Discovering How Home Schooling Works

Did you realize that over one million children are home schooled on a yearly basis? It is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing segments as far as the educational process is concerned. Still, some parents may have reservations about teaching their children at home, more out of lack of understanding than that of a fear of doing so. A lot of parents are just curious of how home schooling works. Knowing just a few of the basics will help you to make the decision of whether this will work for you and your child or not.

First of all, you are not going to be able to make all of the decisions as far as homeschooling is concerned for yourself. There are very specific guidelines that you have to follow and you and your child are going to have to meet those guidelines on a regular basis. There are also different methods of homeschooling that you will need to choose from. It is certainly something that is worth your consideration, especially because it will shape the education of your child to a large extent.

Many parents that were reluctant at first decided that it was a good choice, once they understood how home schooling works. Before you make your decision, have a look at the variety of different methods and curriculum that is available in order for you to be able to teach your child at home. You may also decide that it is a healthy decision and one that would work best for your family arrangement.

Author Info:

To learn more about how home schooling works, be sure to visit http://www.homeschooling4you.com

Tutoring Requirements

Essential Requirements to Be a Tutor

Self employment tutors are free to choose when and how to tutor. In order to start you own tutoring business it is essential to be a true professional. A good reputation is mostly based on a good service. The following suggestions can help you make a check list of all the right aptitudes you will need to be on top of your game!

- As explored in the last article, it is essential to be confident: a thorough knowledge of your subject and a good aptitude at passing on your skills is foundational to all tutors.

- Always be punctual and reliable. This is the least clients expect from you and can make you look unprofessional if you overlook these basic requirements.

- Chose an appropriate dress code for a professional approach. Remember, you must reassure the client that you are serious, especially during the first meetings.

- Develop a good rapport with the student and parents. Express your self clearly, be articulate and direct. This sends the right type of message and helps both parents and students to relax. If English is not your maternal language and that you make a special effort to be clear and articulate, it will give you extra respect and consideration from you client. It is essential to be able to communicate with parents and pupils in English even if your classes are in your maternal language.

- Be well organized, and prepare each lesson in advance. Never waste your client's time!

- When meeting with your client for the first time, have a complete CV prepared, along with references and a CRB disclosure. These documents should be available to the employer from the start, so that they can be fully assured of your competence and trustworthiness before taking any further steps. This helps to establish a base of professionalism and trust from the start.

- Assess your student's abilities in order to adapt your lessons to each individual. It is your role to decide of the level, methods and content used during your lessons, but you must do so in a knowing, attentive way, by being receptive of your student's needs and abilities.

- A tutor should be able to give enthusiastic and enjoyable lessons. The ability to make your subject interesting is a gift, but can be improved on. Be constant in your enthusiasm and leave your mood / personal life at the door: this is the true mark of the professional Tutor.

- Give reasonable outcome expectations and a plan for both students and parents from the start. It is their right as clients to be involved as much as possible.

- You will need to provide, or be provided with a suitable area of study. The study area needs to be clean and tidy and more importantly, free of interruptions. It would be very unprofessional for tutors to leave their phone on, or accept interruptions by family members. Be polite and gentle but firm. Make sure both you (as the tutor) and the student remove any outside interruptions from day one (Turn off those phones, and close that door).

Location is covered in more detail in the next article.

Next >> Where To Tutor From

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Local tutor, a free friendly Tuition resource for Tutor and those looking for Tutors

Media Literacy and Home School - DVDs For Secondary Home Schooled Students

In this 21st century, it is more important than ever to make sure you instruct your home-schooled child to be media literate. Today's youth receive the majority of their information from various media sources such as films, TV, videos, music and the Internet as opposed to books. Media Literacy is the process of analyzing and evaluating messages in all of these forms of communication. A media literate youth is also more adept at clearly articulating his or her own messages.

When you provide media literacy as part of your home school curriculum, you are helping to provide the tools for your older child to be able to critically analyze messages. Watching DVDs in the home school classroom is a great way to present educational information, and it is equally important for the home educator to lead the student in discussion and analysis of the topics presented. Students can do this through discussions, written papers as well as using the new media themselves.

