Finding Affordable Homeschooling Curriculum

When considering homeschooling, one of the first concerns to come up is cost. Not everyone who has made the decision to home school can afford private teachers or high priced materials. It is important to note that how much is spent on home school curriculum depends on you. You can spend as much or as little as you want. All you need is time to research what’s available. Here are a few pointers to help you in your search for affordable homeschooling curriculum.  Discount book stores, thrift stores, used book stores and garage sales can all be sources of used home school curriculum.  Search the internet for homeschooling materials that are either discounted or even free. Some text can be either found completely on line at a reduced fee or completely free.  Check your area for any charter schools/programs, public schools and cyber schools that may also offer free homeschooling programs and/or materials.  Check out teacher discounts. Even though you are not a licensed teacher, because you have chosen to home school, you are entitled to teachers’ discounts at area stores.  Some areas hold homeschooling fairs. Purchasing materials from these fairs eliminates shipping costs and could offer discounts not normally received through stores or websites.  If homeschooling more than one child, search for multi-aged materials focused towards the oldest child. You can then modify the material to fit the needs of the youngest child(ren).  Sell your own used homeschooling materials as soon as you no longer have a need for it.  Purchase only the material you know will fit your family needs. Make sure you understand your child’s learning style so you’re not wasting money on materials that won’t work. Some places won’t accept materials once they have been opened.  Get everyone a library card. As well as the use of free materials, you also have free internet access and educational software at your fingertips.  Check your area for other homeschoolers and start or join a group. You can then put your resources together to help cut down on cost and materials. You also have the option of taking turns teaching, or splitting up subjects between two or three of you, leaving others to fulfill any other responsibilities or needs.