • [ ] Rock tumbler (for geology)
  • [ ] Butterfly garden kit

Social Studies & History

Essential:

  • [ ] Atlas or world map
  • [ ] US map (idealized and detailed versions)
  • [ ] Timeline materials (poster board, string, index cards)
  • [ ] Notebook for notes and projects
  • [ ] Colored pencils or markers for projects

Optional:

  • [ ] Globe
  • [ ] State maps
  • [ ] Historical picture cards
  • [ ] Biographies and history stories

Workspace Setup

Furniture:

  • [ ] Desk or table (child-appropriate height)
  • [ ] Chair (comfortable, supportive)
  • [ ] Shelving or storage cubbies
  • [ ] File cabinet or storage boxes (for materials)
  • [ ] Rolling cart (mobile storage)

Organization:

  • [ ] File folders (by subject)
  • [ ] Magazine holders or desk organizers
  • [ ] Drawers or bins (labeled)
  • [ ] Hanging organizer
  • [ ] Label maker (optional but helpful)

Wall/Display:

  • [ ] Bulletin board (for current work, calendar)
  • [ ] Whiteboard or chalkboard (for daily work)
  • [ ] Calendar (for planning)
  • [ ] Clock (if not visible in room)

Art & Creative Supplies

Basic art:

  • [ ] Construction paper (assorted colors)
  • [ ] Crayons (24–64 count)
  • [ ] Colored pencils
  • [ ] Markers (washable, various colors)
  • [ ] Glue stick and bottle
  • [ ] Scissors (child-safe)
  • [ ] Tape (masking and clear)
  • [ ] Ruler

Expanded art:

  • [ ] Paintbrush set
  • [ ] Watercolor or acrylic paints
  • [ ] Canvas or watercolor paper
  • [ ] Pencils (sketching set)
  • [ ] Erasers (kneaded, regular)
  • [ ] Colored paper (specialty)
  • [ ] Mod Podge or other craft adhesive

Craft supplies:

  • [ ] Pipe cleaners
  • [ ] Pom-poms
  • [ ] Googly eyes
  • [ ] Craft foam sheets
  • [ ] Stickers and labels
  • [ ] String, yarn, twine
  • [ ] Beads (for crafts)

Technology (Optional But Increasingly Common)

Computer access:

  • [ ] Computer or laptop
  • [ ] Keyboard and mouse (if needed)
  • [ ] Printer (helpful for worksheets, printing work samples)
  • [ ] Ink cartridges or paper (for printing)

Digital resources:

  • [ ] Internet connection (for online curriculum)
  • [ ] Headphones (for audio, online learning)
  • [ ] Camera or tablet (for documenting work/projects)
  • [ ] Digital storage (Google Drive, cloud backup)

Reference Materials

Essential:

  • [ ] Dictionary (print or online)
  • [ ] Thesaurus
  • [ ] Periodic table (if doing chemistry)
  • [ ] Multiplication table chart

Optional:

  • [ ] Encyclopedia or almanac
  • [ ] Atlases (various)
  • [ ] Subject-specific reference books
  • [ ] Grammar reference guide
  • [ ] Spelling bee dictionary

Digital access:

  • [ ] Connecticut public library card (free!)
  • [ ] Online databases (often free through library)
  • [ ] Khan Academy (free)
  • [ ] YouTube educational channels

Extracurricular & Enrichment

If doing sports/physical education:

  • [ ] Sports equipment (varies by activity)
  • [ ] Athletic shoes and clothing
  • [ ] Water bottle

If doing music (optional):

  • [ ] Instrument (if child learning)
  • [ ] Music stand
  • [ ] Metronome (if practicing)

For co-ops/group classes:

  • [ ] Materials specific to classes (varies)
  • [ ] Field trip bag/backpack
  • [ ] Transportation costs