Here are three thought provoking DVDs that will nurture media literacy in your home schoolers for years to come. An added bonus is that each film has an inspirational tone that can encourage a positive attitude toward discovery and embracing life to the fullest.

Rebellion of Thought is a video that examines post-modernism, the church and the struggle for authentic faith. Post Modernism supports what Christian's have been saying for hundreds of years: what proof is there that God exists? Without God, there will be no basis for Truth. In our post-modern world, we need to think about questions such as how we as human beings think that we should be able to define Truth, as if we humans, with our small reasoning brains, should be able to make sense of what truth is. This fascinating video looks at the most mind blowing aspects of our faith, and is a very stimulating way to get your student to actively engage in post modern thought.

First Love- A Historic Gathering of Jesus Music Pioneers looks at the young musical voices that emerged during the hippy heydays of the '60s and '70s who sang about their new found hope in Jesus Christ. The 2 DVD set, which includes 2 music CDs, is sure to enthrall all ages with the early music that has defined the Jesus Movement. This documentary reveals an intimate look at the heart and motives of each featured artist as they describe in detail the drama of their own personal transformation. This uplifting musical film featuring world-class Christian artists is guaranteed to inspire and please the whole family.

Inspiring the Soul: Chronos features startling time-lapse images of the Vatican, the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid and nearly 50 other natural and manmade wonders. This epic visual and musical journey transcends history, from the cradle of civilization to modern day Paris. This program is notable for being the first nonverbal, nonfiction program filmed in time-lapse photography and is an excellent way to engage your home schooler in living history.

Watch these films with you home school kids and be prepared for a stimulating discussion afterwards. These films and other media literacy promoting videos can be found at ExplorationFilms.com, an online source of DVDs for your home school.

Author Info:

Steve Greisen is an award winning producer and director and has created hundreds of documentary and specialty films, many of which have been shown on The Discovery Channel, The History Channel and dozens of diverse cable and special access channels.

K12 Virtual Education - Using Online Curriculum for K-12? Top 10 tips for Success!

CONSIDER THIS:

"No one reading program is best for all children. Successful teachers of reading have developed activities that differentiate among their students according to their current level of readiness to read."

Sousa, D. (2006) How the Brain Learns, Corwin Press

This method of differentiation is key in the developing of online curriculum. There is no "one size fits all" in teaching and learning. Here are ten tips for using your online curriculum successfully...

"Where do I start?"

Tip 1

When starting out with an online curriculum it can be a good idea to view it as a resource. Online curriculum is designed for young students therefore contains age and grade appropriate materials. Utilizing the curriculum as a resource will give you a way to meaningfully engage your student in age appropriate research. Perhaps you could be detectives for the day and give each other a subject area to research within the curriculum.

"I have never taught and have no idea what is taught at this grade level:"

Tip 2

Give yourself time to become familiar with the content. Most online curriculum have what they call a "scope and sequence" section which gives you a summary of what will be covered in the grade level. The scope and sequence is a general over view so will not overwhelm you. It is also a good idea to look ahead a grade level to understand where the content is leading.

"Some of the things my student has covered and is bored covering them again."

Tip 3

Give your student the role as teacher and have him or her create a learning experience for you with the material. This will give you the opportunity to see how well your student has "mastered " the material. Teaching others shows we are at the "mastery " level of learning.

"I can't get my student to work - I 'm so frustrated with this whole online curriculum!"

Tip 4

Don't take your frustrations out on the curriculum! The curriculum is not going to teach your student by itself! It is merely a tool to supply information and ways of delivering it. You will still need to think of innovative ways to engage your students and excite them about the content they use to learn a new concept. Remain upbeat about content.

"The program doesn't fit my students learning needs exactly."

Tip 5

If a lesson or content doesn't look like a good fit don't use it in that form. Don't be afraid to pull what you need info wise and re-packaged it to suit your learner. Pull out some math equipment, art supplies, books or whatever you feel will help make sense and give meaning to the material being covered.

"My student cannot get past a particular lesson "

Tip 6

By all means please find a lesson that re-engages your student and perhaps re visit the content of the skipped lesson at a later date. Most online curriculum is designed in such a way that content will be covered again in a different way. It is always a fun idea to look through the lessons to find engaging content that best suits your student.

