Professional teaching supplies are often thought of as “strictly for the classroom” but, when your home is your classroom, professional tools can make learning much easier. In fact, items designed for classroom use often are better investments because they are designed for multiple users over many years. That means a rainbow-colored 12 ft. parachute can hold up to being a private reading fort as well as a group activity at picnics or co-op meetings for a long, long time and for pennies per use.
Instead of taping paper together for a timeline, investing in art paper rolls can provide endless educational activity for less than twenty dollars. These rolls are useful as timeline bases but also can be used for science projects like tracing the body of the student and adding the various body systems as they are studied. Some families use art paper rolls on the table or a wall to create a never-ending supply of creative space.
It is true that a creative homeschooler can come up with a version of a pocket chart that works okay. But when there are pocket charts available within the budget, these tools usually work extremely well and can be used repeatedly for new learning activities or chore charts or whatever else is needed.
One of the reasons many opt for homeschooling is the flexibility. This flexibility can be seen in the variety of schedule, curriculum, and location one observes among homeschoolers. Some kids learn at the kitchen table, others learn on the couch, and many move all over the house during the day. That means traditional classroom furniture may not be needed. On the other hand, a table with adjustable legs to change as children grow might be a wise investment.
Companies that cater to institutions recognize that a homeschool family may be interested in purchasing from them. Classroom Direct has a Homeschool Resources page with these categories:
- Art & Craft Supplies
- Early Childhood
- Instructional Material & Resources
- Physical Education & Sport
- Special Needs
- Paper
- Classroom & Office Supplies
- Furniture
- AV Technology & Equipment
- Cleaning Supplies
A quick scroll through these categories will trigger ideas for homeschool as well as the traditional classroom. Not every item works in every classroom, and the same is true with homeschool equipment. But the need to have sturdy tools suitable for a learning environment is universal. Using professional supplies makes a homeschooling parent’s job easier because those supplies are designed to withstand heavy usage. Careful investment in professional educational tools pays back in increased learning opportunities and satisfaction with results.
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