Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.
- Oscar Wilde
Markers, crayons, textbooks, desks. The list of supplies needed for a home school can run longer than the Boston Marathon. As a parent who has decided to educate your student independently, you can find yourself with an exhausted wallet and a frazzled brain. Fortunately, you have stumbled upon this article.
As the second in this article series, this piece suggests ways to get free and valuable resources to educate your child. Use the ingenious tips below to stock your supply closet without breaking your bank.
RUMMAGE. Most cities or towns designate days on which residents can dispose of large items. On these days, wake early and make the rounds in several neighborhoods. From wastebaskets to computer desks, you can find great reusable items.
REGISTER. Plan a “grand opening” party and then create a registry of items you will need for your home school. As a part of your grand-opening, send this registry to friends and family. Then, when celebration time comes, watch the gifted supplies pile high.
REUSE. Many organizations donate or dispose of damaged items. Private schools and universities are great places to get slightly worn, but usable, office furniture, textbooks, and other resources. Ask these institutions for used items.
BORROW. Find tons of resources at your local library. In addition to books, your local library carries CDs, DVDs, and Audio books. Your student can use the library’s databases to do research. Your student can also attend author readings and book talks.
BROWSE. The internet is full for free supplies. Check out the “free” page on Craig’s List (under “for sale”). This page lists items people are giving away. Scour this, and other sites, for give-aways.
GRADUATE. Colleges often hosts speakers and events that are open to the public. Visit college websites in your area and get a calendar of events from various departments. Your student can attend events related to her studies.
CELEBRATE. In addition to Black History Month, did you know that February is National Cherry Month, National Bird-Feeding Month, and Litter Prevention Month? Along with these observances come free workshops and events. Find out about these observances on EarthCalendar.net. Make these free field trips a part of your lesson.
MAKE IT OFFICIAL. Register your home school as a non-profit. Then, apply for grants and donations. Though the filing is lengthy, the thousands in donations may be worth it. Consider combining with other home schools and filing as a network. You don’t need thousands of dollars to stock your home school with amazing supplies. Remember: free resources are all around you. To find these resources, you simply need a plan and a bit of ingenuity.
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