Oklahoma Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Getting ready for homeschool means gathering supplies and materials. Rather than buying everything at once (and overspending), this checklist breaks down what you actually need, what’s optional, and how to do it affordably.

Key Takeaways

• Start with essentials ($150-300); add optional items as needs emerge
• Basic school supplies cost surprisingly little
• Free and low-cost resources abound (library, online, community)
• Budget the $1,000 Oklahoma tax credit for curriculum purchases
• Invest in items you’ll use repeatedly
• Delay big purchases (microscope, globe) until you identify real needs

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Essential Supplies (Buy First)

Curriculum Materials

• [ ] Math curriculum (textbook, workbooks) – $100-300
• [ ] Language arts curriculum (reading, writing, grammar) – $100-300
• [ ] Science materials – $50-150 (depending on hands-on vs. textbook)
• [ ] History/social studies curriculum – $50-150
• [ ] Phonics or reading program (K-1st) – $50-200

Budget: $350-1,100 per child for core curriculum

Writing and Basic Supplies

• [ ] Notebook/journal for writing – $3-10
• [ ] Pencils (at least one dozen) – $5
• [ ] Erasers (pencil and white board) – $3
• [ ] Pens (blue and black) – $5
• [ ] Colored pencils (set) – $5-15
• [ ] Markers (set) – $5-10
• [ ] Paper (regular 8.5×11) – $5-10
• [ ] Lined paper/composition books – $10-20
• [ ] Index cards – $3
• [ ] Sticky notes – $3-5
• [ ] Highlighters – $3-5

Budget: $50-100 for writing and basic supplies

Organization

• [ ] Shelf or bookcase for curriculum storage – $50-200 (or use existing)
• [ ] Bins or baskets for organizing supplies – $20-50
• [ ] File folders or filing system for papers – $10
• [ ] Binder or folder per subject – $10-20
• [ ] Calendar or planner for scheduling – $10-20

Budget: $50-300 (depends on what you already have)

Workspace

• [ ] Desk or table – $50-300 (or use existing dining table)
• [ ] Chair – $30-150 (or use existing)
• [ ] Desk lamp – $15-40
• [ ] Storage shelves – $30-100

Budget: $0-500 (use what you have to start)

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Optional but Highly Useful Items

Math and Learning Manipulatives

• [ ] Base-10 blocks or similar manipulatives – $20-40
• [ ] Fraction tiles or bar models – $15-30
• [ ] Counting bears or blocks (K-1st) – $10-20
• [ ] Multiplication table cards or visual aids – $5-15
• [ ] Dice and games for math practice – $10-30
• [ ] Calculator (for older grades) – $10-20

Budget: $50-150 (pick items based on your child’s needs)

Science Materials

• [ ] Microscope (basic) – $20-80
• [ ] Science experiment kit – $20-50
• [ ] Magnifying glass – $5-10
• [ ] Prism or light kit – $10-20
• [ ] Rock/mineral identification kit – $10-20
• [ ] Plant or insect collection materials – $10-30
• [ ] Beakers, test tubes, or lab glassware – $15-30

Budget: $50-200 (start basic; add as experiments require)

Reference and Research Tools

• [ ] Globe or world map – $15-40
• [ ] United States map – $10-20
• [ ] Timeline or history cards – $10-30
• [ ] Dictionary or thesaurus (physical or digital) – $10-40
• [ ] Atlas – $10-20
• [ ] Reference books (states, countries, history) – $20-50
• [ ] Field guides (trees, birds, insects, rocks) – $10-30

Budget: $80-200 (many available free at library)

Art and Creative Supplies

• [ ] Sketchbook or art pad – $5-15
• [ ] Acrylic or watercolor paint set – $10-20
• [ ] Paintbrushes (variety) – $10-15
• [ ] Colored construction paper – $5-10
• [ ] Glue sticks and white glue – $5
• [ ] Scissors (child and adult-safe) – $10-15
• [ ] Craft materials (yarn, googly eyes, foam, etc.) – $20-40
• [ ] Poster board or cardstock – $10-15

Budget: $80-150 (many supplies available at home)

Technology

• [ ] Computer or laptop – $200-800 (or use existing)
• [ ] Reliable internet connection – $30-100/month (for online curriculum)
• [ ] Printer – $30-150 (or use library/school)
• [ ] Tablet or e-reader – $50-300 (optional, helpful for older students)

Budget: $0-500+ (depends on what you already own)

