How to Homeschool for Cheap

The cost of homeschool curriculum, supplies and activities can be quite expensive but it doesn't have to be this way. Your homeschool can be successful regardless of how much, or how little, money you spend. With this in mind here are some tips for inexpensive homeschooling.

Create A Budget

Create a budget for how much money you can spend per child per school year and then stick to it. Take into consideration the following expenses:

• Curriculum
• Books
• Magazines
• Support group or legal association dues
• Outside activities

Use The Library

Make use of your local library. Here you will be able to find:

• Books
• Reference materials
• Story times
• Reading programs
• Book clubs
• Writer's groups
• Support groups
• Classes
• Volunteer opportunities

Find Free Materials

Keep your eyes open for free materials, especially whenever you are online. You will be surprised when you find such things as:

• Textbooks
• Audio books
• Novels
• Lesson plans
• Printable worksheets
• Complete curriculum programs

Purchase Used Items

Resolved to purchased used homeschool books and curriculum from places like:

• Used book stores
• Garage sales
• Thrift shops
• Homeschool support group sales
• Websites

Look For Discounts

Whenever you do purchase something that is new, look for discounts at online stores such as Rainbow Resources and Christian Book Distributors. Scholastic also has a monthly book club that will save you money. You should also talk to your favorite retailers to see if they offer an educator's discount, which you will qualify for as a homeschool parent. Sometimes you will need to print an official letter or ID card from your home computer in order to take advantage of this savings though.

Use And Reuse

Make sure that you always purchase high quality materials that can then be handed down to younger siblings. Have your child write on separate paper instead of in a workbook or cover the workbook pages and use dry erase markers. Whenever possible, don't spend money on teacher's editions and answer keys.

Create Your Own

While it will take some time, you can make:

• Lesson plans
• Tests
• Worksheets
• Flash cards
• Manipulatives

Look At The Price Of Extracurricular Activities

Look for low cost extracurricular activities and field trips. Some places will offer free admission days or you can schedule a time to go with some other homeschool families. Check out what classes your local recreation center is offering. These can save you a lot of money. For instance, instead of paying $70 per month for karate, I am now paying only $35 for my daughter to take karate at the recreation center instead of at a local studio.

In Conclusion...

By being determined and committed to saving money, you will find ways to do so. Some parents have even been able to homeschool their children for free because they are extremely resourceful.