Our Must-Have Notebooking Supply List

I remember a time when I could never get my kids to write without dealing with complaints, insecurity, and tears. Since we began notebooking a couple years ago, I’ve found that not only are my children much more receptive to writing, but they often do it in their spare time, as well – voluntarily.

I’ll admit that if I had just approached notebooking as yet another way to incorporate writing, it would have backfired. The key to our notebooking success has been less about using it as a method and more about using it to provide my kids with choices.

Think about it. How many writing curriculums allow the children who use it to choose what they want to write about and how they want to write about it? How many teachers allow children to decorate their work with doodles, stickers, glitter, and washi tape?

That’s the beauty of not only notebooking, but homeschooling, in general. It’s about letting go of the rules and doing what works for your family.

For us, that means allowing for creativity, color, and even some messes as we venture into our notebooking time each day. Thinking outside the box has granted my kids the permission to include their personality in with their work along with their passions.

This has factored into our notebooking supply list in a big way, because you’ll notice that while the common notebooking tools will be added, many of these products will have a scrapbooking feel to them, as well.

I hope you gain some ideas from our choices!

(This post contains affiliate links.)

1. Notebooking pages

Although you can certainly notebook with regular lined paper, I’ve found that using a variety of notebooking pages adds a bit of movtivation and inspiration.

2. 3-ring binders

These are, by far, the sort of notebook we use the most often. They’re sturdy and very easy to add additional pages to, plus they allow enough space to add other odds and ends, such as pressed flowers, flattened pine cones, and homemade animal masks. Whatever my kids want to add is welcome.

3. Composition books

Composition books are our absolute favorite to use for copywork.

4. Plastic sheet protectors

It is so important that your kids see that you value the effort they put into their notebooking pages. Sheet protectors will ensure that their hard work doesn’t tear, and that it will endure.

5. Printer paper

If you plan on using notebooking pages, this is an absolute necessity. 😉

6. Ticonderoga pencils

There can be nothing more annoying to a child than trying to complete a notebooking page with a pencil that keeps breaking and refuses to sharpen correctly. I learned this the hard way. Ticonderoga pencils are the absolute ighest quality pencils I’ve come across.

7. Mr. Sketch or Sharpie markers

As with the pencils, quality matters when it comes to markers. Plus, Mr. Sketch markers make the notebooking pages smell yummy. 🙂

8. Colored pencils

A little color on your kids’ schoolwork will brighten their day!

9. Rubber cement, glue sticks, glue, or glue dots

I usually try to have each of these on hand because they’re all good for different projects.

And here’s where we get to the artsy supplies. When it comes to these, I allow my kids to use them however they want. I just have them available to be used at any time, in any way, and for whatever reason.

10. Cardstock

11. Stickers

12. Glitter and glitter glue

13. Sequins and beads

14. Googly eyes

Yes, I’m serious.

15. Washi tape

16. Any other bits and bobs we find at the local dollar or craft store. Notebooking supply shopping is so much fun!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the freedom that comes with homeschooling is immeasurable. Take advantage of it and use it to create an education for your kids that is not only enjoyable but is tailored just for them.

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