Let's Talk About Homeschooling :: Part 3 - Changing It Up (& Homeschooling on a Budget)

(If you've missed my first two posts about homeschooling, you can find them here.)

Today's post is all about "changing it up". One of the great things about homeschooling is that (in general) - you have a lot of options available for covering the basics. It doesn't all have to be textbooks and workbooks and "school at home".

Here are some of my tips:

Want to do something different from (boring) workbooks?

• Check out Life of Fred for math.
• Also, look into Wrap Ups, Math Dice, flash cards, and other non-written forms of math.
• Teach fractions in the kitchen. (Bonus: You can make something yummy while you learn.)
• Add in the Liberty's Kids and Carmen Sandiego DVDs or a game like Great States for a little variety in history/social studies/geography. 
• Use The Bible Experience to enhance your history (and to give your voice a little break from reading aloud). 

Should the kids sit at desks all day?

No way. (Unless they really love it.)
My kids sit on the couch, on the floor, on their bed, in a tree, on a swing, and all over the place while they do their school work.

Need to do your homeschooling on-the-cheap?

• Get a "Comprehensive Curriculum" book - they include a variety of subjects.
• Check out Khan Academy - it's a bunch of free online lessons for a variety of subjects and there are practice questions and quizzes to go with the videos. 
• For basic math drills you can print off worksheets from mathfactcafe.com - it's free and you can customize the worksheets for what you want your child(ren) to be working on.
• For teaching phonics/reading skills - try http://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/.
• Use your local library (or libraries). They are there for you to use and have a lot of great resources.
• If you have an electronic reading device (Nook, Kindle, etc.), many libraries allow you to check out books on your devices. Talk to your local library to see if this is an option for you.

That's all I've got for today, but please - share your favorite tips and tricks for changing it up in your homeschooling. 

I'd love to hear them!

Stay tuned for future blog posts about homeschooling. 
I am even planning to address that one question that may be burning in your mind:
Will my kids be weird if I homeschool them?
Disclaimer: Any information and links provided are my personal preference or suggestions. In no way is any of this meant to be taken as (or in place of) legal advice.