5 Tips for Finding an Affordable Homeschooling Curriculum
Tight budgets do not have to hinder parents who want to teach their children at home. Homeschooling is valid option for parents of all education and income levels.
Parents can make homeschooling affordable by purchasing used or discount materials, and taking advantage of free homeschool resources. Here are five tips for inexpensive homeschooling.
Parents can make homeschooling affordable by purchasing used or discount materials, and taking advantage of free homeschool resources. Here are five tips for inexpensive homeschooling.
1. Make regular trips to the library.
Your local public library is a valuable source of fiction, non fiction and reference books, as well as free homeschooling curriculum.
Also make sure you take advantage of social activities at the library. Go to library story times, book clubs and writer's group. Some libraries even offer free homeschool support group functions, tours and courses about research and library use.
Also make sure you take advantage of social activities at the library. Go to library story times, book clubs and writer's group. Some libraries even offer free homeschool support group functions, tours and courses about research and library use.
2. Utilize free homeschooling resources.
The internet is a treasure trove of free homeschooling resources. You can find textbooks, audiobooks, novels, software and language programs online that are completely free of charge. Some websites offer complete free homeschooling curricula that come with detailed schedules and links to free online resources.
3. Buy used homeschool books.
Look for used homeschool books at used book stores, garage sales and thrift shops. I always find used copies of popular materials in the children's section of Half Price Books. You can also find used books online at:When purchasing used materials, check the titles and grade levels carefully, and make sure you understand the terms of sale. Here are some additional tips for buying and selling used homeschool curriculum.
4. Purchase discount homeschool books.
If you cannot find the used titles you are looking for, purchase discount homeschooling materials. Some merchants offer new materials at a significantly reduced price. My favorite sources of discount books are:
Also take advantage of educator's discounts at your favorite retail stores. Here is a list of stores that offer homeschool discounts. For information about other discounts that are available to homeschoolers, visit the Homeschool Buyers Coop.
Also take advantage of educator's discounts at your favorite retail stores. Here is a list of stores that offer homeschool discounts. For information about other discounts that are available to homeschoolers, visit the Homeschool Buyers Coop.
5. Use a virtual public school program.
Virtual public schools are home education programs that are offered to parents through the public school system. Because these programs are funded with tax dollars, they can provide their students with free textbooks, software, computers and other necessary materials.
To find a cyberschool program in your state, visit K-12 or Connections Academy. Although these programs are free, they are not without their disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using virtual schools.
Statistics have shown that homeschooling can be successful no matter how much or little a parent spends. Don't let money concerns prevent you from homeschooling your child. Be creative and resourceful, and enjoy the journey!
To find a cyberschool program in your state, visit K-12 or Connections Academy. Although these programs are free, they are not without their disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using virtual schools.
Statistics have shown that homeschooling can be successful no matter how much or little a parent spends. Don't let money concerns prevent you from homeschooling your child. Be creative and resourceful, and enjoy the journey!
More tips that will save you money!
Follow this link to find additional ways to lower your homeschooling cost!
Great Books about Affordable Homeschooling!
Homeschooling on a Shoestring: A Jam-packed Guide
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 01/02/2010) 
The Complete Tightwad Gazette
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 01/02/2010)
Miserly Moms: Living on One Income in a Two-Income Economy
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
Free Homeschooling Articles!
- Working and Homeschooling - Essential Info for Work at Home Moms
- Working and homeschooling is becoming more popular as many parents need to earn income while educating their children at home. Here are five strategies that will set you up for success!
- Used Homeschool Textbooks - 5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy
- By purchasing used homeschool textbooks, you can reduce your homeschooling cost. Here are some tips for locating used homeschooling books, as well as a list of 5 things you should know before purchasing used homeschool curriculum.
- Free Homeschooling Curriculum - Are Virtual Schools the Answer?
- Families who are looking for a free homeschooling curriculum, may turn to publicly funded virtual schools or cyber schools. Although these programs make homeschooling affordable for some families, they are not without their costs. Here are some of the pros and cons of charter school at home programs.
- Discount Homeschool Books - Resources that will Lower Your Homeschooling Cost
- Purchasing discount home-school books is a great way to make homeschooling affordable. Here are places you can find inexpensive homeschooling books and materials.
- Used Homeschooling Books - Tips for Navigating the Used Curriculum Market
- Finding used homeschooling books takes time, but it can also save you money. By purchasing used homeschool books, some families are able to cut their homeschooling costs in half. Others sell old materials in order to purchase the next year's curriculum. Here are some tips for locating, buying and selling used curriculum.
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- Erika-squidoo Erika-squidoo Jul 17, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
- These are great tips and the page looks great!
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- Jenn Jenn Jul 17, 2008 @ 10:33 am
- I love your site. Seems like a great resource for homeschoolers. I happen to work for an online educational program called www.time4learning.com. The majority of our users are homeschoolers that find it affordable. If you think you might want to try it out just email me at jen@time4learning.com so we can arrange something. Perhaps a free month in exchange for a posted reveiw. Thanks for your time and great site.
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- Jimmie Jimmie Jun 14, 2008 @ 8:40 am
- Great ideas! :-) I love Librivox.org for free audio books of many classic titles!
by jazzymomintx
Hi! I'm Carletta.
I am a homeschooling mother of three, and creator of homeschool website, www.successful-homeschooling.com. (more)
I am a homeschooling mother of three, and creator of homeschool website, www.successful-homeschooling.com. (more)
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