Multisensory learning isn't reserved to young children, this list can be applied to new homeschoolers starting out, or anyone needing to keep costs as low as possible. These aren't everything home education need, but does make it so those with fewer resources can do great educational activities for a fraction of the cost.
The first thing on this list, are free downloadable font for your
word processor, particularly TRACEABLE font in print and cursive, with
the style of writing you teach your kids, and if you collect a variety,
they can be used incrementally as the writing improves, some things to
look for are: slant, joined letters (if cursive), space between dashes
and dots, precursive, d'nealian, and watch out for the lowercase 'a'.
WHY?
create your own writing practice sheets, simplify worksheets or PDFs by filling it in with traceable solutions.
Budget-friendly: save on ink by printing 2 or 4 pages per sheet as your child's writing matures.
Next is a grid board of any kind, or laminated blank hundred charts, though we recommend a board for durability and versatility, the size (with 1 inch squares) is also a lot easier to work with.
WHY?
For so many applications! most math concepts can be worked out with hands-on materials, visuals, or simply kept organized this way. It is a great tool for data management and even for art.
Budget-friendly: use dry-erase to make it last through all your activities.
Self-adhesive laminating pouches (see
here)
and sheets are the easiest way to keep paper material clean and durable
for long periods of time with a lot of use. If these are beyond your
budget or your materials don't need to last forever, try packing tape.
(see how
here)
WHY?
So really, packing tape is the item on this must-have list, but when it's practical, use self-adhesive laminating products.
Budget-friendly: add it to your grocery list and save a trip, it can often be found with small hardware.
Game pieces and miniatures are a vital instrument for homeschool
math, and great for creative writing; some examples are chips, pegs,
dice, dominoes, blocks, player-pieces, and beads.
WHY?
repetitive
counting, organizing and grouping to solve math problems, keeping
things interesting and varied, as well as representing different concepts
and parts of a formula, game pieces are commonly used in many
multisensory math programs, so why not make some of your own. If you
collect player pieces and miniatures, they are fantastic for teaching
phonics, inspiring creative writing projects, and teaching parts of
speech.
Budget-friendly: pick up used board games; small pieces in quantities of 10, 20 or 120 are good amounts to look out for.
Letter tiles are really handy for kids still working on spelling rules, but alphabet shapes are a good place to start when teaching phonics and spelling. They come in handy for a reluctant writer too.
WHY?
Hands-on helps practice while actual writing forms habits, if the phonics and spelling skills aren't perfected yet, these are a good tool for all ages.
Budget-friendly: inexpensive fridge magnets work great, even if they don't stick to the fridge, they are fine for a flat surface. You can also pick a colour-code and use the same product line for years to come, potentially reducing future expenses.
*This list assumes that there is a computer, printer, and internet access immediately available.
