Question: My family is having financial troubles this year and I have no money for curriculum. Not a cent. What should I do? Should I send the kids to public school or can I find a free curriculum.
Answer: Public school is hardly the answer to a bad financial situation. By the time you buy school clothes and pay the school’s yearly supply fees you could have purchased a fine curriculum for your kids. With that said, let’s explore your other options.
The internet is great for free homeschooling. Since this note was sent over the internet, I am assuming you have a computer and internet connection. You don’t need a computer for every child; just access to online websites that provide free homeschool options. You will find plenty of free homeschool materials at websites like simplycharlottemason.com, Lessonpathways.com, Khanacademy.org, yaymath.com, librovox.org, and freehomeed.com. On these websites, and many more you will find free lessons plans, free online classes, free math tutorial videos, and free history and literature sound books for homeschooling. The options are literally endless.
There is always the library. Many low income homeschoolers create a simple and easy plan centered around library books. For example, just have the child pick out three to six books to read each week, depending upon their speed and level. For every two books they choose, you get to throw one in too (preferably non fiction , science or history based). In addition to reading, children must journal about everything they read and also do math lessons. You can also get math books and videos from the library. While you are at the library, check out books like “What Your … Grader Needs to Know”, “How to Homeschool Your Child For Free”, and any other homeschool advice books you can find.
Sell some of your old homeschool books (or something valuable you don’t need) to purchase a few homeschooled books. I recently discovered Teachers Wraparound editions of public school textbooks which are available at Amazon.com for less than $10.00 each with shipping. You can also pick up math and other workbooks at CVS or Walgreens (Through grade 6) for $5.00 or less.