By Maria Burke
One question I know is asked quite frequently is how one is able to homeschool on a budget. Sometimes the cheapest way to homeschool requires more time spent on your part in the planning stages. There is a plethora of information available on the web, and it can be difficult to navigate it all. Pinterest is a good starting point for ideas in creating materials and resources that you can use.
There are a number of online websites that can be used as part of your curriculum. Khanacademy.org is a wonderful free site that can be used for math, but it is so much more than that. They have added an English section, AP courses, testing resources, as well as other subjects. Readworks.org can be used for reading, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Using literature can also be a way to study a specific topic. For example, when I was teaching, I used the Seeds of America series by Laurie Halse Anderson and Sophia’s War by Avi when we studied the American Revolution.
Montessorikiwi has very reasonably-priced materials in all subjects. Lisa makes sure to cover topics from across the curriculum, and you can purchase them for a minimal fee.
If you need any suggestions, have any questions, or are interested in having support on your homeschooling journey, please contact me. My email is mariaburke818@gmail.com.
Maria Burke is an educator with 20 years of teaching experience. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education as well as a Bachelor's Degree in French from the University of Arizona. She obtained her Master's Degree in Curriculum Education from Lesley University and holds credentials through the American Montessori Society for ages 3-12. She currently homeschools her son and consults with other families who homeschool.
See more in my series of teaching at and from home here