Ways to Save on the Homeschooling Budget

I have to say money is never super plentiful around here. It seems that God always gives us enough and I’m thankful. Though while doing the finances each month, there have been many months where I just have to say, “Thank you, Lord, I don’t know how we are still in the black, but I’m ever so thankful.” But the times when we do have a little extra, I still think it good stewardship to watch the home school pennies. They can go at an alarming rate. (I attended a conference lately…yes it’s confirmed, an alarming rate.)

So here are a few things that have worked for us in stretching our “educational” funds.

I use the library…a lot. I love the search and hold part. In fact I use the public library and the library at my old teachers college where if you do reviews on the books, they send them to you and pay for postage back. You can be as specific as you want. Now, since my mom works in that library, and carts books back and forth for me, I can get any and all the books I want.

Secondly, I don’t buy much in the way of formal curricula for the early years…or rather I try not to buy much for the early years. Really, language arts and math can be accomplished with two books for help: How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (They read way before 100 easy lesson is up.) and Ruth Beechick’s 3 R’s is a must have. Other than that, get out the macaroni shells, M&M’s and hundreds chart and read a lot of great books…from the library. 5 in a Row is also a great “all in one” curriculum though a little lacking in the reading skills.

I borrow…yep, I mooch (hopefully it’s reciprocal) from my friends. Only tip is to put an address label in the front of each book and try to keep a list of who’s borrowing what book.

I love Charlotte Mason and most of her stuff is ONLINE (even the books). Check out ambelsideonline.org and simplycharlottemason.com. Love It! So simple and lots to do as a family together, lots of great books, a very gentle approach.

Use the internet for supplementing curriculum…yes, it takes a bit of time if you have to research it. Though googling “addition fact practice” really does work. I keep a list in my favorites under “homes chool” of great websites people recommend. A few of our favorites: toytheater.com, sheppardssoftware.com, starfall.com, timezattack.com. There are many more for specific topics. And I have gone into our local public school’s websites to look over what they have…not everything is great, but there are some good ones.

Those are just a few ways to spend much less money than you would on a “Grade 1” all in one curriculum. And if you are going that route…go to used book sales, see craigslist and ebay.