"We are getting behind in our progress. What should we do?"

Tip 7

When we get behind we often want to "fix" the situation. It is tempting to try and catch up by merely having your student do the end of lesson assessments. This is not a good idea as not all the content is covered in these assessments. If you are feeling behind take a breath and look at what your student has achieved. Focus on the areas of need and cover these first. Let your student choose content of his or her liking when lessons you have chosen are done. Assessments are not intended to be a teaching tool. Request assistance from a teaching professional if you are unable to gather some forward momentum.

"Are you having fun yet?"

Tip 8

It is very important to have tons of fun when teaching your kids. So much of what you are teaching can be hands on and exciting. Afternoons spent gardening, playing and living can support learning in such a positive way. Learning takes place in all the most unexpected places.

"Who is working for whom?"

Tip 9 & 10

This is tip 9 and 10 because it is so important! You are not working for the CURRICULUM. The curriculum is designed to work for YOU! You are working towards delivering a meaningful program that excites your student to learning! Online curriculum is a tool to help back up your journey and ensure you some direction in content coverage.

Author Info:

At 2Think2Learn.com we are excited to offer support for all the programs we provide. Understanding the beast and not letting it take over your program is important. Curriculum alone does not teach people. Food teaching practice, good curriculum, passion and drive teach people!

Curriculum, curriculum and more curriculum! Who needs more of the same. There is no lack of online programs just little support in using them effectively. Visit us at http://www.2Think2Learn.com for more tips on how to succeed with online curriculum!

Margit Barreras

Pre-school Scholars Learn For Good - Home-Schooling Outside the Box

The genius in the human design is easily seen on our faces. They are oval in shape with circles for our eyes and nostrils which easily attract our newborns. Since round shapes continue to aid our learning, flowers, animals, beans, rocks and more can be helpful for expanding learning beyond the basics.

Integrating Learning Is Fundamental

Movement integrates both sides of the brain and when we can not access it we will often simulate it for better retention or even to offset boredom as the case may be. If your child is jumping off the chandeliers, creating stairs out of door handles and window seals, they may be a prime candidate for gymnastics. Because of the unique way their brains are required to move while thinking through their routines, these athletes have some of the highest grades of nearly any other sport.

Folks seem to think a young child has a microscopic attention span, when in fact all of us have about an 18 second window before we decide whether to engage or completely dismiss any input we hear. It turns out there are many reasons for alternatives to institutional classrooms for young children. Maybe we would reverse the U.S. epidemic of pre-school expulsion if we started putting our own thoughts to music. Getting back to the average 4 year old laughing 400 times a day should be among our highest priorities in my book.

While braiding my daughters hair just now I realized how easy it is to teach her about the parts of the brain while she is feeling them being manipulated. Like the temporal lobes for side braids, frontal lobe twists, parietal pig tales... I am feeling synaptic activity just thinking of the possibilities!

Optimizing Comprehension is Developmental

Older children have the ability to conceive of a lower case and the letter in capital being the same. This also applies to equal parts of liquid put into different size containers. Pre-schoolers will often argue that the tallest container has more despite seeing the liquid in them being pre-measured the same.

In fact during their most vulnerable years children are drawn to vertical, then horizontal and finally diagonal patterns. We see this in infants and toddlers who with their eagle eyes seem fascinated by dust particles moving through the air. During their elementary stages they become better equipped for the diagonal patterns required for reading. No wonder Einstein's teacher thought he was slow when in fact he was right on schedule when he started reading and writing far later than his peers.

Author Info:

What would make your journey as a parent even more rewarding than it already is? When you need help reaching your goals consider a gentle alliance to help you get there.

Adelaide Zindler is The E-School Coach with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development, who found herself pregnant with a second child after 23 years. Trained in nutrition and life coaching she is also an award winning author and widely quoted in major publications around the country and a contributor to both ABC and Fox affiliates. Sign up for her free tips when you browse her website at http://FearlessParenting.com

So You Have Decided to Homeschool - Now What?

You have made your decision to home educate the children in your care. So now what? Suddenly the process of selecting your home schooling style, curriculum and resources can become overwhelming. There are many choices out there and how do you work out what will work best for you and the children?

