Homeschool Supplies

When fall arrives, parents know it is time once again to go hunting for homeschool supplies. Pens, pencils and pad reserves are depleted and the supply cabinet needs to be restocked for the upcoming school year. Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, there are tips and tricks to getting the supplies you need without spending a small fortune for your classroom.

Even homeschoolers need basic supplies to get them through the school year. These items include:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Crayons
• Colored Pencils
• Writing paper
• Glue
• Paints
• Art paper – construction, painting and watercolor
• Supply box – to keep the supplies organized

New homeschooling parents may weigh the options regarding purchasing a curriculum or designing their own. A curriculum that includes all of the supplies that you'll need can run in the thousands of dollars. On the other hand, buying a curriculum without the supplies will save you money, but eventually you'll need to buy the required supplies on your own from other resources.

Budget conscious homeschool parents will shop around local garage sales, thrift stores and homeschool swap meets to find used curriculum books. These are also good places to find used homeschool supplies at a fraction of the cost that would be paid for brand new equipment.

Every homeschooling parent has a wish list of things that they would like to have in their classroom, if the budget allows. Some of these homeschool supplies are available through other avenues, if you know where to look!

• Microscope – students both young and old can benefit from a microscope in the classroom. The problem is, they can be very pricey. Whether or not to invest in one depends on your child's interest in science and how much use you think one will get at your home. If your budget doesn't allow for buying one, find out whether your local homeschooling group has one available for rent or to borrow. In addition, check with your local 4-H office or public library to see if they have one to lend. You may be surprised at the other items they also have available to loan out!
• Computer – a computer is nice to have in the classroom for many reasons. Primarily, it can help homeschooled students keep up with their public school counterparts. Other reasons to have one include using them for research projects and for downloading free worksheets and printables found on school websites. If your budget is tight this year, consider using one at your public library. While you will have to pay for anything you print out at the library, the use of the computers will be free.
• Videos and Computer Software – buying videos and computer software can be pricey, especially if you will only be using the items for one school year or for one student. To keep your budget in check, consider renting or borrowing the software that you need. For example, many public libraries offer videos and CD's in their collections. In addition, you may want to sign up for inexpensive video delivery services, such as NetFlix or Blockbuster to get DVD's delivered right to your home. Don't forget your local homeschooling groups or churches, which are also good resources to loan these items from.

Before you hit the stores to buy homeschool supplies for the school year, consider these tips before you go:

• Have a list of what you need. This will help you avoid impulse buying.
• Wait for the sales after Labor Day. You'll find the best prices after the public and private schooled students start their school year. This is also a great way to stock up on other school supplies that you'll need year after year, such as writing and art paper.
• Find out when your local thrift stores get their new shipments- then be there the day they put the new items on the shelves.
• Contact local homeschool support groups to find out when they have their sales or swap meets. Get there early to find the best deals.
• Always check out community yard sales and public library book sales. The prices on used books and supplies will usually fit within anyone's classroom budget.

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