Frequently, families who home school their children are a one-income family so money is an issue. Educating your children at home can be expensive if you purchase homeschool textbooks at retail prices.
Being supplied with current books, class materials, computer equipment, an internet connection, supplies, etc cost money and will add up quickly. You should also consider the cost of a tutor for the subject areas you are not so willing to handle. The total costs can boggle your mind. One bright point is that if you intend to add more kids to your school room, they do come at a bit of a discount with the above mentioned items having already been purchased.
Used homeschool books, textbooks, lesson plans and teacher's guides can often be found on Half Price Books' education aisle. You can also find used curriculum at other used book stores, garage sales, thrift stores, and libraries. Some local homeschool support groups host used book swaps for their members.
Public libraries can be a great source for used books but they aren’t always accessible, and buying new books can rapidly drain the budget. There are many resources available for homeschooling materials. Many homeschool groups have book fairs and other organizational event that are a great place to pick up slightly used books and materials.
Newspaper classifieds and websites like Craigslist and Ebay offer good opportunities for buying and selling new and used homeschool books and materials, not to mention finding and announcing homeschool groups, activities, and events.
Other online resources exist, and you may consider joining Paperback Swap or Book Mooch. Both companies allow you to list old materials on their websites and exchange them for books you desire.
Many curriculum suppliers such as Sonlight, The Well Trained Mind and Winter Promise, host homeschool forums where you can buy and sell used materials.
If you would rather buy used homeschooling books in person, check local garage sales, thrift stores, library sales and used bookstores. Half Price books often has curriculum available for sale. You can also contact area homeschool support groups to see if they sponsor book swaps or used curriculum sales for homeschoolers.
When buying used homeschooling books, make a list of materials you need. Stick to this list in order to avoid buying materials just because they're a good deal. Be specific about titles, editions and grade levels so you can make sure you buy the correct materials.
Of course, the cost for homeschool books gets divided if you have more than one child, or if you share books with other families.
Homeschooling does not have to cost a fortune, and purchasing used homeschool textbooks can reduce your homeschooling cost significantly. In spite of the home school expenses, people advocate the benefits of homeschooling far outweigh any of these problems or expenses. Having the freedom to decide what your child learns combined with how and when it is taught is key. The child and parent mutually benefit from this life-enriching experience.
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