Shopping for homeschool curriculum can be a nightmare because there are so many options and possibilities available to choose from today. This includes everything from all-in-one boxed curriculum programs to subject by subject products.
It is easy for families to make buying decisions that don’t work for them because of this. However, by learning how to shop for used curriculum and discount homeschool supplies you will be able to stretch your homeschool budget even if you do make a few “mistakes” along the way.
Cheap Homeschooling Philosophy With Used Homeschool Curriculum
There are some homeschooling methods that easily avail themselves to an inexpensive homeschooling lifestyle. For instance, the Thomas Jefferson method involves mainly reading from the classics and having lively discussions about them. Most of these books are readily available from your library or local places to buy used homeschool curriculum.
Other methods that are inexpensive include unschooling and the Charlotte Mason method. This is because learning mainly occurs through educational experiences and activities instead of through textbooks. However, if none of these philosophies appeal to you, it is still possible to find inexpensive curriculum to use if you know what you’re doing.
Used Homeschool Curriculum For Sale
The first place you should look for used homeschool curriculum is at your local homeschool support group. Let everyone know what you are looking for and keep your ears open to see what’s available. While some people may tell you that it didn’t work well in their home but you should take their recommendations with a grain of salt because what didn’t work for them may work for you.
Buying Used Homeschool Curriculum Online
You can also purchase used homeschool curriculum online from places like Amazon.com, Half.com, Craigslist.com or eBay.com. If you are shopping between September and January you will pay a lower price than in the peak months of February through August. Also keep an eye on homeschool message boards and forums. Oftentimes they have boards set up specifically for reselling textbooks.
Check For Used Homeschool Curriculum Locally
There are some places that you can check out locally to see if they have any used homeschool curriculum for sale. These places include:
- Check to see if your local school district is selling surplus or outdated items. Whenever you are purchasing these you should get a teacher’s book, a textbook, a workbook and possibly a test booklet.
- Look at your local thrift shops and yard sales. While these will probably not contain the teacher’s manuals and workbooks, you may not even need them and if you do, they can usually be purchased individually for a much lower price.
Things To Remember When Buying Used Homeschool Books
Whenever you are purchasing used homeschool books you need to beware of the condition of the items that you are purchasing. You will find that books are usually in new, like new, very good, good or acceptable condition. Most of the time you probably won’t even know why a book is classified as such so make sure you ask for clarification. Anything that is classified as “acceptable” shouldn’t be purchased unless it is either hard to find or it’s the only affordable option.
Another important thing to look into is whether this is a current or an older edition of the book. Current editions will usually command a higher price.
However, when a curriculum publisher develops new supplemental resources, it is a good idea to purchase them, especially if it’ll be used for more than one school year. On the other hand, if your goal is to buy the curriculum at the lowest possible price, then an older edition may suffice.
If you are purchasing this curriculum online, make sure that you check for feedback from other buyers as a safeguard from the schemes of unscrupulous sellers. Make sure you read the reviews in order to protect yourself.
After you complete your transaction, make sure to leave positive feedback if the transaction is completed successfully. You will have plenty of ways to pay for this transaction too, including PayPal (they’re both convenient and their Buyer Protection Program is wonderful), credit cards, personal checks and money orders.
If PayPal is not offered, your next best option is to use a money order since not all sellers accept personal checks and those who do may require a holding period before the check clears.
Shop Wisely And Save Money
Shopping online for used curriculum doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. It’s a worthwhile endeavor for homeschool families that are looking to save money. Taking a few precautions before making your purchases will ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises along the way.
Finding used homeschool books, a homeschool curriculum used, the famous used abeka homeschool curriculum or a local or online used homeschool curriculum sale is possible. If you live in a big enough city, there are local homeschool curriculum swaps available too you can participate in.