| A common misconception is that home schooling | | | | There is a huge variety of curriculum sets on the |
| is an expensive endeavor. As more and more | | | | market. Not only are they expensive but it can be |
| families consider home schooling as a possible | | | | a daunting task trying to figure out which one is |
| alternative to public school, they may be | | | | the right one for you. Don't bother. Build your own |
| intimidated by what they perceive as a costly | | | | curriculum based on your child's interests. |
| journey. However, the reality is that affordable | | | | 2. The internet is an invaluable tool for home |
| home schooling is attainable. | | | | school families. It can be used for research and |
| It is quite possible to home school on a budget. | | | | there are many sites geared toward the home |
| Styles of home schooling vary from family to | | | | school environment. Many sites offer free lesson |
| family. One of the first things to consider when | | | | planning and materials. |
| designing your home schooling plan is what kind of | | | | 3. Utilize your library. There is no reason to buy |
| style fits you. This can impact the amount of | | | | books when you can simply go to the library and |
| money involved and how affordable home | | | | walk out with books on whatever topic is of |
| schooling will be for you. | | | | current interest to your child. |
| If you are trying to mirror the school system | | | | 4. Check out yard sales. Look for books, board |
| then it is possible you may bust your home | | | | games and other educational materials at yard |
| schooling budget as you purchase curriculum for | | | | sales. You'll be suprised at what you can find. You |
| each subject and buy books full of reproducibles. | | | | can also use sites like ebay to find used home |
| If you have the confidence to let go just a bit | | | | school materials. Often times families have |
| and to trust your children to guide their own | | | | outgrown their materials and are looking to pass |
| education then you will find that home schooling is | | | | them on for a fraction of the original price. |
| easily affordable. | | | | 5. Join a local home school group and swap and |
| The big secret that many home school families | | | | share materials with them. Some groups even |
| know is that the world itself is a classroom. Let | | | | have co-ops where the kids get together for |
| your children explore the world around them. | | | | specific subjects. This can cut back on materials |
| Allow them to set their pace. Realize that children | | | | you'll need at home. |
| are natural learners and if you allow them to they | | | | The key is to realize learning is free. It will take |
| will spend their day seeking knowledge and | | | | place with or withoutthe fancy curriculum sets. |
| absorbing it. Just knowing that is the first tip for | | | | Affordable home schooling is really up to the |
| affordable home schooling. Here are some other | | | | family and how they choose to design their own |
| tips for homeschooling on a budget: | | | | plan. |
| 1. Do not purchase curriculum for every subject. | | | | |