Homeschooling is less common in the Philippines but has been on the rise since the global health crisis. It is also being boosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) as an alternative delivery mode (ADM).
Parents choose to homeschool their kids for a variety of reasons, and they are also becoming more normal today.
And since homeschooling does not follow the typical 40-student-to-teacher ratio (40:1) in regular schools, it requires a different and fresh approach; one way is through the use of technology.
Here are ten (10) helpful gadgets and devices for parents planning to homeschool their kids.
1. Computer / Laptop

The most essential item for homeschooling is a laptop or computer. Depending on your kid’s age, you will have to decide whether you will allow your children to use it and how long.
However, even if you don’t like the idea of letting your kids in front of the screens at a young age, laptops and computers are still crucial as you can use them to download the prescribed learning materials, homeschooling curriculum, and other related resources.
For the older kids, it’s also important to teach them how to use computers and the Internet properly. As kids today are more digital natives, learning about technology is important. Just make sure to monitor and protect them from cyber threats.
2. Tablet

There are plenty of learning apps to download through iPads and Android tablets, which can train your kids in various skills, as well as use them as a reader (if you don’t have an e-book reader).
You can also use these tablets to watch educational videos on relatively larger screens than your phones.
Some tablets and iPads also have stylus pens that you and your children can use to practice writing while conserving paper in the process.
3. Printer

You’ll need to print documents every now and then, like flashcards, stickers, tests, and other related learning resources.
So, by having a good laser or inkjet printer at home, you’ll no longer need to look for computer shops for printing. You can also use your printer for your other personal needs, which is convenient.
4. Projector or Widescreen TV

A projector or a widescreen TV will be helpful when watching educational shows and videos instead of small screens on phones and tablets, as it is more straining on the eyes. On off days, you and your family can also use it to watch movies and shows for your entertainment night.
- Online schools in the Philippines
- Advantages and disadvantages of online classes
- Top 10 PH schools most preferred by employers
5. Activity Tracker / Smartwatch

Since homeschooled kids don’t experience the same physical activities compared to the children attending regular schools, it’s important to track their movements, how active they are and how many steps they take. This is where an activity tracker for kids will be useful.
Some studies show that children need to move more than 10,000 steps per day. This may seem more challenging to get since your kids are not walking around school grounds, but promoting an active lifestyle for them is still important, even if they are at home.
You can also use your activity tracker for swimming, running, and hiking.
6. Electronic Calculator

Calculators are not necessary for kids at low-grade levels, like grades 1 to 3. However, they would be essential by the time they come to major in STEM subjects like math and physics.
Soon, it would also be helpful to have a graphing function in their calculators to help them visualize their mathematical problems.
Though you can still use the old-school pen-and-paper strategy, an electronic calculator will be standard by the time they go to high school or if they get a STEM degree in college.
7. Electronic Timer

Homeschooled kids won’t experience alarm bells telling them it’s time for the next subject or lunch. So, having an electronic timer is a good way to ensure that you won’t focus too much on only one subject and neglect the rest.
You can also use an electronic timer for tests and other related activities. There are many electronic timers that cost less than Php200, which is enough for your needs.
8. Headphones

Every house has a different number of people living inside with different noise levels, which may distract students. This is where a decent headset will come in handy.
For students attending online classes, it’s important for them to hear what their teacher is saying clearly while also canceling out the noise. It would also be better to have comfortable headphones so their ears won’t hurt.
9. E-book Reader

Physical books are usually heavy, bulky, and expensive, so if your house doesn’t have enough space for your homeschooling kids’ books, then an e-book reader, like a Kindle, can be useful.
Though it’s still best to use physical books for smaller children, e-book readers are now creating devices that make them book-like in “look and feel” while being less distracting than iPads or tablets as book substitutes.
Having an e-book reader will also allow you to bring as many books as you want wherever you go, as long as they are downloaded into the reader.
10. Smartphone

Finally, your smartphone is still one of the most important gadgets you need to have as a homeschooling parent because you need documentation for your kid’s progress.
You can use your smartphone to take photos of your kids’ PE activities, scan their documents and outputs, and contact other homeschooling parents for a playdate.
Homeschooling is now part of the education system and will become even more in demand, as many schools struggle to deliver quality education while charging a premium on subpar teaching. So, the ten gadgets listed above will be helpful if you ever choose to homeschool your kids.
What can you say about homeschooling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.