Have you ever wondered how you could homeschool with out spending a fortune?  I remember when I first started out and was looking at all the curriculum.  Some of the prices are astounding and way beyond our budget.  Not that I wouldn’t love to try some of it, I just can’t afford it.  So I’ve had to get creative with our schooling and I thought I share some of the ways I manage to give them a solid education without spending a lot. 

First when I do buy a curriculum I try to find something that will work with several of them.  I also try to find things that are used but still in good condition.  Check sites like Ebay, Amazon, homeschool boards, and other educational forums for used materials. 

My kids whine about it but I rarely let them write in the workbooks.  I have them write the answers on a sheet of paper and write the page number on the top.  The only time I let them write in the book is if it can be cheaply replaced.  I do photocopy some things for them and put it in a binder.  I keep the books for the next kid.  Even if the next kid learns differently I can usually adjust the material to fit them.  And at the very least I’ll have a guideline on how to plan for that child and a book I can refer to for explanations on the subject matter.  I’ve become rather picky about what I purchase for these reasons.  I want to get as much bang for my buck as possible.

Secondly I scour the Internet for free curriculum and supplies.  You’d be amazed what’s out there for free.  Here are some of my favorites that I frequent for free material.

Old Fashion Education

Homeschool Share

Homeschool Helper

Ambleside Online

Scott Foresman Reading Grammar and Writing

Biblocats – tons of book units

Heartland Free Unit Studies – links to lots of wonderful units listed alphabetically.

The Science Classroom

Those are just a few of the things I’ve found for free.  I have plenty more linked under Free Curriculum and Free Things.

Another thing I do is check what programs the public library, parks dept., and local museums offer.  Last year I found a free art program through the art museum, several educational programs from the parks dept., and teacher’s materials at the library.  One of my favorites was a nature journal class the parks dept. held.  They had some guy (and I can’t remember his name right now) come and explain all about nature journals.  He had made some really nice ones and was happy to answer all their questions.  I have also found several places that give free tours and demonstrations.  We went and watched an artist make blown glass ornaments and vases.  The kids watched intensely and when he was done he asked the kids if they had any questions.  I don’t think he realized what he was getting himself into. LOL  Of course the kids had tons of questions for him.  He probably answered questions for at least 40 minutes.  The gentleman was great with them and even demonstrated some things again for them.  Most people really enjoy sharing what they do with an eager audience.  There are lots of opportunities out there like this it just takes some searching.

For books I love the library but sometimes it doesn’t always work out.  So I also hit garage sales, rummage sales, thrift stores, and the internet for these.  The other day I found a complete set of encyclopedias for $5 at a yard sale.  Yes they aren’t new but they still have lots of relevant information in them.  I have found several books, workbooks, and other schooling supplies at these places all for very cheap.  Keep your eyes open at the stores also.  I have found some nice things in the clearance racks.  This is how I found several posters, workbooks, and art supplies.  The stuff is usually off season or they updated the product to something prettier so they sell off the old cheaply. Here are some places you can find free online books.

Bibliomania

World Wide School

The Literature Network

The Baldwin Online Children’s Literature

Project Gutenberg

I also write a lot of our own material using internet sites, books I have on hand, and what I can get at the library.  This does takes more work and time than just buying it.  I wrote a piece on how I do this.  If you want to read it you can find it here.

As for all the supplies used in projects and experiments, I have a few different ways of getting them.  If I’m running low on newspapers, magazines, tubes, coffee cans, or other recyclable things I simple ask my friends and family to save them for me.  I then go collect them when they call and tell me they have a bag ready.  I send away for all those free vacation guides and brochures.  They are wonderful additions to state study notebooks and various other crafts.  For beads, felt, fabric, and other things I keep my eyes open at garage sales and the clearance racks.  I’ve also found different materials needed for science experiments this way.  You’d be amazed what people keep stashed in boxes in their garage.  My dad had some old motors and different electrical stuff just sitting there.  He didn’t want to throw them out but didn’t have any use for them either.  See it pays to offer to help someone move or clean out the garage.

I almost forgot to tell you my favorite place to get project supplies, workbooks, books, and crafts.  The Dollar Tree, you know that store where everything is a dollar.  They have scrapbooking items, teaching materials, and tons of things.  That store and I are best buds.  If I can't get what I need through garage sales and such I hit that store to see if they have it before going anywhere else.

Often if you contact private schools at the end of the year they are happy to give you stuff they were just going to pitch.  Teachers often have things they get for free and are willing to pass on the extra to you.  Just ask the worst they can say is no.