What You Must Have
There are a few core educational materials that you are going to need: books, basic school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.), language arts tools, math tools, online resources, a printer, a laminator, and a space for learning.
Okay, let’s dive deeper into these initial essentials!
Books
You’re going to need a category of 3 essential books: a solid curriculum, reading materials, and reference books (math, reading, science, etc.). While you will probably have to pay for a good curriculum, you can find great reading materials and reference books using free online resources, library books, and secondhand bookstores! Half Price Books is my pride and joy! I’ve found so many resources when I was in high school and once I started homeschooling my nephews!
Basic Supplies
Sometimes with all the hype and preparation, we miss the basics: paper, pencils, pens, erasers, notebooks, paint, color pencils or crayons (depending on the age group and your child’s preference), markers, and folders.
Math and Language Arts Tools + YouTube
You can spend hours each day creating your own material, however, there are many resources where you can get math and language arts tools. You can go the long homeschooling on a budget route, but let’s try to avoid burnout and delegate those hours elsewhere. The necessary math and language arts tools you will need include worksheets, flashcards, and affordable programs for older students like Khan Academy or Cool Math Games! Oh, and don’t neglect Educational Youtube Channels! There are so many, you just have to find the teacher you and your family like best!
And I admit, I do love drawing up activities for my homeschoolers! Construction paper and a black marker never failed me! I’m the Queen of Frugality! If you have the time, do it. If you are starting out, then take this advice: I now pair The Money Academy Curriculum with IXL.Com (Online Activities and Skill Checks for All Ages and Grades) and Pinterest! Pinterest helps me find the exact worksheets I am looking for to just print out. For us homeschooling moms, Pinterest is the new Google!
Space for Learning
Just like routines are important for creating balance and structure for children, the importance of creating an effective learning space at home is just as paramount! Whether it’s a designated room or just a quiet corner, constructing an area specifically for learning will alter the child’s mindset, mood, and view of education! So, doing work at a doctor’s appointment or in bed is not a great idea. Homework? Sure! Learning time? NO.
Now, what qualifies as a “space for learning”? Well, if you have a lovely dining table or island in the kitchen, that could work! If there is a set-aside corner of your child’s room, that is perfect! If you have an extra room in the house, amazing! We make do with what we have in the most effective way we can. For my older homeschoolers, we have an “everything room” where we host events, have bible study, and set up Monday- Friday for classroom educational learning! For my younger children, I am working on redesigning my room to create a learning corner. My son is 16mo at this time and very advanced, and I have a newborn on the way! Once it is finished, I will be happy to show everyone! You’ll find an update here or if you sign up for our newsletter, it will show you!
Organizational & Record-Keeping Tools
Though some sites will tell you that you do not have to keep a record of your child’s education, it is wise to avoid that advice. Keep records and stay organized, just in case your child wants to go to college or your state laws change! Stay ahead of the game so you do not have to play catch-up later. Investing in organizational items like, yes again, folders, planners, a portable filing case, and record-keeping bundles will streamline your success and administration! You are wearing many hats here.
Laminator & Printer
I am going to save you time and give you my top recommendations! I have both of these and it is *mwah* chef’s kiss! Having a printer and a laminator is going to save you time and money! You can reduce trash output and reuse the printable activities you purchase over and over again! The links below are affiliate links. I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! I have used and still have both printers and the large print laminator, the smaller print laminator is a recommendation from other homeschool families:
- Space-Efficient Printer: https://themoneaacademy.org/hp-printer
- Top Recommended Brother Printer: https://themoneaacademy.org/brother-printer
- Large Prints Laminator (Invitation Card Size to Wall Posters Paper): https://themoneaacademy.org/bonsai-laminator
- Smaller Prints Laminator (Invitation Card Size to Normal Printing Paper): https://themoneaacademy.org/buyoung-laminator
It is best top pair the HP Printer with the Large Prints Laminator! You can print and laminate up to 11 x 17 sized posters and activity sheets! Definite game changer for my family!
What You Can Buy IF You Have Extra
As far as Supplemental Learning Tools go, it’s often hard to determine if we absolutely need something or if we have this set idea that we have to have it this way: our vision. I’m not here to burst that vision, let’s just slowly build it instead of starting with everything at once. After all, homeschooling on a budget requires discipline!
Alright now, let’s dive into the budget extenders:
Extra Art and Craft Supplies
If you have extra funds, it would be nice to invest in creative supplies like different medium of paints (outside of acrylic), paint markers, clay, art kits or online art programs to help with art projects. It is good to note that art kits bought online are usually one-time use. Also, there is a learning curve with clay and paint mediums like watercolor or oil pastel. If you are already a fellow artist, your expertise should be what you should start with!
Educational Games and Puzzles
Most of us will have board games or puzzles in our homes, but in case you do not, then it is one of those IF you have the extra cash. Now, there are educational puzzle sets that support math, history, and science learning! And these are fun! You could make your own with the good ole craft paper and markers, or you could print out bundles from activities. Etsy will have a long list to choose from. And your favorite homeschooling YouTuber is bound to have a game or activity bundle ready to download, print, and cut for $5 – $15!
