Homeschool Curriculum on a Budget
Free and Inexpensive Sources for Quality Teaching Materials
Finding curriculum for your homeschooled student doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. Many high quality resources are also budget friendly.
Homeschool curriculum doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Even if your budget is very limited, it’s possible to provide your homeschooler with a quality education. Though not all inclusive, the following list provides some great ideas for finding the resources you need.
Online Lesson Plans
Want lesson plans for teaching about the water cycle, simple machines, or the Declaration of Independence? You can find them online with a well defined search. Need flashcards, awards, or seasonal decorations? Ditto. Also try a search for math or spelling “worksheet generators.” These sites will include tools for customizing worksheets based on your child’s current spelling list or math abilities.
Library Resources
From picture books for your pre-readers, to science books, nature magazines, educational videos, and home schooling literature especially for parents, the library has it all. If your library doesn’t have what you need, ask. Most libraries are all too happy to secure an inter-library loan for you. They may even special order books to keep on their shelves permanently if they realize there’s a need for them.
People You Know
People are resources, too. Do friends or family members have special skills or experiences which they’d be willing to share? First person accounts make learning fun.
Local Places of Interest
Chances are there’s lots of science and history to be explored in your area. (Think museums, art galleries, historical homes, caverns, factories, farms--even the post office) Not only are field trips educational, but they are often sources of printed material you can use to supplement your lessons. Just be sure to call ahead to make sure your visit is welcome.
Homeschool Groups
Finding a local home school group to join can provide support, camaraderie, ideas and a social outlet. And, it’s a great place for finding used curriculum. Once their children are finished with them, members often sell or trade their used materials to other members. Just remember not to hoard all the great deals. Return the favor by selling or trading your used books there, too.
Thrift Stores and Yard Sales
These can be great places to find educational games, videos and books for very reasonable prices.
Television Programming
While it can be a challenge finding anything for the whole family to watch during the evening, television can be a good source of educational material during the day.
The history channel and Public Television often offer great programs on common educational themes. Be sure to check their websites, too. You’ll often find free lesson plans there that go along with their programming.
4-H, Scouting, and Similar Clubs for Kids
Organizations for kids can be fun and educational, and, as an added bonus, they are relatively inexpensive to join. The 4-H “Family Guide,” for example, lists dozens of topics and accompanying literature. Project areas include Aerospace Science, Aquatic Science, Career Exploration, Electricity, Food and Nutrition, Insects, Money Management, Natural Resources, Plant Science, Weather and Writing just to name a few. It’s worth calling or stopping by your local extension office to learn more.
