Homeschooling is so popular and many people are cashing in on this, charging large sums of money for online courses and classes.
Many parents believe it is difficult to find resources to use for homeschooling so will happily hand over their credit card details. You don’t have to do that!
See our Guide on How to Start to Homeschool
However, there are many other places to find homeschooling resources, for much less money.
Where can I find teaching materials for homeschoolers?
1. Book Stores
Your first stop is as simple as a ride to your nearest bookstores. Armed with a list of possible books to buy from a curriculum or suggested unit theme online, you can buy the books at any convenient bookstore.
Don’t overlook second-hand book stores and thrift stores too as many non-fiction books are only ever lightly used so you could save a ton of money in your book shopping.
Another good idea is to collect together a list of books throughout the year then take advantage of the Amazon 3 for 2 sale and Barnes & Noble sales when they happen.
2. Online
Yes, I mentioned the courses and classes (Outschool has classes from $10 per class) all over the internet, but there are also plenty of free resources. Search online for popular homeschool blogs or join a homeschool forum or Facebook group and ask for ideas.
Many veteran homeschool bloggers have posts of themed unit studies which are a great place to start. If you sign up to their mailing lists, they may also send free resources.
When you need specialist help, like Math, for example, if you have a 2nd – 5th grader, we love the Revolution Math program, that provides live teaching with fun at-home accessories to help learning difficult concepts.
Meeting other parents in Homeschool forums and groups can also help as they share resources and ideas, which can inspire your teaching and point you towards worthwhile resources.
We also LOVE Outschool!
Explore any interest over live video chat!
Discover fun, social, and safe learning experiences for kids ages 3-18 led by passionate teachers.
Classes from $10.
3. Libraries
Another easy and cheap place to look for resources is at your local public library. You can take books home for you and your child to use, and you will also be able to access other reference resources and even some public records.
Many libraries also offer book discussions and other activities, which can not only help your child to develop their reading but also to think and criticize everything that they read. This helps to develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
4. Other People
Make friends with other homeschooling families and share your resources, ideas and experience. If you join a homeschool co-op you may be able to borrow more expensive items such as a telescope or microscope before investing the money yourself.
Don’t overlook family members and your own friends, too. Many will have interests, expertise and life experiences they will be more than happy to share with your child. Ask uncle to tell you all about the year he spent in Japan, or have granddad teach the kids some woodworking skills.
5. Museums
Incredibly, your local museum may be one of the most overlooked places. Find out what yours have to offer. Many of our local Museums in Dallas Fort Worth are also free!
A trip to a museum will not only help your child appreciate art and history but they will learn lots too. You could also check online for exhibits and information from national and international museums.
Most museums and art galleries have plenty of child-friendly resources available that your kids will love.
6. Your home
Surprisingly, you may already have plenty of resources in your own home. Search your cupboards and teach your child some simple baking lessons. Lots of science there!
This will not only help your relationship with your child but it will also promote your child to learn patience and of course will teach your child how to bake. You can also find ingredients for simple kitchen science experiments and other fun activities, like making play dough, slime and oobleck.
You can also extend your learning activities into your yard. Try observing insects or planting some seeds. This will help your child be interested in plant life but can be coupled with other activities, such as math, to make the time fun and educational.
Follow where your child’s attention is focused, and you can turn their playtime into something fun and educational.