Homeschooling is a viable way to give your child the education he or she deserves. Whether you’re simply looking to provide your child with a tailor-made education or can’t afford the exclusive, private schools, homeschooling is the cheaper alternative. It isn’t cost-free, however. And seeing how you would rather lighten the burden on your wallet than skimp on the learning, here are five ways to save on homeschooling.
Homeschooling - Gustoff family in Des Moines 020 (Photo credit: IowaPolitics.com)
1. Library
This is you first, obvious starting place. Any half-decent library will stock the books your child needs for a myriad of subjects. And, of course, they are yours for the taking at zero cost to you. Planning ahead and, if necessary, reserving the latest edition of a particular text will ensure your child has access to the most up-to-date information. At the very least, you’ll find books on how to set up a homeschooling curriculum.
2. Internet
Let’s not forget that it’s the 21st Century and the internet provides us with a universe on our desktop. And it’s just information via e-texts were talking about here. Free online home school curriculums and resources abound. Whether you’re looking for a starting point for this new stage of your child’s education or are looking to fine-tune your lesson plans, the internet has it all. Also with the glut of e-tablets and pads hitting the market, your child can do their work on an easy to use device such as an iPad and do away with hardcopies altogether.
3. Home Discount
As homeschooling has taken off in recent years, businesses which supply books and other material to schools are starting to feel the pinch. Rather than fighting this new approach, many businesses have embraced it and, along with independent websites, offer discounts on school material to homeschoolers. From Office Depot to Wal-Mart, there are savings to be had. Ask before you buy.
4. Free Supplies
Okay, class is in session in the living room. Oops you can’t find a pencil. Don’t rush off to the local office supply store. Check with your neighbors. I’ve yet to encounter anyone who has raised, or is raising, kids who is loaded down with cast off crayons, colored pencils, half-used doodle pads and so on. Take them off their hands. They will be glad to get rid of them and you’ll save big time.
5. Grants
This one is a bit of a shot in the dark, but it’s definitely worth investigating. In some countries, Canada for instance, the government offers grants to parents who home school. Sadly this is not the case in the US although students who graduate from homeschooling courses can be eligible for college grants. This is something you’ll want to investigate thoroughly as you guide your child on their way.
As you can see, homeschooling has entered the new millennium with a bang. It has become cost-effective and easy to set up through countless resources available to all at minimal to no expense. Using your child’s pre-school years to investigate this option, in place of traditional schooling, will be time well spent.
This article was written by writers from the car insurance website Complete Insurance. For more information about car insurance calculators visit CompleteInsurance.ca today.
