Getting ready to start your first year as a homeschooler? Have you fallen into the endless curriculum black hole where you are asking yourself a 1,000 questions about all of these choices? You are surely wondering what type of curriculum to use, where to find reliable reviews on curriculum you’re interested in, or how to get the best curriculum for your family without breaking the bank.
To save you some sleepless nights and guide you along the way as you choose your curriculum here are 4 easy tips giving you the inside scoop on how to save money on your curriculum when on a budget.
These simple but effective ideas will keep you from spending hundreds even thousands of dollars on your curriculum every year? Even if you have already started choosing your curriculum, printed a few worksheets, or have an initial plan these tips can still save you money.
In these uncertain times we all have the same goal in mind. That goal is to educate your children to the best of your ability without greatly impacting your current way of life.
Tip #1: Set a Budget
This tip while simple is so often overlooked. Setting a budget is so important any time you are making a purchase.
Your budget will depend greatly on your family, what subjects you want covered, and how many students of different grade levels you are teaching. Your first year of homeschooling will be full of ebbs and flows that will help shape the way you see homeschooling.
There is no guaranteed curriculum and you should always be prepared to make changes that work in the benefit of your child. Remember that as you decide on how much you want to spend.
If you max out your budget and need to make mid-year changes you want to have some wiggle room.
Tip #1: Set a Budget
This tip while simple is so often overlooked. Setting a budget is so important any time you are making a purchase.
Your budget will depend greatly on your family, what subjects you want covered, and how many students of different grade levels you are teaching. Your first year of homeschooling will be full of ebbs and flows that will help shape the way you see homeschooling.
There is no guaranteed curriculum and you should always be prepared to make changes that work in the benefit of your child. Remember that as you decide on how much you want to spend.
If you max out your budget and need to make mid-year changes you want to have some wiggle room.
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My suggestion on setting your budget is to break it down into categories:
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- For Fun Materials
- Supplies
Then, allot an amount you can spend for each based on what you have on hand already, can borrow, or find for free.
Finally, stick to that budget. Only make concessions for material that may be of higher quality or bundles that offer more resources than what you already planned to buy.
Even if you do choose to go over budget set a limit for that as well. My personal limit is no more than $100.
This is extremely important because if you set a budget and constantly go over it then your budget is USELESS.
Tip #2: Library/Used Books
When crafting my own curriculum I create my educational plan and decide on books/crafts I want to incorporate. I create a list of all the books and worksheets I will need ahead of time usually centered on different themes.
With this list I take a trip to the library to see if the books are available or if there are any alternatives.
Libraries even offering DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks that can be added as supplemental material.
After the library, another low cost option is a trip to your local small town bookstore or Half Priced Books to see what they have on the list as well.
Note: You have to be careful some places even when considered a discount store will charge more for some items. Always check the clearance any other discounted areas.
To stay within our budget, I generally keep my discount store purchases to books under $3 and workbooks/textbooks under $6.
There is a downside of used books stores and that is because they may not carry what you need. Or if they do sometimes the books aren’t in the best quality. Pages can be missing or written on.
If you are still spinning your wheels on how to choose your homeschool curriculum take five minutes and check out my “The 3 Best Ways to Choose Curriculum” post. It is a major time saver and is perfect for first-time homeschoolers.
Tip #3: Combine Subjects/Material
One of the most popular ways to avoid spending too much on your curriculum is by combining different subjects or materials.
Simply, if you are teaching about farms, every single subject should cover farms.
So instead of buying a math textbook, you could incorporate farm pieces or toys for counting activities or hands-on math problems. Or even download some farm worksheets for them to learn.
Of course, your student can read books about farms that are educational and fun.
Sing songs like “BINGO, Was His Name” or “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. Create crafts by making a farm out of Popsicle sticks, making paper plate pigs, hand chickens, or turkeys.
These ideas can all be done on a small scale for every theme you choose.
This technique is actually how a majority of homeschoolers choose to teach. It provides hands-on learning, fun topics to focus on, and the material can be cheap but easily changed if needed.
If you were thinking I can’t come up with something like that for an entire year then my unit studies shop is perfect for you. The curriculum packs cover several subjects and are at least 40 pages in length.
Even if you don’t purchase premade packs you can always start planning and researching your own unit study ideas.
To assist with that research I am giving you access for a limited time to my 15 page Editable Homeschool Curriculum Planner.
Tip #4 Share Resources When Possible (Co-op, Groups, Friends)
This school year is going to be very different for many parents this year to say the least.
You probably have several friends who will be trying out homeschooling even for the short-term. An important question is have you guys joined a co-op in your community yet?
You could actually become your own co-op. Co-op’s work together pooling resources, organizing play dates, taking field trips together, and sometimes taking turns teaching.
If someone speaks Spanish they could do lessons teaching your small group of homeschool students.
Do your friends have a great book? Now is the perfect time to ask to borrow those books you saw and share some of your books in return.
Most official co-ops or groups have a program where you can swap/borrow any material that could be helpful to each other.
Co-ops are such an amazing resource to have because they can provide guidance, support as you find your footing, and they are just an incredible way to network and socialize.
One day you can be that helping hand to another mama when the time comes.
I am a true believer in the old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, and just because you choose to homeschool does not mean you should be any less apart of the village than any other mama.
Tip #5 Go Virtual
While, technology has come along quite a bit the truth is 2020 really reshaped how people saw education.
It became critical to understand how to continue teaching even when the possiblity of being physically together was not a choice.
The solution to that: MORE AFFORDABLE VIRTUAL OPTIONS.
Options that you may not have had before or could not afford in the past.
Many parents wanted to add onto their child’s learning and sought out virtual classes. That demand lead to a greater supply which means more to choose from for a homeschooler.
Mixing in a virtual class can help cut costs in numerous ways from transportation costs, printed materials, and even clothes (less going out means less to wash).
Always be sure to shop around because not all virtual resources are created equally and some can oftentimes be more expensive than other options.
Ready to Go Shopping?!
Using these tips you are now you are one step closer to making smart decisions on purchasing your curriculum.
The steps are easy:
- Set a budget so that you can shop smartly.
- Decide on your curriculum and the materials you need
- Try to find those resources whether through borrowing/discounted
- Join a co-op to have support and additional access to resources
- Try virtual options that work for your family
Homeschooling expenses can go either way if you aren’t careful. Some parents save more money by homeschooling and others spend more than they expected.
You DO NOT HAVE to spend thousands a year for your child to get a good education. However, what you choose to spend is up to you.
Remember spend wisely no matter what your budget is and keep your resources up-to-date and accurate.
Grab Your FREE 5 Page Budget Template Using the Link Below!
Additional Resources to Save Money:
Exclusive Discounts for Homeschoolers– Now with these 4 tips in your arsenal check out some special discount for homeschooling families to keep saving. You will also find details on creating an homeschool ID and an official letterhead for your homeschool.
Dollar Tree Dos and Dont’s– There are so many great finds at the dollar store and all at a great price. However, not all of them are actually such a steal. Learn what things you should buy and which things you should buy elsewhere.
Last Updated on August 17, 2022 by Kierra
My wife and I homeschooled our oldest for 2 years. We were amazed at his growth. We used Time 4 Learning and traditional “book” lessons. Highly recommend.
I will definitely look into that. Homeschooling is such an amazing way to teach because it allows you the time really adjust and help your child grow.