How to homeschool for virtually no cost
We've all heard it's possible to homeschool for next to nothing but most don't see how it can actually be done. We also know that it can become quite overwhelming finding a starting point as there is so much available online now to homeschoolers. Well here's some simple tricks and resources to making it happen.
1. The following items constitute where most will incur some initial expenses, but they'll quickly pay for themselves several times over:
2. The next necessity is probably the most important and costs nothing...a library card.
3. Now that you have your materials, USE THEM. Decide what subjects you'll teach and create lesson plans for each according to grade/skill level of your children. Then head to the library to find books for each lesson. Finally, print worksheets from the internet for teaching, review, testing, etc.
4. Free online resources
Full curriculum
Head of the Class (K-5)
Language Arts
Spelling City (spelling)
Math
Khan Academy (tutorials on any and every math concept)
Science
Otter's science curriculum (separate pk-1, 2-6, and high school curriculums)
Bible/ Character building
History/ Geography
Geography Club activities (can be used as lesson plans)
Sheppard Software geography (online games)
Mr. Donn Social Studies (history lesson plans/ activities)
Foreign Languages
General worksheets
Super Teachers
TLS Books
Organization/ Record keeping
Donna Young (printables)
Homeschool Tracker (basic edition is free download)
Lapbooking
Homeschool Helper Online (templates)
Homeschool Share (templates)
6. Lesson plan ideas
1. The following items constitute where most will incur some initial expenses, but they'll quickly pay for themselves several times over:
- computer
- home internet access
- small office printer (all-in-one types are suitable for moderate to heavy load printing as the ink gets more mileage than smaller models)
- printing paper (by the case; may be free with printer purchase)
- three ring binders (as many as desired per child and at least one for mom/ dad for organization; buying in bulk in anticipation of future needs may save money and time)
2. The next necessity is probably the most important and costs nothing...a library card.
3. Now that you have your materials, USE THEM. Decide what subjects you'll teach and create lesson plans for each according to grade/skill level of your children. Then head to the library to find books for each lesson. Finally, print worksheets from the internet for teaching, review, testing, etc.
4. Free online resources
Full curriculum
Head of the Class (K-5)
Language Arts
Spelling City (spelling)
Math
Khan Academy (tutorials on any and every math concept)
Science
Otter's science curriculum (separate pk-1, 2-6, and high school curriculums)
Bible/ Character building
History/ Geography
Geography Club activities (can be used as lesson plans)
Sheppard Software geography (online games)
Mr. Donn Social Studies (history lesson plans/ activities)
Foreign Languages
General worksheets
Super Teachers
TLS Books
Organization/ Record keeping
Donna Young (printables)
Homeschool Tracker (basic edition is free download)
Lapbooking
Homeschool Helper Online (templates)
Homeschool Share (templates)
6. Lesson plan ideas
- For spelling/ vocabulary, create a word list from whatever novel/ storybook your child is reading.
- For grammar, have your child copy sentences from their favorite story or write letters to siblings or friends.
- For Bible/character building, memorize Bible verses or read stories emphasizing important character traits and have your child summarize in her/his own words.
- For math, play store with younger children at home and have them "buy" their toys or snacks. With older children, have them keep a running total while doing real grocery shopping including calculating the tax before you check out. If you need manipulatives, use buttons, straws, or any other common household item you have on hand.
- For history, create profiles and timelines of historical figures and periods.
- For geography, go on trips "around the country" or "around the world" using books, videos, and online media. Do craft projects making items native your state or country of study. Sample recipes of the local cuisine. Mark a map with stickers for each "trip".
- For science, do projects found in books or online and keep a notebook of experiments. Enjoy nature walks and keep a nature journal including drawings or photographs.