Ten essential items every homeschooling family will need.
1. Standard Dictionary: Teach them to "look it up". Children ask millions of questions every day from "Why is the sky blue?" to "What are mitochondria?" Instead of answering the questions for them, hand them a dictionary so they can find the answer. This will ingrain in the child the fact that knowledge is always available to the curious. For a small child, you can look up the words with them.
2. Dictionary of word roots: Expand your child's vocabulary by teaching them the origins of our language. It is far easier to learn one word root than it is to learn 30 individual words. Such a dictionary will teach a child to decipher words he has not memorized.
3. History Encyclopedia: Choose a history encyclopedia that that teaches the complete history from origin of man, to the current date, in chronological order. You can always jump around if you wish, but by reading history as a story, the child will have an easier time remembering that World War I came before the Vietnam War.
4. Science Encyclopedia: There will be questions that you will not find in your Webster's Dictionary. You will find answers to all of your scientific questions in a complete Science encyclopedia. You can teach your child from it one chapter at a time, or use it as a reference book.
5. Math Reference Book: You may find you need to re-learn math in order to teach it to your child. Keep a math reference book handy. These books are also great review tools for older kids before standardized tests.
6. Computer with internet connection or library card: Either a computer with an internet connection or access to a library (which should also have computer access) is necessary for today's homeschooler. There is an endless supply of books to read for both leisure and educational purposes. In addition, the internet holds unlimited resources for homeschoolers and the ability to stay connected with other homeschoolers.
7. Recreation area: Every child needs a place to let off steam. It can be anywhere from your own yard to the local park, to the local recreation center.
8. Stationary: This may be an a bit obvious, but you will be amazed by the amount of pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks and printer paper a homeschooled child can consume. To limit access to these items is to limit learning and creativity. So smile and get a discount card to your local office supply store.
9. Musical Instruction: Every child needs to spend some time in musical instruction. Whether your child prefers the drums, the violin, or singing, participating in these activities will improve their creativity. It also fosters greater concentration, self-confidence, relaxation, and motor skills.
10. Team Activity: By participating in a team activity, your child will learn to cooperate with others, rely on others and to help others. This can be accomplished through organized sports, academic competitions, or charity organizations.
