This article is not a ‘how to’ guide for the best way to homeschool, it is simply an example to show that if you had a shoestring budget and nearly no money, you could still homeschool. That being said, while this is bare bones, you would still have an excellent curriculum.
So, how do you do it? Firstly, as with any frugal attempt, we need to
differentiate between needs and nice extras. What skills and subjects are
nonnegotiable when it comes to teaching our kids? I think it would be safe to
say that the four essential subjects would be reading, writing, mathematics
and Godly training. These are the four that you can’t get through life without.
Below is a description of what you need to teach these subjects and some note
s on how to do it.
Materials
-Pencils x 10 = $2.00
- Exercise books 128 pg x 10 = $7.80
- Manipulatives (rocks, buttons, pencils, fruit, etc,) = $ Free - you must have
some rocks to spare =D
- Bible x 1 = $Free if you already have one or sometimes op shops will give
them away
- Library Card
- Sharpener = $1.00
- Calculator = $2.00
Reading
The first step to reading is to learn your alphabet. This need not be extravagant. It can be as simple as writing all the letters, lower and upper case, on a few sheets of paper (from the exercise books) and then sticking them on the wall somewhere in view. Then, work through the letters, one a day or week depending on how your child learns, until they have become subconsciously familiar with the sound and shape of each of the 26 letters. After this is accomplished, begin to write down ( in the exercise book) letter combinations such as st, ch, pl, ca, be, sa, br, etc, and simply teach the sound that goes with them. During these stages it can be helpful to keep the learning sessions often but short. One initial 5-10 minute teaching time followed by simple revisions throughout the day (or longer) should suffice. This helps to make the information sink in while not boring or frustrating the child with long tedious 'book-work' sessions. After these combinations are learnt, it should be a natural transition onto short words such as cat, box, peg and mop. There are lots of early reading books that can be borrowed from the library and worked through. Once your child has learnt to read, a great breakthrough has been made. Celebrate! When a child knows how to read, he can now begin to read to learn. The library is a wonderful resource for books on any topic. Once reading is learnt, they only get better with practice.
Writing
Writing can either be taught at the same time as the letters are taught or any time after that. Once a child knows their letters or a letter, they can begin to practice writing it. This can be done in the exercise books by first writing the letter once or a couple of times neatly and then having your child copy them. After your child has learnt to write letters, they can begin to copy words and simple sentences. Remember, at this stage one neatly written letter is worth ten poorly written ones, but, either way, encourage them and don’t squash any enthusiasm, just channel it=D. I would suggest sticking with one kind of font to make consistency easier. Inspiration for your child’s copy work can be taken from anywhere, scripture verses, library books, letters and newspapers are all examples of different things that can be used. Try and get them to do at least one writing activity a day, neatly written, and your child’s writing ability will become smoother and more fluent each day. When the time comes for essays, reports and creative writing, both instructional books and subject matter can be borrowed from your library. As far as grammar is concerned, the basics will probably be picked up subconsciously if they are doing a lot of reading, and the rest can be learned from library resources. I think people underestimate the amount of learning tools and information that can be accessed through the library. Most librarians are more than willing to order something in if it is on their files (and that’s nearly everything!).
Mathematics
The concept of counting itself and all the four operations of whole numbers, (add, subtract, divide and multiply) can be taught using manipulatives. These could be anything from beans, buttons and fruit to pencils and rocks etc. When counting has been established, you can move to written numbers and start working in your exercise books. At this time, you might want to research what maths textbooks you would like to start your child on. This does not need to be straight away. Studies have shown that when formal math instruction has been delayed until third or fourth grade (or even later), children do just as well as, if not a bit better than, children who were started on a math textbook in first grade. The choice is up to you, the parent. Either way, when you have decided on your preferred textbook, you should be able to borrow this textbook from your library. You can then work through the textbook with your child, but have the working out, answers and marking done in an exercise book. This may seem like a strange arrangement for the long term, but it can work if you are prepared to do it, and certainly until you can save up the funds to work out another arrangement.
Godly Training
Fortunately, God’s got this one laid out. In James 1:5, God says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him asks of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him”. With God’s wisdom and His Word (the Bible), you have all you really need for Godly training. After all, this subject is always taught better by example than word. I’m not saying that words don’t count, but I think you know what I mean.
This is by no means an in-exhaustive guide to homeschooling on the cheap. After a quick search on the internet on ‘homeschooling for free’, you will find a multitude of information and ideas. The resources for most subjects can be sourced through the library. When you think of it, if you saved $1 per child per week, by the end of the year you would have enough to get those art supplies, maths textbook or
? , that you have been wanting. Your money would stretch even further if you bought reusable and/or second hand products. The ideas are endless and this is just a start. So, whether you really only have $12.80 to spend on homeschooling or if you are going through a hard financial time and can’t find much room in the budget or if you are just interested in what can be done with so little money, I hope you will be encouraged to see that it IS possible.
Your sister in Christ
Sabrina
This post has been added as part of a link up at
'A Wise Woman Builds Her House'
