When it came to toddler essentials for homeschool, I was so clueless. I started homeschooling my then 3-year-old daughter, Ava, I had no idea as to what I needed to make teaching her easier. At that time, I only thought she needed tracing papers and crayons to color (yeah, that clueless LOL). But after looking around on the internet for some kindergarten must haves, I was like “oh! so that’s what I need” 🥴
I am still fairly new to homeschooling (2 years in) but there are some things that I still swear by and use all the time.
So, if you’re wondering “what do I need for homeschooling?” don’t know where to start and the things you need to start, then here’s my toddler essentials for homeschool list to be successful:
Pencils
Get your kids used to holding pencils! If you have a toddler that is having a hard time with learning how to hold a pencil, here’s a guide.
Map
I just added maps to our kindergarten homeschooling subjects to learn. It is something fun and necessary to teach, no matter the age.
Library Card
If you don’t have a library card, get one now! Your kids can take out picture books and make up stories based on the pictures inside. Also teaching them that the books doesn’t belong to them will create responsibility if they know they got to take care of it and bring it back undamaged. Definitely, a toddler essential for homeschool.
Clock
Teaching to tell time is a must. I just started to teach how to tell time about a month ago and it’s a slow process (my daughter is about to be 6 so I don’t expect her to get it right now) but this is essential to teach.
Art Supplies (Absolute toddler essentials for homeschool)
Using arts and crafts supplies is probably my favorite ways to homeschool because it lets my daughter have fun while she’s learning. And of course, it brings out the artist in her 🤩 These are just some different activities I can do with my toddler.
Flashcards
You absolutely need flash cards to teach sight words, numbers, different shapes and colors. It will help them recognize the objects on the cards and quite honestly, it’ll also help them to read.
Safety Scissors
Yup, get one of these. Teach them how to hold the scissors and how to cut around lines.
Dry Erase Pouches
I love dry erase pouches! I’ve saved so many worksheets because all I gotta do is have my toddler write on the pouches and erase it when she’s done. It’s such an awesome money saver! (CA-CHING!)
Tracing Books
Tracing books are absolute toddler essentials for homeschool. Period. They need to learn how to write their letters and numbers after much practice.
Animal Figures
One of the best homeschool supplies I always keep in my stash are animal figures. My kiddos get to see up close what different animals look like and learn what they are. I like to teach about animals by making a whole skit with the figures 😂 It’s fun and they love it!
Construction Papers
My toddler loves to make different arts and crafts and drawing different scenarios to tell us a story so construction papers are a must have in my home!
Crayons, Color Pencils & Markers
Toddlers are more inclined to color and draw at their age so get a whole bunch so they can express their creativity through art.
Kids’ First Calendar
Other than teaching my toddler how to trace, I also got her a calendar, so she has an idea how long is a day, a month, a year and the seasons. She’s at that age where she is asking “what is 3 days” a lot. This will help me show her for sure!
Kids’ Tablet & Headphones
I definetly have a tablet so she can do some activities online. I keep her on it while my 23-month-old son takes a nap, which is roughly 2 hours a day, so she can play learning games. Her favorite is Reading Eggs. And to be honest, I am able to do things around the house while she is engaged learning.
Magnetic Letters & Numbers
These are so fun for when toddlers all of a sudden want to learn they letters and numbers 😂 They already touch everything so why not put something educational for them to touch right on the fridge right? 😎😎
Educational Posters
Yes! Please get yourself a set of these educational posters! Put them in your homeschool space (if you have one) or just put them on the walls in their room. Doesn’t matter. The point is to make learning fun and second nature for them 😁
Letter Practicing Notebook
Learning can happen anywhere and at any time. Keep one of these letter practicing notebooks with your toddler when you guys go out or visiting a family member’s house. Homeschooling is not limited to home 😉
Laminating Machine
I got a laminating machine last year and it has been a huge money saver for me. I can print worksheets out and protect them (cause you know, toddlers basically ruin everything 😑)
Printer
Over here, we’re all about saving money and not spending when we don’t have to. Instead of buying workbooks all the time, I print out most of the worksheets I want my toddler to do that day or if she wants to color, she can do that too.
Printing Paper
It’s a must for homeschoolers to have printing paper for all the fun worksheets we print out.
Electric Sharpener
Because toddlers are new to holding pencils, they will be breaking them a whole lot. Get yourself an electric sharpener to help you not lose your mind 😉
Dry Erase White Board
A toddler essential for homeschool that everyone needs: a dry erase white board. I had no idea how much I was going to use one, but then like I said before – I was clueless. Get one to show your toddler what they need to learn at that moment. I still write letters, numbers, and draw shapes on my dry erase board to make it easier for my kiddo to learn and identify objects. This will not be something you won’t be using at all so you won’t be wasting any money (Lord knows we don’t have time for that 😂)
All of these items are amazing toddler homeschool essentials to keep close because you never know how or what you want to teach that day. Keep homeschooling fun, spontaneous and consistent (without them knowing 😉)