The Home Schooling Philosophy (HSP)

This is the time when having a home schooling philosophy (HSP) is so important. A HSP is a statement that explains why you educate your children the way you do. This statement will be the tool that underpins your home educating environment and will not only enable you to make confident decisions but will also reinforce your decision to home educate in times of burn out, struggles and other stressors. This article will endeavor to walk you through the process of establishing a HSP for your family so that you always have something to fall back on and found your decisions upon.

Step one: List your reasons

As a new homeschooling parent I know that there is never just one reason for choosing to home educate. Take the time to sit down, with your partner if relevant and possible, and write down the reasons why you did and did not want to conventionally educate your child through either public or private education as well as the reasons for home schooling and any concerns you have about that possibility. These are most likely not your philosophical reasons but will likely point to them.

You may find that if you are at the end of a long day you may need to just list a few and arrange another time to look at it again with fresh eyes and list some more before proceeding to the next step. Just do what works best for you.

Step two: Draw out your philosophical reasons.

Once you have brainstormed all your reasons sit back and reflect on each one asking yourself 'why is this important to me?' A common example from the United States is the reason that 'children are not allowed to be instructed in prayer in conventional public education'. For some parents this reason not to use conventional schooling is important as they value a child being able to form a strong relationship with the Lord so that they develop a firm faith.

In our case, a strong reason was that, with an interstate move, we were told by the state authority that they were unwilling to do anything to support our eldest son with either his speech difficulties or his giftedness as neither were 'serious' enough. Of course, this decision is made without consideration that the combination exaggerates both. Why was this a strong reason for us? I am a strong believer that a child should be empowered to further develop their strengths without being held back by a 'grade level' and that a child should have access to all the support they require to overcome personal adversities. These are just two of my philosophical reasons for home education in my home.

Step three: Frame your reasons

Once you have drawn out your philosophical reasons you need to draw them together as your HSP. As you look at your philosophical reasons they probably look like a jumbled mess. What you want to do is draw them together in logical groupings these groupings will quite possibly include:

• value of the individual,
• value of the child or learner,
• philosophy on role of the parent or facilitator,
• personal stance on learning environments,
• beliefs of faith, and
• views on discipline or the exercise of self-discipline.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive but it will give you an idea of how to cluster your philosophy and rewrite it to make it a coherent statement. This statement now has the ability to empower you to make decisions that will reflect why you started home educating in the first place, will strengthen your resolve when expressing why you home educate and will help you rekindle your motivation, energy and focus in the harder days of home education.

Step four:Review your statement

Every year or two take the chance to review your HSP and see whether the same still holds true. You may find that some aspects are less relevant or, more likely, that there are new things that you feel should be added. Take the time to change your philosophy as required.

Author Info:

Kristy Bennett is a homeschooling, business owner and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Organic Learning a site dedicated to home schooling. She is also the owner of Green & Nutty, MIB Business Solutions and MIB Engineering Technologies. Kristy's breadth of experience in taking a strategic approach to managing both life and business is reflected in her skills and expertise which she openly shares both online and at speaking engagements.

College After Homeschooling, And Is College Right For Your Homeschool Children?

Starting College after Homeschooling

Families have homeschooled their children for as long as their has been families and school. Homeschooling became a little less popular when modern public schools were developed; but began a resurgence in the early '80s. There have always been some of those homeschool graduates who continued their education, but not all of them opt to go on to college.

Up until just recently, acceptance into college after homeschooling has been uncommon, but that is changing. Today, however, many colleges now seek out homeschool graduates for admission. They do this for many reasons, but one big one is the realization that homeschooled students already know how to learn.

Should your child go on to pursue a college education after being homeschooled? Of course, this is something only you and your child can decide. Though college is very different from public school, there are some similarities. If your child has only been homeschooled and is not used to the structure of public school, you should realize that they may have struggles adjusting to college. Don't let that dissuade you; the struggles can certainly be overcome with some effort.

If your child shows an interest in furthering their education, then by all means you should allow them to pursue it. All parents should encourage their children to reach for their dream. Keep in mind however that you will have to keep very good records. Your homeschooled child will need a transcript. This is something that you can create; alternately you can sign up with a homeschool cover that will create the transcript for you.

