Where to Get Free Reading Primers for Homeschoolers

Once a child has learned phonics it is important that he has easy books to read to help him practice his new skill. A great resource is to use free books from the library. But as a homeschool mom I have paid quite a bit in fees for overdue books over the years. It's a small price to pay to make sure my children have reading material. However, in my quest to find free books online I learned about using reading primers in homeschool.

What are Reading Primers?
According to Merriam Webster, a primer is a book for teaching a child to read. Primers use very simple words that children can sound out using phonics. Think Dick and Jane books. Once children can read through primers with ease then they advance to readers. Merriam Webster defines a reader as "a book for instruction and practice especially in reading."

How to Use Reading Primers in Your Homeschool
I teach phonics before moving on to primers. Over the years I have used several free methods to teach my children phonics. It is not necessary to invest in an expensive phonics program. Once children have mastered phonics then it is time for them to start reading.

I use the primers as the actual reading text for my student. Most primers have a few short, easy to read sentences per page or per lesson. In the beginning, we usually only cover a few lessons per week. If the child wants to do more than that then he is encouraged to do so. I have my beginning reader sit next to me and I help him sound out the words until he is comfortable doing it. Once he is sounding out the words by himself, I encourage him to read the lessons on his own. But I am always on stand by if he comes across a challenging word.

Where to Find Reading Primers
All books published before 1923 are in the public domain. And the great news is that there are many quality reading primers that were used in the public school system in the 1800's and early 1900's. You can find some of these primers at Google Books and Archive.org. However, if you don't feel like searching you can use this list of free primers, readers, and spellers.

So, it is possible to provide your children with reading books without purchasing them.

More Ways to Homeschool for Free
4 Free Handwriting Generators for Homeschool
Homeschool Using Free Printable Coloring Books

Sources:
Merriam Webster
When Works Pass into the Public Domain