Inexpensive Homeschooling
67Home education doesn't have to cost a fortune! There are many ways to homeschool inexpensively. Research shows that homeschooling can be successful regardless of how little a parent spends. Here are five tips for inexpensive homeschooling.
1. Take advantage of your local library.
Borrow library books in place of purchasing a curriculum for subjects like science, history, geography, health and art. You can likely find many of the novels from your favorite literature-based program on your library's shelves. If a book you desire is not available, ask your librarian to request it through inter-library loan
Your local library is not only a source of free homeschooling books. You may also find used books for sale, or obtain free copies of out of date magazines and periodicals.
The library is also an avenue for low cost homeschooling activites. Many libraries offer storytimes, reading incentives, tours, book clubs, and writer's groups. Some even serve as a meeting location for local homeschool groups.
2. Buy used homeschooling curriculum.
Browse bookstores, thrift stores, garage sales and local homeschool group sales for used curriculum. One of my favorite places to find used materials is Half Price Books. An online favorite among homeschoolers is homeschool classifieds. Here are some other sources of used homeschool curriculum.
When purchasing used curricula, make sure you are buying the correct title, grade level and edition for your child. If possible, go to a home school book fair and view similar materials before purchasing. When buying used products, it is not always possible to obtain a refund.
3. Take advantage of free online homeschooling materials.
The internet is a great resource for homeschoolers. There are many free homeschooling materials available online. Resourceful homeschoolers can find free audio books, classic novels, text books, language programs, software, and complete curricula via their home computer.
Some well-respected free homeschool curriculum providers are Ambleside Online and An Old Fashioned Education. Here are some additional free homeschooling resources.
4. Use hand me downs for younger children.
When possible, buy high quality, non-consumable resources that you can hand down to younger children. When using workbooks, cover the pages with page protectors and use erasable markers, or have your child write answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Some families will donate materials they've outgrown to members of their support group. You can also arrange a book swap with other homeschoolers. For every book a family donates, it earns credit to receive one book.
5. Participate in inexpensive extra-curricular activities.
Visit museums, zoos, nature preserves, amusement parks and other field trip locations on discount or free admission days. Also look for opportunities for free field trips at grocery stores, hospitals and other public locations.
Consider taking dance, music or art lessons from a stay at home mom for a reduced price. You can also barter with other homeschool families. Offer to teach their children in your area of expertise in exchange for lessons for your children in one of your areas of weakness.
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Thanks for all of the useful information. I have a ten-year old, and we're always thinking about ways to make his schooling more enriching. This is great information for all of us parents who want to feel that we really could do it ourselves. Thanks, Carletta.
With the seemingly continuous downward spiral of standards in the government education systems, home schooling is looking good. Thanks for the tips; good for all parents of school age children.
Just wanted to add that if you ask for homeschooling supplies on Freecycle, there are a lot of homeschoolers who will be willing to help.
Great tip, dafia! Thank you!
Just Jen 3 years ago
Thanks for your comment! I haven't been at my hub in months...lol
I like your hubs, you are spot on!