Simple Homeschool Starter List

If you’re just starting your homeschool journey or trying to simplify what you’re already doing, this is your quick-start guide. It’s designed to give you everything you need without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Simple Homeschool Curriculum System

We recommend keeping homeschool SIMPLE with just 3 parts:

1. Full Core Curriculum – Whether online or workbook style, independent or parent-led, one open-and-go curriculum is helpful when starting out to make sure all subject areas and standards are met. We use:

• Time4Learning – Save $10 when signing up today

As a homeschooling family, I know how valuable it is to have resources that make our days run a little smoother. With four kids and different ages and different learning needs, finding programs that are engaging, flexible, and easy to use has been an important part of our homeschool journey.

Time4Learning has been a helpful resource for adding structure and variety to our homeschool routine. It provides interactive lessons for multiple grade levels, allowing children to work at their own pace while giving parents a way to track progress and see what their children are learning.

I especially appreciate having a resource that can be used in different ways. Whether it’s as a main curriculum, a supplement to our current homeschool plan, extra practice, or something to keep kids learning during busy seasons.

Homeschooling looks different for every family, and having reliable tools like Time4Learning can help take some pressure off while creating more opportunities for independent learning.

Note: Every family’s homeschool needs are different, but this has been a resource we’ve enjoyed incorporating into our homeschool toolbox.

2. Hands-on learning. To keep our children engaged, we use a lot of hands-on, real-life learning, STEM, and outdoor play. We mainly use:

• KiwiCo – Save 40% on your first crate here

One thing I love about homeschooling is finding ways to make learning feel exciting and hands-on. With four kids, I’m always looking for activities that encourage creativity, curiosity, and independent learning while still being practical for our busy days.

KiwiCo has been a fun resource for bringing more hands-on projects into our home. Their crates are designed around STEM, science, art, engineering, and creativity, giving kids the opportunity to build, explore, and learn through doing.

I love that KiwiCo takes the planning and supply gathering out of the process. Instead of spending time searching for project ideas and collecting materials, everything comes together in one kit with kid-friendly instructions that make it easy for children to jump in and create.

Whether you use it as part of your homeschool routine, a fun enrichment activity, or a special project day, KiwiCo is a great way to encourage curiosity and hands-on learning at home.

Every child learns differently, and having resources that inspire creativity and exploration has been a wonderful addition to our homeschool toolbox.

3. Extra math + reading practice. We use IXL which is also great for independent work. We use:

• IXL – Save 20% on your subscription now

IXL has been a helpful resource in our homeschool because it provides practice in a wide variety of subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies. The skill-based approach makes it easy to find activities that match what my children are learning and gives them extra practice when they need it.

One thing I appreciate about IXL is the flexibility. It can be used as a supplement alongside our current homeschool plans, for extra practice, review, or even independent work time. The immediate feedback helps children understand their mistakes and continue building confidence.

Homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and having flexible resources like IXL helps us create a learning routine that works for our family.

Whether you’re looking for additional practice, a way to reinforce lessons, or a resource your children can work through independently, IXL can be a valuable addition to your homeschool toolbox.

Tip: You do NOT need multiple curricula. One core + enrichment + practice is enough. Don’t add too much where you feel overwhelmed. If you feel like it’s too much, your child feels it too.

2. Homeschool Amazon Starter Essentials

These are simple, affordable basics most homeschool families actually use daily:

• Dry-erase boards (individual + large wall board)
• Pencil box or supply caddy
• Crayons, markers, colored pencils
• Notebooks (lined + blank)
• Storage bins for organizing school materials
• Timer (for focus blocks)
• Kid headphones (for online learning)
• Lap desks or small learning tables
• Educational games (flashcards, math games)

👉 View the full list here: Homeschool Amazon Starter List

3. Simple Daily Homeschool Flow

• ✔ Morning: Core learning (Time4Learning)
• ✔ Midday: Hands-on activity (KiwiCo or project)
• ✔ Afternoon: Practice or review (IXL)
• ✔ Flexible time scattered throughout the day: Reading, outside play, field trips

Keep it flexible! Consistency matters more than perfection. 

👉  See how we keep a relaxed homeschool schedule