| In the majority of homeschool families, one | | | | Obviously, it would be a little difficult to |
| parent stays at home to teach the children. | | | | find textbooks at the library that one could |
| This can make saving money on your children's | | | | keep all year long. But, the library is a |
| curriculum without sacrificing the quality of | | | | great source for reference books when you're |
| their education of the uppermost importance. | | | | studying a particular subject and don't |
| Homeschooling can be an expensive adventure | | | | forget about all the classic novels your |
| but it doesn't have to be. If one does their | | | | child will read throughout the years. |
| research and is willing to take some time to | | | | |
| plan and put together a curriculum it can be | | | | A Little Help From My Friends |
| very cheap compared to purchasing a | | | | |
| "packaged" curriculum. Putting together an | | | | Some of your most important resources can be |
| eclectic curriculum in this manner can also | | | | family and friends. Do you know someone else |
| benefit your child as each child has their | | | | that is homeschooling? Would they be willing |
| own unique learning style. You may find when | | | | to sell or lend you books they no longer use? |
| you purchase a ready made curriculum that the | | | | |
| language arts works well with your child and | | | | Encyclopedias, reference books and classic |
| the math does not. | | | | novels your local library doesn't carry can |
| | | | make great gifts for your children or family. |
| Where To Start? | | | | |
| | | | Support Groups |
| The first question a parent usually has when | | | | |
| deciding to put a curriculum together on | | | | Local homeschool support groups are great for |
| their own is "What should my child be | | | | many reasons and they sometimes have a book |
| learning for their particular age?" World | | | | swap program. |
| Book's Typical Course of Study at has always | | | | |
| been a popular resource. Also, try visiting | | | | Other Places |
| the website for the education department in | | | | |
| your state. This can be another great | | | | How about your local school district? They |
| resource. They usually list the state | | | | sometimes sell textbooks they are no longer |
| standards in detail. A visit to the library | | | | using. |
| should also yield books on the subject of | | | | |
| what your child should know at a particular | | | | Putting It All Together |
| age. | | | | |
| | | | By now your head should be spinning with all |
| Where Do I Get The Lesson Plans? | | | | the possibilities. I know your itching to get |
| | | | started but remember, focus and a plan are |
| The second question is usually. Where do I | | | | the keys to doing this successfully. You can |
| get all the curriculum or lesson plans cheap | | | | become overwhelmed very easily with all the |
| or free? There are many places to get | | | | great resources out there. |
| textbooks and lesson plans cheap or even | | | | |
| free. | | | | Make sure there's ink in your printer and |
| | | | start with a plan. Decide what your child |
| The Internet | | | | should learn for that particular year. Start |
| | | | with one subject at a time when you do this |
| One of the best sources for this endeavor is | | | | plan. Write it all down and develop a plan of |
| the Internet. Start with a search for "used | | | | study. has always been one of my favorite |
| textbooks" or "used curriculum" and you will | | | | sites for free printable forms that deal with |
| find many sites where other homeschool | | | | planning and managing your home school. Once |
| families list the books they no longer use | | | | you are satisfied with your plan of study, |
| for sale. Another great resource is Ebay and | | | | search the Internet for lesson plans and |
| other auction sites like them. Next, try a | | | | curriculum, work on one subject at a time. |
| search for "free lesson plans" and you will | | | | Remember, you don't necessarily have to plan |
| find that there are literally thousands of | | | | an entire year before the school year starts. |
| them available. When you're focusing on a | | | | You can plan a few months at a time and work |
| particular subject simply refine your search | | | | on the rest as the school year continues. |
| to include the subject you are interested in. | | | | This can be a preferred method as plans tend |
| Don't forget about unit studies. There are | | | | to change throughout the year. |
| several sites that sell unit studies for | | | | |
| relatively cheap and some that offer them for | | | | The most important thing to remember is that |
| free. | | | | homeschooling should be a fun and rewarding |
| | | | experience for you and your children. So most |
| The Library | | | | of all, relax and have fun! |
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