Discounts For Homeschool Families
Tips For Homeschoolers Who Want to Save Money On Schooling Supplies
Apr 9, 2008
Homeschoolers have many curriculum choices and educational methods at their disposal from pre-packaged curriculum focused on workbooks to hands-on education. A homeschooler who chooses the hands-on method of homeschooling is responsible for providing all of the necessary materials their child or children will use in their studies. So how can a homeschooling family save on these costs? There are actually several simple ways to accomplish this.
Money Saving Tips for Homeschool Science Lessons
When teaching science to a homeschool student, parents may cover a large variety of topics in a relatively short period of time. If there is more than one student and they are at different grade levels, the approach used to teach a topic might be different for each. Where a third grade student may study the anatomy of flowers, a student in the eighth grade may study a plant’s biology, which means each student may need different materials such as plants of various sizes and types as well as microscopes or dissection tools. Here are some tips on where to find the necessary tools for science classes:
- Local florists often have a discard corner filled with a variety of flowers they are unable to sell. These will ultimately end up in the garbage at the end of the week. Often if you ask they will either give you stems from this corner or charge only a nominal fee.
- Laboratories undergoing renovations or equipment upgrades may have items such as microscopes for sale at a minimal fee. And often other tools like magnifying glasses are available as well. Don’t be afraid to call and ask.
- Schools liquidate their textbooks and supplies periodically when there are curriculum changes. Items such as textbooks, scientific slides and other resources can be purchased or bid on during these times. Colleges and universities do so quite often.
English Resources For Homeschoolers on A Shoestring Budget
Teaching English can perhaps be the most costly of all subjects. Books needed to meet each students requirements change often more than once a year and many are needed to keep a homeschooler engaged in the process of learning. These are some tips that work well:
- Organize a book-swap with other local homeschooling families.
- Check out second hand book sales at local schools and libraries.
- Buy large lots of books from auction sites such as Ebay.
- Frequent local second hand bookshops and see if any will offer credit on old books.
Community Resources Worth Contacting For Multiple Subjects
Homeschooling families have the ability to tap into great local resources when planning lessons on a variety of topics. Many of these organizations will provide tours, courses and workshops for free, a nominal fee, or on a donation basis. Some local organizations worth contacting are:
- Local health units who often provide information sessions and workshops on health related topics.
- St. John’s Ambulance, an organization that provides training in CPR, first aid and babysitting.
- Local museums often put on workshops geared to children of varying ages
- Conservation authorities may conduct things such as pond studies and nature walks.
- Organizations such as toy-lending libraries and youth drop in centers often organize special courses and or workshops.
Homeschooling families can trim their home education budget and still provide quality-learning opportunities outside the public school realm. Being creative pays off when looking for lesson materials and allows families to save for a rainy day or something special the family would like.
For more information about homeschooling on a tight budget read these other great Suite 101 articles, Art Classes: Back to the Basics and Travel Aboard Via Rails Canadian.
