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A Beginner’s Guide to Unit Studies for Homeschoolers

By Nancy ~
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When I first began homeschooling, the term “unit study” kept popping up, and I had no clue what it meant. I kept wondering, Is it a curriculum? A workbook? Something expensive? It wasn’t until I dug in, asked other homeschooling moms, and eventually tried one for myself that I truly understood the beauty of unit studies. If you’re new to homeschooling or looking for a fresh way to engage your kids, this beginner’s guide to unit studies will walk you through what they are, why they work, how to start one, and where to find ideas and resources. I’m sharing everything I wish I knew when I first started—because once you try a unit study, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with this method too. 🌿 What Is a Unit Study? A unit study is a homeschool approach where you center all (or most) subjects around a single theme or topic. Instead of learning math, science, reading, and history separately with unrelated materials, a unit study ties them all together through one central ide...
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Back-to-School Shopping for Homeschoolers: What You Really Need

By Nancy ~

Every year as summer winds down, the back-to-school buzz kicks in. For many families, that means crowded stores, long supply lists from teachers, and checking off dozens of items like 3-ring binders, specific brands of crayons, and 20 glue sticks. But as a homeschool mom, I’ve learned over the years that back-to-school shopping looks a little different for us—and that’s okay.

When I first started homeschooling, I felt the pressure to “keep up” with traditional school shopping. I bought way more than we needed, filled our shelves with supplies we never touched, and honestly, it left me feeling overwhelmed. Over time, I realized that back-to-school shopping for homeschoolers should be intentional and personalized—not a copy-and-paste from public school lists.

If you're new to homeschooling or just want a simpler, more practical approach this year, here’s a real look at what you actually need for homeschool back-to-school shopping.

1. The Basics: Core School Supplies You’ll Actually Use

Let’s start with the essentials—the items you’ll reach for over and over throughout the year.

Must-Haves:

  • Pencils and erasers – I prefer mechanical pencils for my older child and traditional ones for my younger one. I usually get a bulk pack to last the whole year.

  • Notebooks – Wide-ruled and college-ruled spiral notebooks are staples here.

  • Printer paper – I always stock up because I print worksheets, schedules, and flashcards almost weekly.

  • Folders or binders – Great for organizing each subject or grade level.

  • Dry erase board & markers – I bought a small tabletop one online and we use it constantly for spelling, quick math, or brainstorming ideas.

  • Scissors, glue sticks, crayons, and markers – A good art supply kit can make a big difference.

  • Ruler, tape, pencil sharpener – These are easy to overlook, but we use them all the time.

Pro Tip: Shop your home before hitting the store. You might already have more than you think!

2. Curriculum Materials: The Real Investment

Unlike public school families, homeschoolers usually have to purchase their own curriculum. This is where most of your back-to-school budget will go—and that’s normal.

I like to evaluate what worked for us last year and what didn’t before I buy anything new. Some curriculum can be reused for younger siblings or resold, so I keep that in mind too.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you need a full boxed curriculum or just a few supplemental resources?

  • Will you use digital curriculum (less clutter!) or physical books?

  • Does your child learn better through videos, workbooks, or hands-on activities?

Popular picks to consider:

  • Math programs (Teaching Textbooks, Math U See, or even printable worksheets)

  • Language Arts (The Good and the Beautiful, All About Reading, etc.)

  • Unit studies or interest-based topics (We love to do themed weeks or deep dives into science topics)

3. Organizational Tools to Keep You Sane

Homeschooling takes up physical and mental space—trust me, some days I feel like I’m managing a mini school!

To keep things running smoothly, I rely on:

  • A homeschool planner – Whether digital or printable, it helps me map out lessons and track our progress.

  • Storage bins or rolling carts – Great for keeping supplies accessible but tidy.

  • Bookshelves or cubbies – You’ll need a place to store curriculum, library books, and art supplies.

  • Label maker (optional, but fun) – I like labeling bins for quick clean-up and easy access.

Don’t go overboard buying bins before you know what you’ll be storing. Start simple, and adjust as your routine develops.

4. Tech & Printing Supplies (Don’t Overlook These!)

In our homeschool, technology plays a supporting role. We use a combination of online lessons, printable resources, and educational apps.

Here’s what we’ve found useful:

  • Reliable printer – Bonus if it’s wireless and can handle bulk printing.

  • Ink or toner refills – Always good to stock up at the start of the year.

  • Laminator – Optional, but I love using it to make reusable charts or flashcards.

  • Headphones – Especially useful if you have multiple kids working on different things.

  • Tablets or laptops – Depending on age, your kids may need access to devices for learning apps, coding, typing, or online curriculum.

Make sure your tech setup works for your family size and learning style. Not every homeschooler needs a laptop for each child.

5. Extras That Make Learning Fun

Some of the best learning happens through play and creativity—so I always add a few extras to our back-to-school shopping list.

Here are a few:

  • Educational board games (like math or geography games)

  • STEM kits – We’ve had a lot of fun with beginner coding kits and crystal-growing kits.

  • Craft kits – Instead of buying individual supplies, I love finding all-in-one sets.

  • Posters and learning visuals – Laminated maps, multiplication charts, and weather wheels can brighten up your space.

I keep a small budget just for these kinds of things. They’re not “must-haves” on paper, but they help keep things engaging and fun—especially during those inevitable homeschool slumps.

6. Don't Forget Self-Care Supplies—for YOU

This might sound silly, but back-to-school prep shouldn’t just be about your kids. You’re the teacher, the coordinator, and the cheerleader—and that’s a lot.

Treat yourself to:

  • A cute planner or notebook just for you

  • A coffee or tea station near your homeschool area

  • Noise-canceling earbuds for quiet moments (if they exist!)

  • A candle or diffuser to set a calming vibe

I’ve learned that when I take care of myself, everything else runs more smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school shopping for homeschoolers doesn’t have to mean stuffing your cart full of everything you might use. It’s about knowing your family’s style, choosing what truly supports your goals, and remembering that less is often more.

If I could go back and tell myself one thing as a new homeschooler, it would be this: You don’t need to recreate a traditional classroom. You just need the right tools to make learning meaningful, flexible, and fun.

What about you? What are your must-have items for homeschooling? Do you keep things minimal or go all out?
I’d love to hear what’s on your back-to-school shopping list this year—drop a comment below and let’s chat!

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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.

~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️

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