Is homeschooling expensive? Depending on your choices, it can be. Homeschoolers need lots of resources at their fingertips to teach and inspire. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to create a rich and varied learning environment for your family.
There is so much available for little or even no cost! Here’s what you need to know to access those resources and stay within you family budget:
1. Connect with HOME
HOME has many events and resources of its own that will help you trim costs. Be sure to sign up for HOME Email News Updates and join HOME on Facebook to learn more and stay informed. You won’t want to miss a single opportunity. The Annual Maine Homeschool Exchange in Augusta, HOME Inventory Clearance Sales and our silent auctions are all ways to find amazing bargains and discounts on curriculum, field trips, classes, and more!
2. Shop HOME’s Bookshelf
HOME’s pre-planned unit studies typically cover all subjects through an in-depth study of one topic. Each of HOME’s unit studies cover all the subjects required in Maine's homeschool law! Each subject includes several assignments or projects. A list of suggested reading is also included.
The unit study approach makes it easier to teach the same topic to different ages all at once, saving you precious time and money. Use them to supplement or enrich your program, or as an affordable, year-long curriculum!
HOME has a wide variety of inexpensive unit studies and guides to help you cover various topics and subjects, broaden your curriculum or accompany some of HOME's many events and activities.
3. Visit Your Local Library
When homeschooling, perhaps the single most important investment is not the perfect curriculum, but a library card! Generally, library cards are free in the town where you reside. Neighboring towns offer them to non-residents for an annual fee. Some libraries give free cards to educators.
Public libraries are so much more than books. They provide a wonderful way to connect with your community. Most Maine libraries have a full calendar of events that include lectures, classes, clubs and story times. Many offer discounted admission passes to a variety of local and regional museums, too. A visit to your local library should be the very first stop as you begin your homeschooling journey!
4. Find Free Resources Online
Got a question? Search the web! Whether you are looking for printable worksheets, researching a topic, finding answers or searching for a virtual field trip, you will likely find all that you need and more online. HOME has compiled some great links and categorized them to help you search.
5. For Families in Need
HOME is Families Helping Families! Supporting Maine homeschoolers is part of our mission. Whenever possible, and as our funds allow, we provide assistance with some of the costs associated with homeschooling to Maine families experiencing hardship.
If you (or a family you know) are struggling, HOME may be able to help. Reach out to HOME today!
6. Find It All Here!
You can learn more about all the resources mentioned above at the HOME website: https://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/resources/.