Science Kits
STEM learning is always more expensive than Fine Arts or General Educational Studies. National Geographic will have videos that your young ones can follow along to, as well as kits found in target, Walmart, and amazon! There are plenty of other programs with kits that are fun but can be pricey; if the budget allows, they can be a great hands-on supplement for science experiments as well!
Digital Subscriptions
If you are a tech savvy homeschooling family, then consider subscription-based services like Audible for audiobooks, or educational platforms like ABCmouse or Outschool! Digital subscriptions to educational programs provide additional interactive lessons that you can select from!
Do Not Even Waste Your Time
Now, there are some things that get a lot of hype that you should just avoid. Whether starting out or you are a veteran homeschooler, you do not want to waste your money.
Okay, so let’s discuss buyer bewares:
Expensive “All-in-One” Curriculum Packages
While these might seem appealing, they can be costly and often don’t suit all learning styles. Look for flexible curriculums that can be found in books. If it costs more than $50-$100, then you will probably need to solely use that program and their package. And you are most likely not going to like everything that one curriculum has to offer. Look for words like “customizable, flexible, guides” when it comes to curriculums and curriculum packages.
Brand-Name Products
Let’s face it, any brand-name school supplies and curriculum options are overpriced. You are paying for a name, rather than the product. You can 100% find affordable alternatives online that fit your values and goals for your family’s homeschooling experience.
Flashy “Must-Have” Gadgets
There are some things you actually MUST HAVE when homeschooling, and then there are things that social media overhypes to sell a dollar. For instance, special writing tablets or fancy tech gadgets often don’t offer significant value compared to free or low-cost options. Mom, does your two year old really need the latest iPad Air for educational purposes? Don’t even think about it, the answer is no. There are many educational options at better prices with less risk of damaging from the many hazards our lovely children tend to create.
Over-the-Top Organizational Tools
While being organized is important, overly complex or expensive organizational systems like custom-built furniture or premium planners are often unnecessary and a waste of money. If you feel the need to splurge and update your planners after you have a hang of things, go ahead! For now, just add it to your amazon list for later.
Extravagant Field Trips
Field trips can be great for learning, but expensive trips to theme parks or out-of-state destinations aren’t necessary for a well-rounded homeschool experience. DO take vacations and enjoy your time, but it does not have to be a normalized thing to take expensive field trips. There are so many local, low-cost options like museums, parks, lakes, pools, movie theaters, community gatherings, or historical sites! Look online or go twice a month to your local library to see what free events are coming up. I was surprised to see how much my community actually offered at little to no cost to our family.
Extra Tips & Tricks for Homeschooling on a Budget
- Use Free Resources: There is an abundance of free resources available online. From worksheets to activities to filling in for your curricula! Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers have free options, Khan Academy, or local library programs can provide high-quality materials at no cost.
- BUY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS: If you can print and cut something out yourself, do it! Most of the time, digital downloads are less expensive than physical products, they’re easily reusable, and you have them for a lifetime! And if your family allows tablets, there are digital download coloring books and activity books!
- Buy Secondhand: Facebook Marketplace has been a holy grail for some families. For me, I prefer Facebook Groups centered around homeschooling! You can buy secondhand curriculum books, supplies, and other reference books from local homeschooling groups, thrift stores, or online marketplaces!
- Barter with Other Homeschoolers: The bartering system is still alive and active today! Families can exchange materials or even services like tutoring or lesson planning to save money. Joining a community can create opportunities for affordable swaps.
- Homeschool Co-ops: Many homeschool co-ops have shared resources or bulk-buying opportunities, which can help families access tools they need at a reduced cost. This does come with it’s own set of benefits and drawbacks, so if you need more information, just click here.
- DIY Projects: Getting connected with your creative side can encourage creativity amongst your children. Many projects that would be done in a classroom can be done with minimal supplies from around the house.
- Utilize Local Resources: As someone who stayed in the library my high school years, I should have utilized this resource more! Libraries often offer free workshops, programs, and lending programs for educational tools. Museums and community centers may also have free events that can be used as learning experiences.
- Set a Budget & Stick to It: Use this article to set a clear homeschooling budget and prioritize spending on what’s most essential for the child’s learning experience, not social media. I have worked at daycare, volunteered at middle schools, tutored high school students, and currently homeschool two elementary students–we can do a lot with a little. Focusing on how the child learns and what interests them made the process a lot easier mentally, physically, and financially!
Conclusion
To recap everything, you are going to need a solid curriculum, subject-based books and tools, pens, pencils, acrylic paint, crayons, markers, notebooks, folders, digital/downloadable resources, a printer, a laminator, and a space for learning. Build up to and take your time getting extra craft supplies, extra board games and puzzles, science kits, and digital subscriptions. And avoid expensive packages, flash/brand-name products, extravagant tools and regular expensive field trips. Homeschooling on a budget is entirely possible with the right planning and resourcefulness. Be flexible and creative in making this journey work for your family’s needs.
If you have anymore tips or want to share tips, ideas, and budget-friendly homeschool hacks, then join us on Facebook at The Moneá Academy Homeschooling Survival Guide! We would love to hear feedback and answer questions below! Comment or share your own budget-friendly homeschooling tips!
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