Budget Breakdown

| Category | Annual Cost | |—|—| | Curriculum (purchased) | $200–$1,500 | | Basic supplies | $100–$300 | | Art/creativity | $50–$150 | | Science materials | $50–$150 | | Organization/storage | $50–$200 | | Technology | $0–$500 | | Field trips | $100–$500 | | Co-op/group fees | $50–$500 | | Total per child | $650–$5,400 | | Mid-range estimate | $1,550 |

Money-Saving Tips

Free Resources

  • Connecticut Public Library: Excellent for books, research, free databases
  • Online free resources: Khan Academy, YouTube, OpenStax textbooks
  • Free worksheets: Homeschool-sharing sites, Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers (many free options)
  • Library borrowing: Borrow books instead of buying
  • Audiobooks: Libby app (free through library)

Budget Shopping

  • Thrift stores: Used textbooks, science equipment, learning toys
  • Garage sales and estate sales: School supplies, art materials, books
  • Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used curricula and supplies
  • Dollar stores: Basic supplies cheaper than office supply stores
  • Bulk retailers: Costco or Sam’s Club memberships pay for themselves on supplies
  • End-of-year sales: July/August school supply sales

DIY & Substitutions

  • Make flashcards (instead of buying pre-made)
  • Borrow/share curriculum with other families
  • Use household items: Measuring cups (for measurement), dried beans (counters), etc.
  • DIY storage: Use shoeboxes, plastic bins you have, magazine holders
  • Free timeline: Use poster board, string, index cards
  • Homemade manipulatives: Beads on string, paper fraction circles, etc.

By Grade Level

Elementary (K–5)

Priority: Art supplies, math manipulatives, reference books, reading materials Cost: $600–$1,500/year

Middle School (6–8)

Priority: Science equipment, organizational supplies, reference materials, some tech Cost: $800–$2,000/year

High School (9–12)

Priority: Tech access, science lab equipment (if needed), organizational systems, reference materials Cost: $1,000–$3,000/year

Connecticut-Specific Resources

Where to Buy

  • Staples/Office Depot: Office supplies, tech
  • Michaels: Art and craft supplies
  • Big Y Market: Basic supplies
  • Target/Walmart: Budget-friendly general supplies
  • Amazon: Bulk ordering, hard-to-find items
  • Connecticut libraries: Free borrowing of books and resources

Free Library Resources

  • Connecticut public libraries: Books, research databases, free programs
  • Many libraries offer: Free printing, internet, meeting spaces
  • Library card: Get yours at your town library (it’s FREE)

First-Year Shopping Strategy

Month 1: Buy essentials only

  • Pencils, paper, notebooks, basic organizational items
  • ONE subject’s materials at a time

Month 2–3: Fill in gaps

  • Based on what you’re actually using
  • Add what’s missing

Mid-year: Evaluate and supplement

End of year: Replace worn items, buy next year’s core materials

Don’t buy: Everything at once. You’ll waste money on unused stuff.

Checklists by Need

Absolute Bare Minimum

  • [ ] Pencils, paper, notebooks
  • [ ] Curriculum materials
  • [ ] Access to library
  • [ ] Workspace (table, chair, shelf)

Comfortable Setup (Add These)

  • [ ] Basic art supplies
  • [ ] Math manipulatives
  • [ ] Science observation tools
  • [ ] Reference books/access
  • [ ] Organizational supplies

Well-Equipped (Add These)

  • [ ] Computer/printer access
  • [ ] Expanded art supplies
  • [ ] Science lab equipment
  • [ ] Display/calendar systems
  • [ ] Tech for online learning

Next Steps

  1. Start with essentials — Don’t over-buy
  2. Get library card — Free resources are amazing
  3. Shop secondhand first — Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, library sales
  4. Assess as you go — Buy what you actually use
  5. Supplies checklist — Print and check off as you gather items

Remember

You don’t need expensive, fancy materials to homeschool well. Pencils, paper, and books from the library get the job done. Invest in what your child actually uses. Grow your supplies as your homeschool grows.

Questions?

  • Curriculum-specific supplies?
  • Workspace setup?
  • Budget planning?