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Free and Low-Cost Resources

Library Resources (FREE)

• Books for reading, research, pleasure reading
• Audiobooks and digital content
• Reference materials (encyclopedias, field guides)
• Computers and internet (if you don’t have home access)
• Programs – some libraries offer free educational programs
• Interlibrary loan – access books from other branches

Online Resources (FREE)

• Khan Academy – complete curriculum in math, science, humanities
• LibraryBox or similar sites – free e-books
• National Geographic Kids – articles, videos, activities
• PBS Learning Media – educational videos
• Crash Course – high school-level videos
• TED-Ed – educational videos on various topics
• Google Earth – virtual exploration
• Duolingo – free language learning

Community Resources

• Museum field trips – many Oklahoma museums offer free or discounted days
• Park ranger programs – free or low-cost nature education
• Community centers – classes, sports, activities
• Library programs – reading challenges, STEM activities
• University open days – free tours and lectures
• Botanical gardens – free or cheap admission

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Grade-Level Supply Priorities

Kindergarten

Essential: Pencils, paper, basic books, phonics program
Optional: Manipulatives, art supplies, nature materials
Budget: $200-400

Elementary (1-5)

Essential: Curriculum (math, language arts, science, history), pencils, paper, notebooks
Optional: Science kit, art supplies, manipulatives, maps/globe
Budget: $400-800

Middle School (6-8)

Essential: Curriculum for multiple subjects, notebooks, writing supplies
Optional: Science equipment, maps, field guides, reference books
Budget: $600-1,000

High School (9-12)

Essential: Curriculum (likely separate courses), lab materials if science, college prep materials
Optional: Scientific calculator, reference books, technology
Budget: $800-1,500

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Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

Where to buy (by priority):

1. Oklahoma tax credit – Cover $1,000 of expenses with the PCTC tax refund
2. Free library resources – Start here before buying
3. Online marketplaces – Amazon, Rainbow Resource, Homeschool.com often have sales
4. Thrift stores – Used curriculum, books, supplies cheaply
5. Buy Nothing Facebook groups – Free or very cheap items from neighbors
6. Warehouse stores – Costco and Sam’s Club have bulk supplies at good prices
7. Office supply sales – Back-to-school sales in August
8. Curriculum resale groups – Facebook groups where homeschoolers sell used curriculum

Timing: Buy big curriculum purchases when sales happen (summer, January). Don’t overspend upfront.

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Total Budget Breakdown

Year 1 (Full Setup)

| Category | Low | Mid | High |
|———-|—–|—–|——|
| Curriculum | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Supplies | $75 | $150 | $300 |
| Workspace setup | $0 | $100 | $300 |
| Optional items | $0 | $200 | $500 |
| Total | $375 | $1,050 | $2,300 |
| PCTC credit | –$375 | –$1,000 | –$1,000 |
| Net cost | $0 | $50 | $1,300 |

Year 2+ (Ongoing)

Most supplies carry over. Annual costs are typically:

• $300-700 for curriculum updates and replacements
• $100-200 for supplies refresh
• Total: $400-900 per year (after tax credit)

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What You Don’t Need to Buy

Don’t waste money on:

• Expensive classroom decorations or bulletin boards
• Textbooks you’ll only use once
• “Educational” toys that aren’t actually used
• Excessive printing (use library resources first)
• Duplicate supplies you already have at home
• The newest, trendiest curriculum (proven, stable programs work fine)

Start simple. Add as needs become clear.

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FAQ: Supplies and Budget

Q: Can I use free resources like Khan Academy instead of buying curriculum?
A: Yes. Free resources work well, especially for math and science. You’ll want at least some structure (reading program, literature), but free core teaching is possible.

Q: Where can I get used curriculum?
A: Facebook homeschool groups, Homeschool.com, local support groups, and thrift stores all sell used curriculum cheaply.

Q: Can I buy curriculum together if I have multiple children?
A: Yes, for subjects you teach together (science, history, read-alouds). Math and language arts likely need individual materials.

Q: What if I can’t afford much?
A: Use the library, free online resources, and focus your budget on one subject (math) that benefits most from structured curriculum.

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The Bottom Line

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with curriculum and basic supplies ($300-500), then add items based on what you actually need. Use free library resources and online programs to supplement. The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit offsets $1,000 in expenses annually.

Most homeschoolers start with essentials and build from there. You’ll figure out what you need as you go.

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Last updated: March 14, 2026