* Quills: Quills were the primary writing instrument in the 1800s, and they were made from the feathers of geese or other large birds. The feathers were sharpened to a point and dipped into inkwells to write.
* Inkwells: Inkwells were small containers that held ink, which was a mixture of water, pigments, and other materials. Students would dip their quills into the inkwells to write.
* Parchment: Parchment was a type of paper that was made from the skin of animals, such as sheep or goats. Parchment was more expensive than paper, but it was also more durable and less likely to tear.
* Paper: Paper was made from the pulp of trees, and it was becoming more common in the 1800s as it became cheaper to produce. Paper was less durable than parchment, but it was more convenient to use.
* Pencils: Pencils were invented in the 1790s, but they were not widely used until the mid-1800s. Pencils were made from graphite, and they could be used to write on paper without the need for ink.
Other Supplies
* Slates: Slates were small, flat pieces of slate rock that were used for writing and drawing. Students would use slate pencils to write on the slates, and they could erase their work by wiping the slate clean with their hands or a cloth.
* Hornbooks: Hornbooks were small, rectangular pieces of wood that were covered with a thin layer of horn. Hornbooks were used to teach children to read, and they contained the alphabet, the Lord's Prayer, and other basic information.
* Schoolbags: Schoolbags were used to carry school supplies, such as books, slates, and pencils. Schoolbags were often made from leather or canvas, and they could be worn over the shoulder or on the back.
* Blackboards: Blackboards were large, darkboards that were used in classrooms for writing and drawing. Teachers would use chalk to write on the blackboards, and students would copy the information into their notebooks.