Do you have any unusual homeschool supplies that you and your children adore? We have our favourite homeschool supplies and I’ve shared them here before. However, what I haven’t shared are some of our more unusual materials that I’ve come to love and depend on.
Check out these awesome but unusual homeschool supplies! Do you have any of them? #homeschooling Click To TweetWorld Scrunch Map
I know I’ve mentioned this before but I love our World Scrunch Map. It’s so portable that I can carry it in my pocket! We take it with us if we do a lesson outside or at the park. We use this map almost daily and it’s really durable!
Mini Easels
Mini easels are a must-have in our homeschool space. I use them to display a featured book or to showcase a piece of art that the girls created. It seems like whenever I put something on an easel, it instantly draws the kids’ attention.
Plexiglass Picture Frames
I use plexiglass picture frames so that I can hang my children’s artwork at their eye-level. They are also great for displaying educational posters. Plus, I don’t need to worry about the glass breaking and hurting someone.
Mini Clipboards
I love clipboards. They allow us the opportunity to write wherever we are. These mini clipboards are my favourite! I attached a pencil to each clipboard with a piece of string and I have small carabiner on the clipboards too so that the girls could clip them onto their belt loops if they need their hands to be free. The clipboards are 6″ x 9″ and are lightweight because they’re made of acrylic.
Magnetic Storage Pockets
These are AMAZING! I use these magnetic storage pockets to organize items for our whiteboard. One pocket holds all the whiteboard markers, one holds our magnetic letters, another holds random magnetic pieces. I have a spare one for when I make magnetic items for the board. I usually only have one pouch out at a time.
Natural Items
I love the curiosity and joy that natural elements bring into our homeschool space. Whether it’s a handful of rocks, wood discs, a plate of sea shells, a bowl of pine corns, or a bouquet of flowers, I always like to have something from nature displayed in our homeschool. The wonderful thing about natural items is you can get them for free! Simply go for a walk and bring a bag with you! I may use the natural items as a provocation… for instance, the bouquet of sunflowers may be displayed with some other yellow objects. Or, I may use them as teaching tools. For instance, rocks are great manipulatives for sorting and math activities!
Rocketbooks
If you don’t have a Rocketbook yet, then you simply MUST get one! We use our Rocketbooks all the time in our homeschool! In case you haven’t heard of it before, a Rocketbook is a reusable notebook. Whatever you write, you scan with their app and it loads to over 10+ integrated apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, and email. After you upload your note, simply erase with water and reuse!
Not only do Rocketbooks save paper, but it assists in many areas of our homeschool. Here are some of the ways that I use our Rocketbooks:
- Drawing activities
- Long work for mathematical equations
- Notetaking while watching documentaries or while on a field trip
- I use it for journalling about our homeschool day
- Playing pen and paper games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, and SOS
Reflect
Do you have any unusual supplies that you use in your homeschool? I invite you to tell us all about it in the comment section, and then share this post with your homeschool communities.
I saw those plexi glass frames on an instagram post and thought they were such a great idea! I didn’t even know they made it (perhaps I’m just behind in the times?)! They’re perfect for the classroom or just the home with a grabby toddler!
When I was teaching, I used to have a massive collection of decorative masking tape. It’s a strange school supply stable, but so helpful. I used to decorate my board with it and even used it to randomly group my students (just place different pieces of tape on their desks and viola, group made!). The kids loved it too.
As always, thanks for sharing, Jennifer. This is spot on for back-to-school!
I just love plexiglass frames – it also helps children feel a sense of pride when their artwork is framed.
Ooooh, coloured masking tape… I’m going to have to get some! I can definitely see how that would be a fun and helpful supply!
I love the scrunchy world map! Unusual supplies … Hmm … I guess you could say our penchant for using board games and video games in our homeschool as teaching aides is a bit unusual :)
We use our scrunchy world map so much! It’s so handy!
Board games and video games are used a lot here too! We do a lot of fitness video games. What are some of your family’s favourite video games?
Yes, we love using our Wii U for fitness. My son learned to read mostly through playing Star Wars Knights of the Republic, because otherwise he wouldn’t be able to read the alien subtitles. Both kids learned a big chunk of elementary math with Star Wars Math. They have also both learned a lot through all the puzzles in Portal. And then there is Pokémon Go, which teaches them more about local landmarks as they play. And there are more – we love games :)
The Wii is great for fitness! My girls do WiiFit Plus, Zumba, and Dance Kids for fitness. So much fun!
Thanks for sharing some of your favourites – I love getting new ideas from others. :)
neat tools. Going to pin this post for future ideas. :)
I’m delighted you enjoyed these ideas Annette! We use a variety of quirky and unusual things. Thanks for pinning!
That Scrunch Map looks like so much fun!
We love the Scrunch Map – it’s awesome!
Oooo…I really like these ideas! Especially displaying nature! This is a great list of ideas, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing.
I’m delighted you enjoyed these ideas Cheryl. We can do so much with nature items… and they’re free!