Pre Kindergarten Supply List

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This post discussing a pre kindergarten school supply list may contain affiliate links, which means that I receive some form of compensation in return (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase through my link 🙂

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch (link HERE)

PreK and Kindergarten are truly magical seasons in a child’s life—and in a parent’s life too. There’s something so exciting and full of wonder about these early years. Toddlers are natural learners. From the moment they start toddling around, they’re exploring, experimenting, and discovering how the world works—learning to walk, talk, express themselves, and make sense of everything around them. Their curiosity is endless, and their joy in learning is contagious.

As they begin transitioning into what we think of as “preschool” or “pre-kindergarten,” a whole new dimension of learning begins to open up. Letters and numbers become more than just shapes—they start to mean something. You’ll hear them repeating the alphabet while they play, asking how to spell words, and “reading” signs they recognize at the store. These little moments are the building blocks of literacy and learning—and it’s truly a beautiful thing to witness.

Before long, the school year will be upon us. The “back to school” signs will pop up in store aisles, and you might find yourself scrolling through your favorite homeschool pages or wandering the Target dollar spot, wondering what you actually need to begin this next chapter. Whether you’re homeschooling multiple kids or getting ready to start PreK with your very first little one, I wanted to create a simple, helpful pre kindergarten supply list that you can reference as you prepare.

The truth is—you don’t need a lot to teach preschool well. These early years are all about keeping things playful, hands-on, and filled with connection. But having a few thoughtfully chosen tools and supplies can make a big difference in creating a smooth, joyful rhythm for your homeschool days. This list is designed to help you gather what you’ll really use, without the clutter or overwhelm, so you can focus on what matters most—making memories, nurturing curiosity, and building a love of learning from the very beginning.

wooden blocks or colorful pre kindergarten supplies

Necessary & Helpful Pre-Kindergarten Supplies

Pencil box / container for pens and pencils
Spiral notebooks
3-ring binder
Notebook paper
Glue sticks
Crayola crayons
Kid-friendly scissors
Pencils
Pens (basic colors and some fun options)
Erasers
Dry erase board
Dry erase markers

Additional Supplies to Consider for Pre Kindergarten

Water bottle
Box of Kleenex
Plastic folders for binder organization
Backpack for outings or co-op days
Stickers
Educational flash cards
Personalized items with your child’s name or initials

Please keep in mind that every homeschool family is different. If literature is a focus in your home, you’ll want more books and reading resources. If your priority is writing or art, your list will look different. Your family’s unique interests, learning style, and programs will shape the specific items you’ll need.

a collection of colored pencils as possible pre kindergarten supplies

Fun Art Supplies for Creative Learning in Pre Kindergarten

For families who love art projects, here’s an additional art-centered pre kindergarten supply list to be considered along with the lists above that will allow you to create all kinds of fun activities with your little ones! None of these are essential, but they can add some extra fun to the PreK homeschooling process 🙂

Construction paper
Finger paints
Googly eyes
Felt sheets
Pipe cleaners
Chalk
Scissors
Colored pencils
Crayons
Popsicle sticks
Paper bags
Toilet paper rolls
Paper plates
Twine
Permanent marker
Coffee filters
Simple colored beads
Glue sticks
Play dough
Various ribbons or string

These are common supplies I’ve seen in many craft and art projects across blog compilations. In addition, natural elements like dried flowers, sticks, leaves, and rocks can also be fun and inspiring art materials. Don’t underestimate the creativity that can come from simple supplies like glue, googly eyes, and some paper!

Pin it to read or reference later!

Keep It Simple and Savor this Season

As you prepare to dive into preschool at home, it’s worth remembering that your supply list doesn’t have to be long or expensive to be effective. One of the greatest freedoms of homeschooling is the ability to simplify—both in what you teach and how you teach it. Unlike traditional school settings, you don’t need to stock up on classroom-size quantities of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, or spare changes of clothes. You already live in the classroom. You already have access to so many of the things you need—and probably more than you realize.

Teaching your little one at home allows you to turn ordinary moments into meaningful learning experiences. You can use rocks from the backyard to practice counting, or sort leaves by color and size during a walk outside. You can stir together cookie dough to explore early math and sequencing, or trace letters in flour spread across a baking sheet. With just a few basic supplies—like crayons, paper, scissors, and perhaps a favorite workbook—you can build an educational environment that is full of joy, wonder, and growth.

The beauty of these early years is that learning and play are still one and the same. You don’t have to replicate a classroom. You don’t have to rush into academics. You simply get to be present with your child, introducing them to the world in a way that is natural, loving, and completely at their pace.

This is a sweet and important season. The spark in their eyes when they recognize a letter, the joy in their voice when they count to ten without help, the way they beam when they proudly show you a drawing they made—it’s all part of a bigger picture. You’re not just laying academic foundations. You’re helping your child feel inspired and supported as they step into the world of learning.

So, as you gather your supplies and start planning your homeschool days, don’t worry about having it all figured out. You don’t need a perfectly organized space or a Pinterest-worthy setup. What your child needs most is you—your voice reading the same favorite book again and again or singing the alphabet song, your lap during morning snuggles and read alouds, your hand guiding theirs as they learn to hold a pencil, and your encouragement as they take those first educational steps.

You are your child’s first and very important teacher—not because you have all the answers, but because you know their heart better than anyone else. You get to decide how to introduce them to the world of school and learning.

Keep it simple. Keep it joyful. And keep leaning into the beautiful, slow magic of these early homeschool days. They go faster than you think—and what a gift it is to be able to walk through them together with your family.

Do you have any favorite Pre-K supplies you’d add to this list?

I’d love to hear what you’re using in the comments below!