This back-to-school season will be different, to say the least. Instead of sending the kiddos off on the school bus, most of our kids will be sitting at the kitchen table ready to join their classmates via Zoom. For a lot of parents, the whole homeschooling thing is unfamiliar territory, and as the first day of school approaches, you might feel unprepared and unsure about what supplies you need to set your child up for success. Add that to the coronavirus pandemic remaining prominent in the U.S., and many of us are thinking twice about shopping for school supplies in person or desperately seeking an online alternative.
Back to school season is in full swing, but don’t fret, online retailers have anticipated this by preparing to help you tackle all of your back-to-school needs. From the expected essentials to Zoom-generation necessities, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 homeschool supplies your child needs to achieve their best semester yet, even if it looks vastly different than the last one. Scroll ahead to shop the supplies that made the cut. Opening image: wayfair.com
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August 17, 2020
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Sterilite Storage Crates
BEST STORAGE BINS
WHY YOU NEED IT: These foldable storage bins will allow you to organize your children’s school supplies and assignments by color.
BEST FOR: Parents with multiple kids
School Smart Electric Vertical Pencil Sharpener
BEST PENCIL SHARPENER
LOVED FOR: This handy dandy pencil sharpener works with all pencils, including colored ones.
USERS SAID: “Great pencil sharpener! I got fed up with all those little cheap handheld sharpeners and purchased this for our home. I’m so happy I did. With three school-aged kids, this saves me a lot of hassle and keeps them with sharp pencils for school work. My youngest enjoys using it so much, she keeps all the pencils sharp for me and we never have to go without good, sharp pencils. We’ve been using it for a couple of years now and have had no problems!”
AmazonBasics Hanging 6 Pocket File Folders
BEST ORGANIZER SYSTEM
HELPFUL TIP: This hanging pocket file comes with folders in six different colors, allowing you to separate papers by child or subject.
LOVED FOR: This organizer system is loved by teachers for easy installation and instant organization.
Quartet Cork Board Bulletin Board
BEST BULLETIN BOARD
WHY YOU NEED IT: Bulletin boards are any easy one-stop-shop to display reminders, assignments, and lists.
FUN FACT: This bulletin board is made in the USA.
Learning Resources Create-A-Space Storage Center
BEST DESKTOP ORGANIZER
LOVED FOR: This carousel-style organizer saves space and allows for easy grab and go.
HELPFUL TIP: This organizer does not spin, so we'd consider adding a 10-inch lazy susan for easy rotating action.
ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk
BEST KIDS LAP DESK
WHY YOU NEED IT: Limited space? A laptop stand allows your kids to do their school work from any seating style including the floor, couch, or even bed.
BEST FOR: Younger children
Clipco Dry Erase Pocket Sleeves
BEST DRY ERASE SLEEVES
HELPFUL TIP: Dry erase sleeves are perfect for practicing activities like matching, spelling, alphabets, or times tables.
LOVED FOR: These dry erase sleeves are great for independent practice, plus they help save paper.
Giantex 15 Drawer Rolling Storage Cart
BEST CART ORGANIZER
WHY YOU NEED IT: This organizer is the closest you can get to a classroom on wheels. With 15 drawers, you can organize school supplies, assignments, and paperwork for more than one child.
BEST FOR: Limited space
Isabelle & Max Balonville Art Desk
BEST KIDS DESK
WHY YOU NEED IT: This sweet little desk is excellent for kiddos just starting their K-12 journey. Small and compact, it fits perfectly in any bedroom.
FUN FACT: This desk has space to hold a tablet and also comes with a removable book stand.
Grope Dry Erase Lapboard
BEST PERSONAL WHITEBOARD
WHY YOU NEED IT: Whiteboards are an easy, portable way for children to practice writing, math equations, and spelling.
USERS SAID: “My daughter loves this! It's sturdy and a good size too. The marker that comes with it works well with no streaking or feeling like it's dried out. It took no effort to clean it. I didn't even need a solution—just a dry paper towel. My daughter is in kindergarten so this is perfect for her to practice writing.”
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