Some time ago, I wrote about the costs of homeschooling for frugal, median range, and high-end homeschoolers. I want to follow that up by reiterating that you really, really, really do not need money to homeschool.
This post is in response to a video I came across on the net where a woman was saying that homeschooling is unfair to lower income people because they cannot afford to homeschool too. Therefore, no one should homeschool. ((((Pregnant pause))))
Now that we have gotten over the shock of that statement, let us get to the problem at hand… well one of the problems anyway. Homeschcooling can be done on a shoestring. If you really want to homeschool, you can whether you are rich, poor, or a single parent. You just have to creative and learn to look at the resources around you in different ways.
Money: Yes, some curriculums cost $1000.00 a year or more. However, just like all you really need for a baby is a basket and a pile of cloth diapers (everything else is extra), all you need to homeschool a child is paper and pencils. The public library is free, and you have the right to spend all day there, every day if you want to. They have computers, and books on every subject you could ever want to read. Having a computer at home, and a pre-made curriculum is nice to have, but you do not need it.
Time: We live in a society of two income homes, so how do you find the time to homeschool, not to mention supervising small children. Well, if you have retired parents, they could handle childcare and supervise “homework” while you work. Another option is to partner with other homeschooling parents who work and trade shifts. Many people have found ways to work and homeschool their kids.
Resources: Many homeschoolers supplement what they learn at home with outside classes, but if money is short, you do not have to worry. You will be amazed at how many of your family and friends would not mind teaching your children unique skills like sign language, Spanish, woodworking, sewing, cooking, and even algebra. Ask around. Let it be known you need help. Arrange a barter situation if they need compensation. Join a homeschool coop. There is rarely a need for money to change hands if you are creative and open-minded.
Therefore, you see, everyone can afford homeschooling. You many not end up homeschooling with the same methods of people with more money, but when there is a will, there is a way.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!