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🌱 Getting Started

What supplies do I actually need to begin?

Claire

3 min read · Updated August 30, 2026 · The grovio Guide

I'm going to save you from something I did our first year: buying everything.

I walked into a teacher supply store and left with bins, organizers, charts: all of it.

Most of it never got used.

Here's what you actually need at the beginning: something to write with, something to write on, and a library card.

That's it.

For the first few weeks, that will take you further than you expect.

If your child is younger, a simple workbook for math or handwriting can be helpful, not because it's required, but because some kids like having something concrete to complete. For older kids, you may not need much beyond books and a notebook.

What ended up mattering more than supplies was how I kept track of what we were doing. Honestly, I handle that through grovio now. It's where our rhythm, attendance, and portfolio all live. It keeps things from piling up in my head. If you prefer paper, a simple folder works just as well.

What I'd avoid buying right away: anything labeled "complete," expensive kits, or systems you don't fully understand yet.

Start simple. You'll know what you need soon enough. If you haven't yet, the getting started overview will help you settle into those first weeks.