Free homeschool materials are so popular right now. I don’t see this trend going away. It’s too easy to google and find all kinds of free resources. But, let’s be wise when it comes to these freebies.

Making Wise Choices with Free Homeschool Materials

When you start your homeschool curriculum search, it doesn’t take long to realize you’ll be spending some money. However, most homeschool families are also single-income families. This can make it appealing to school your children completely on the freebies you find online. I want to challenge you to start with a strong homeschool mission statement or philosophy of education before you start down the freebie-only road. Make sure the free resources align with the overall goal you’ve sent for your homeschool.

Developing a Mission Statement for Your Homeschool

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a simple list of the things that are important to you. Answering these questions can be a good start:

• Is faith an integral part of your homeschooling? {Check out this podcast: Faith and Homeschooling}
• Are academics your primary concern? {Check out these podcasts:  Academics}
• Do you tag team your homeschool efforts? {Check out this podcast: When Dad is the Teacher)
• Are you a work-at-home mom homeschooling? {Check out this podcast: How to Balance Working from Home and Homeschooling}

Simple Mission Statement

Answering these basic questions can help you create a simple mission statement that can guide your purchases or choices of free homeschooling curriculum. A simple mission statement might be something like this, “Our homeschooling model is based upon our Christian faith and desire to establish that Faith as the foundation upon which all curriculum choices are made. Academics are a top concern, as it’s important to our family that our children be able to reason and communicate not just their faith, but all things. We will work together as parents to ensure we stay committed to these basic ideals.”

Methods of Homeschooling

Once you’ve developed a basic mission statement, you can begin to look at the different methods of homeschooling. Knowing HOW you plan to education your kids is as important as WHY you’ll educate them at home.

Here are some helpful podcasts that can assist you in determine your method of homeschooling:

• Methods of Homeschooling – Homeschool Mom’s Quiz by Felice Gerwitz / Vintage Homeschool Moms
• Homeschool Methods by Brook and Israel Wayne / Family Renewal
• Educational Methods Overview by FPEA

Understanding the Value of Free Curriculum

For most homeschooling moms, free curriculum is a supplement to their main curriculum. It might even be something we fall back on when times are tough. Looking at how curriculum is developed and the role of free curriculum can also help you make wise choices.

Give a listen to Is Free Curriculum Really Free? by Felice Gerwitz to get a better understanding of the pro’s and con’s of  free curriculum.

Felice Gerwitz has been a curriculum writer and developer for over 25 years and knows the painstaking hours that go into the development of curriculum. She’s spoken on the importance of using your homeschool mission and method to make your homeschool as successful as can possibly be.

She joins her voice to that of Carol Topp & Cindy West in their episode, 5 Warnings Against Frugal Homeschooling.

Her desire to provide quality, affordable homeschool materials gave birth to MediaAngelsMembership.com where you can homeschool your entire family starting at just $15 per month.

Make a Wise Decision

Knowing that for most of us, we’re homeschooling with eternity in mind. Choosing the very best in homeschooling materials and methods are something we take seriously. Free homeschool material has a place in the education of your children, but I challenge you today to think about how far you go with frugality. If you choose a free homeschool curriculum, look for one, such as Ambleside Online or Easy Peasy which offers a more cohesive approach.

You can make use of homeschool curriculum swaps, resale or homeschool consignment stores, eBay, or Amazon. Check out these resources:

• Kurriculum Korner
• Homeschool Classifieds
• Second Harvest Books

PS. Here are some additional resources you can try to save money on other areas to better afford homeschool materials

• Money Saving Mom has a plethora of resources to help you save money across the board.
• Resources on earning extra money as a stay-at-homeschool mom: Making Money Blogging, Making Money From Home, 8 Steps to Starting a Successful Blog, and How to Choose the Right Work at Home Opportunity for You.

To Help You on Your Homeschooling Journey

We’re all moms here (and dads!) and we know what it’s like for money to be tight. To kick of your back to homeschool, Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network is participating with our blogging friends to bring you the following giveaway! …  (be sure and see our privacy and giveaway policy).

Another (home) school year is upon us!

Some of you may have already started your year, or some of you might school all year long, or some of you might be making those final curriculum decisions before your new year starts.  Whatever boat you are in, I’m sure you could use a little extra money for homeschool curriculum or resources.  Am I right?
I’ve gotten together with some fellow homeschool bloggers and we are pooling our money together to bless two homeschool families with a gift card to spend on their homeschools.  How does $250 sound in helping you buy curriculum, books, games, puzzles, or whatever educational supplies you might need?  Two people will win a $250 gift card to Timberdoodle!!

We know homeschooling can put financial strain on families – whether it’s from living on one-income or buying curriculum for multiple children – the financial aspect of it can be stressful.  Our hope is that we can bless a couple of homeschool families (although we wish we could bless many more) so they can buy the curriculum and supplies they need.

Enter to Win

To enter for your chance to win, simply use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  Now I know that is quite a few entries for you, but each of these bloggers generously chipped in their own money to bring you this giveaway, so I hope you will take the time to do all of the entries.  And hey, the more entries you do, the better your odds are of winning!

Giveaway ends Aug. 15, 2018 at 11:59pm ET.  Must be at least 18 years of age.  Must be a resident of U.S. or Canada to enter.  Selected winners will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prizes or another winner will be drawn.  By entering this giveaway, you agree to be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers.  Please be sure to read the Terms & Conditions upon entering the giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway