Budgeting Homeschool Expenses
Affordable Curricula, Books and Lessons for Unschooling Families
Explore the Web for Curriculum Options
Instead of buying grade level curriculum guides, search school district and state government sites for national, state and district standards of learning for each grade. Educational television, government sites and museum websites often have free lesson plans, virtual fieldtrips and even educational games. The many websites dedicated to homeschoolers and homeschool life that cover everything from homeschool styles to literature lists to curriculum planning. A day or two surfing the Internet may reveal enough resources to last the year!
For group discounts, join an online homeschool buyer’s co-op or create your own. Business will often provide a discount for larger purchases. Homeschoolers may find it beneficial to go in together on purchases of bulk paper and other supplies available at warehouse stores. Ask participants on your local and regional homeschool web-lists whether they are interested in sharing expenses.
Surf for opportunities to showcase homeschool talents. Many homeschool organizations, companies and organizations post online art and essay contests perfect for authentic learning opportunities. There is no better student motivator than a chance to win!
Trade for Services
Trading services with other homeschool parents is practical and money-saving. Teach other homeschool children woodworking, computer skills, knitting, art, writing or math in exchange for tutoring in another subject. Ask whether the piano teacher down the street would provide a discount for baked goods, dinner or agricultural products. Offer babysitting hours, laundry services, lawn care or a car wash for educational services.
Enhance Homeschool Learning Using Community Resources
Make a visit to the library a regular part of your homeschool week. In addition to books, magazines, audio books and videos, libraries typically have homeschool and parenting books, activity guides for literature and history, science lessons, free classes, free meeting space, educational computer games, and book discussion groups. Ask the children’s librarian for book suggestions and other family resources.
4-H and Scouting programs provide fabulous authentic learning opportunities. The reading and preparation for a 4-H presentation or project might make a fabulous segue to a larger science, health or consumer science lessons. Likewise, work toward a Scouting badge, belt loop or academic pin might provide low-cost guidance for age appropriate physical education, environmental study, civics and any number of other academic areas.
Bookstores, museums, zoos and office supply stores often provide homeschool families with the same discounts that they provide for traditional schools. Additionally, ask whether museum docents and other professionals might be available to provide free or low-cost classes or tours for small homeschool groups. Remember to carry your Homeschool Letter of Intent or other homeschool documentation to use as proof that of homeschool status.
University museums and exhibits are often low-cost or even free. Before visiting, take time to contact an education department of interest . Perhaps a professor or graduate student is available to show a homeschool group an art studio, science lab or an engineering laboratory.
Don't overlook public school opportunities. Many states allow homeschool families to work part-time with public schools for curriculum, special classes, sporting events or after-school activities. In Maine, for instance, schools must provide textbooks, when they are available, to homeschool students In some circumstances it is also financially beneficial for homeschoolers to attend school part-time.
Educational volunteer opportunities are endless. Whether counting meals intended for the elderly or cleaning up a highway, volunteerism invites children of all ages to learn new skills while becoming active in the community.
Ultimately, kids are motivated more by personal interests and hands-on learning, so parents may find online and community learning to be more effective than purchased textbooks.
