The cost of homeschooling can really add up, depending on the method you choose, what grade your child is in, and how much you can cover on your own.
For example, you’ll need teaching materials like textbooks and workbooks. And during the science years, you’ll also need lab materials (not to mention project materials).
If you don’t feel confident developing your own curriculum, you have the option to invest in a pre-made one.
Purchasing lesson plans can be expensive, but you can save money by only getting what you need for your child’s curriculum. Another way to cut costs is by checking with the local public school to see if they will lend you some of their textbooks.
If you’re not sure where to start, check your local library for resources to use to teach your child’s lessons. You can purchase new books, but you might also be able to get by with buying used texts from a family whose kids are past that stage of learning.
The Internet is an area with a vast amount of free resources. Don’t be afraid to search for some daily lesson plans that you can print out, as well as project ideas you can assign to your child to make learning fun and interactive.
Networking with other homeschooling parents can be extremely beneficial. Many of them have book trades where they sell or give curriculums to other families. You may have to change a few things to make it more personalized for your child, or supplement it with something else, but used materials can help save you a lot of money.
Field trips can also be a great way to learn. Sometimes lessons can be taught at places like museums or zoos just by asking the guide questions. For example, if you’re learning about monkeys in your lesson plan, then you could go to the zoo and learn about them there instead of just looking at pictures in a book.
Nature is a great teacher. Going on hikes in your local parks can teach your child a lot about our environment and make learning more fun. It’s more interesting to get outdoors and walk, run (and even play) while you learn something, and it helps the child retain the information better, too!
Joining or starting a homeschooling community is another great way to get your child the education they need. Sometimes these communities can get donations for chalkboards, textbooks and other equipment from local schools or organizations.
There are plenty of ways to cut costs when it comes to homeschooling, and it all starts with being resourceful. Check garage sales, local thrift stores, and flea markets for equipment that you can use. You may be able to find chalkboards or notebooks at a discount price. If you belong to a group of homeschoolers, then you might consider buying materials in bulk for a cut in the costs.
Homeschooling can cost as much or as little as you want it to, depending on how you decide to develop your curriculum. It’s been reported to cost some families almost $3,000 – but there are plenty of ways you can cut costs and work it into your budget. For example, take advantage of free resources online, like educational websites, YouTube videos, and open-source textbooks. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, homeschooling can be affordable for any family.
