What’s in Our Pencil Boxes for Homeschool? The Simple Supplies That Make a Big Difference

So, what do I actually need?

Homeschooling with little kids is a mix of intentional planning and rolling with the chaos. One moment, everyone is neatly tracing letters, and the next, someone is using a glue stick as lip balm. The key to keeping things (mostly) under control? Having the right homeschool materials ready to go. And for us, that starts with well-stocked pencil boxes.

If you’re wondering, what do you need to homeschool?—especially for the early years—consider this your go-to guide. These aren’t just school supplies; they’re the small-but-mighty tools that help us transition smoothly from breakfast to handwriting practice without hunting for a missing crayon (or five). So let’s take a peek inside our pencil boxes and talk about the homeschooling must-haves that make learning at home just a little bit easier.

The Homeschool Pencil Box: Why It’s a Must-Have

Before we dive into what’s inside, let’s talk about why a designated pencil box is a homeschool essential. When you’re homeschooling, organization is everything. Having a grab-and-go box with all the learning supplies in one spot means less scrambling and more actual learning.

Instead of pencils disappearing into the abyss of the couch cushions or glue sticks being permanently borrowed for “important” art projects, everything has a home. Plus, having individual boxes for each child makes it easier to personalize supplies based on their needs and skill levels.

So what exactly goes in our homeschool pencil boxes? Let’s break it down.

Our Go-To Supplies for Homeschooling

1. My First Pencils by Ticonderoga

If you have a beginning writer, these are the pencils. They’re slightly thicker than standard pencils, making them easier for little hands to grip, and the erasers actually work (because we all know the heartbreak of an eraser that just smears things into oblivion).

2. Handheld Pencil Sharpeners

A good pencil sharpener is worth its weight in gold. Ours live right in the pencil boxes so we can avoid the mid-lesson pencil crisis—you know, when a kid announces they can’t possibly continue because their pencil broke and walking to another room to sharpen it is simply not an option.

3. Adhesive Pencil Holder (Attached to the Inside Cover)

This little trick keeps a spare pencil in place so we’re never completely out of luck when someone inevitably loses theirs under the table. Simple, but game-changing.

4. Crayola Crayons

A classic for a reason. The 24-pack is the perfect balance of having enough color options without too many choices (because trust me, a toddler will spend 20 minutes debating between two almost-identical shades of blue).

5. GIANT Elmer’s Purple Glue Sticks

Two things make these the only glue sticks we use: they’re jumbo-sized (less chance of running out mid-project), and they go on purple so kids can actually see where they’re applying glue. Essential for paper crafts and, let’s be honest, some very elaborate sticker-and-glue “masterpieces.”

6. Fiskars Scissors

Scissors are a big deal in our house. My oldest has a pair of “big kid” scissors, while my middle kid is still mastering the skill with training scissors. The right scissors make cutting practice so much smoother (and save me from jagged-edged “cut-out” shapes that look nothing like they were intended to).

7. Assorted Self-Inking Stamps

These are hands-down my kids’ favorite supply. Whether it’s stamping completed work, decorating a craft, or just an excuse to press something over and over again, these bring instant excitement. They’re also a sneaky way to add fine motor practice while making learning feel like play.

8. A Mickey and Friends Figurine (Because Why Not?)

And finally, the surprise addition: a tiny Mickey Mouse. Because sometimes, you just need a fun little mascot to keep you company while you learn.

Tips for Keeping Homeschool Supplies Organized

Stocking a pencil box is one thing, but keeping it functional? That’s the real challenge. Here are a few simple homeschool organization tips to make sure those supplies don’t end up scattered across the house:

1. Keep It Accessible, But Off-Limits When Not in Use

Pencil boxes live in a designated homeschool bin so they’re easy to grab, but we don’t let the kids use them freely throughout the day. (Because nothing is safe when a toddler gets their hands on a glue stick unsupervised.)

2. Do a Quick Check-In Every Sunday Night

Taking two minutes to sharpen pencils, check glue stick levels, and make sure everything is still intact saves us a world of frustration on Monday morning.

3. Have a Backup Stash of Extras

Inevitably, a crayon will break in half, and a favorite pencil will go missing. Keeping a small stockpile of extras means we can quickly swap things out without disrupting our day.

Final Thoughts: Simple Supplies, Big Impact

When it comes to homeschool materials, you don’t need a million fancy things. A thoughtfully stocked pencil box with just the right school supplies can make all the difference in keeping at-home learning smooth, stress-free, and even (dare I say) fun.

So if you’re getting started with homeschooling or just looking to simplify your setup, start with the basics. A well-packed pencil box might not solve every homeschooling challenge, but it definitely helps keep the little things in check—so you can focus on the learning and not just the logistics.And if you’re looking for links to any of our favorite teaching supplies, I’ve got you covered: Check out our homeschool must-haves here. Happy homeschooling!

Pencil Cases

My First Pencils

Pencil Holder

Pencil Sharpener

Crayons

Training Scissors

Big Kid Scissors

Glue Stick

Stamps

Mickey and Friends Figurines