Homeschooling families often have to live on one income and don't have as much money to spend our their children's educational needs as they would like to have. Thankfully there are several ways to cut on the costs of educational materials and resources.
Computer and Internet
A good computer, a printer and internet access, preferably by DSL or cable, are a must for the homeschooling family that wants to cut on the costs of educational materials and resources. Sure, a good computer comes at a price, and hooking your computer up to the Internet isn't cheap either, but in the long run, being able to connect to the Internet at no additional cost, can potentially save your family hundreds of dollars a year.
If used well, the Internet is one of the best educational resources you'll ever be able to lay your hands on; almost everything you need is just one mouse-click away. From colouring sheets for your preschooler, and printable worksheets for your young reader, to information on particle accelerators, dark matter and nuclear fission, you will find it on the Internet. And often for free.
Buy Second Hand
Buying second hand books, educational computer games, educational games, etc. is another great way to cut on the costs of educational materials and resources. Homeschooling families often buy and sell used books or complete curricula to and from each other, and some even share their resources for free.
Since your children don't go to school, and there's no peer pressure for them to wear the latest and most expensive brand of clothing. Second hand clothes are great to save money too, and have the added bonus that you probably won't mind too much if your children get them dirty whilst playing outside in the mud.
Use Your Local Library
Borrowing books, audio CDs, videos and software from the library will also help you cut on the costs of educational materials and resources - and some libraries have large sections where you can borrow sheet music.
Also, if you don't have internet access at home, you can use the library's computer to connect to the internet for a limited amount of time and at a price. This is a good option if you use the internet occasionally, or if you're temporarily deprived of your Internet connection at home.
Many libraries will also host events that might be of interest to your family. A book signing, a workshop, a theme week.It's well worth keeping an eye out for interesting events at your local library. Sometimes, admission to these events is free, at other times you may have to pay a fee.
Free Field Trips
Field trips are a fun way to educate your children whilst keeping them active and entertained at the same time - and they can be valuable tools in the hands of a homeschooling family that wants to cut on the costs of educational materials and resources.
A field trip can be something as inexpensive and easy as taking you children to the local park and meet up with a few other homeschooling families for a picnic and a game of volleyball. Or going to the beach on a dreary autumn day to walk in the surf and collect shells and other seaside treasures. With a little bit of creative thinking, anything is possible at low cost.