Layers of Learning is a hands-on grand outline of learning. That means you get to pick and choose which books to use and which projects to complete, but there are some basic supplies you need to start Layers of Learning that you’ll use over and over.
Most of them you probably already have on hand.
Library Access
The first thing you need is access to books and videos. Make sure you visit your local library and get a library card. Find out what kinds of resources your library has, whether they do interlibrary loans, how willing they are to buy requested items, and whether they have online resources like e-books.
We also highly recommend the library extension for the Google Chrome browser or the library extension for Firefox browser. As you are browsing online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or other booksellers, the library extension searches your library to see if it has the titles.
If you feel your library is lacking, you should also be aware of the Layers of Learning YouTube playlists and recommended spines that can help you fill in those hard-to-find topics or be available at a moment’s notice when you can’t find library books.
Binders and Dividers
Buy a 3-ring binder for each child. 1.5 inch is usually plenty big for a year of Layers of Learning. Inside each binder, you will want 4 dividers: one each for history, geography, science, and arts. Plus a 3 hole punch.
Did you know you can print Layers of Learning binder covers?
Printer and Paper
Layers of Learning comes with lots of printables, so you’ll either want a printer at home or access to inexpensive printing at a copy shop. Our favorite printer is the Epson Ecotank because printing with it is so inexpensive and easy. Plus it comes with a copier and scanner.
You will also need white printer paper and white card stock.
Basic Craft Supplies
Since Layers of Learning is hands-on printables and crafts are common for all of the subjects: history, geography, science, and arts. Keeping a few basic supplies on hand makes everything easy.
- Colorful paper – either construction paper or printer paper in several colors
- Tempera paints
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
- Colored Pencils
You’ll also need fasteners like staples and stapler, transparent tape, glue sticks, and school glue.
Basic Science Supplies
Basic science supplies include safety products and measuring products. Eventually, you might buy dissection kits and rock sets, but wait until you are planning and deciding on Explorations and Experiments before you buy the fancier supplies.
Here’s what you will need over and over:
- Safety goggles or glasses – one for each person. Get small pairs for younger children and adult pairs for ages 10 and up.
- Protective gloves
- Scientific thermometer
- Balance that measures to the 100th of a gram
- Graduated cylinder – 100 ml or larger
- Metric ruler
Visit the science sample lessons to get a good overview of what the science experiments are like with Layers of Learning, including the kinds of materials needed.
Globe and Atlas
Both a globe and student atlas are useful for history and geography. Here are a couple we like.
Most of the supplies we mentioned above are probably already in your home. Buy the rest as soon as you are able, then buy further materials asked for in specific Explorations as they come up in your planning.
Print the List of Supplies You Need To Start Layers of Learning
Here’s a printable checklist of basic supplies you need to start Layers of Learning.
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