What about college entrance requirements? Every college has their own admissions process and requirements. You'll want to check with the specific college or colleges that your student is interested in attending. You can find their requirements listed on their website, or you can call or write and ask them to send a catalog or further information.

Frequently, children will be homeschooled until they reach high school age, and then go to high school to get a diploma. Others though will continue to homeschool on through high school, and either take a correspondence course or GED (General Equivalence Diploma) in order to earn their diploma. You will also need to begin preparing your student to take the ACT or SAT as a preliminary to entering college.

You can get assistance and advice from the college Registrar. They can tell you if there are any special requirements for homeschoolers, as well as whether there are other options for those seeking admission without a traditional education. One option to considered if a student wants to continue their education is to seek admission after turning 19. This classifies them as "adult" and changes the criteria for entering college. In some colleges, the age to classify as adult is 21. Check with the specific college you are interested in about this option.

Finally, when considering a future college education, see to it that you contact potential colleges long in advance so as to have plenty of time for the application process. They may also need to fulfill other college entrance requirements. You can find more information about college for homeschool parents at the Complete Homeschool Guide website. As a homeschool parent, you should always encourage your children to seek their dreams and do all you can to help them go from homeschool graduate to college student.

Author Info:

Mr. Ullman writes about Homeschool issues for The Complete Homeschool Guide - check it out for answers and resources for homechooling parents.

What Is the Waldorf Homeschooling Method?

If you are trying to find the best homeschooling method for you and your family, you have probably run across some very popular teaching models. Some of the ones you have probably read up on or have heard include: Classical, Christian Classical, Montessori, Eclectic, Charlotte Mason, and the Waldorf homeschooling method.

Walfdorf homeschooling has its origins in a man named Rudolf Steiner. Steiner, an Austrian scientist, developed educational stages and methods that have now become a program of homeschooling.

Waldorf's foundation for his ideas revolved around his beliefs that human beings were made up of three beings: his spirit, his soul, and his form. As part of his development intervals that he established, he identified three states of education: rise childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence.

He believed that a child must be educationally approached within those three parameters. For a child to be taught, and taught well, he needed learning that appealed to his spirit, soul, and body.

In Austria, Rudolf Steiner was encouraged to teach a middle school for the children of workers in a cigarette factory. It was in this middle school that he was able to test and try is philosophy.

After his experience, his ideas became solidified for him. He developed his ideas into a teaching program that was used in community schools, not only in Austria, but throughout America. The Waldorf homeschooling method has gained popularity since then.

Steiner had such confidence in his work, that he created a middle school using his belief system. The school ended up being really successful. Steiner's educational model has even been implemented in some public schools.

Waldorf homeschooling has been found to be a productive approach. With the Waldorf philosophy, every school day needs to help a child learn through a conscious self, heart, and hands. This method tries to bring life, enjoyment, and physical learning into a child's education. Most children love learning through these modes.

When a child is educationally engaged through several different means, it is no wonder that they learn to love learning.

Author Info:

Discover How to Raise Your Child to Be a True Leader with Our Classical Christian-based Leadership Program. Great for Homeschoolers and Other Parents Who Want to Make Sure their Child Gets the Best Leadership Training Possible.

Homeschooling Preschool - 5 Ways to Make Learning Simple and Fun

Homeschooling preschool gives you an opportunity to encourage your child to love learning and exploration. You don't need an early education degree to teach your preschooler. Here are some simple ways to homeschool preschool:

1. Your child can learn basic math and reading skills by acting as your little assistant. Involve your preschooler in your errands and activities. Have your child assist you as you measure ingredients for dinner, count the number of apples to put in the grocery sack, and keep track of the time until your next appointment. Helping with household chores is a great way to strengthen small motor skills. Chores also help your preschooler develop responsibility and feel like part of the team.
2. Talk to your child throughout the day. Read labels and signs to your preschooler, and explain why you do things a certain way. Remember that you are primarily a parent, not a teacher. You don't need to prepare fancy lessons on community helpers, health and safety. Simply go about daily life with your child and answer any questions he or she has along the way.
3. Reduce television and computer time to less than an hour each day. Spend afternoons playing at the park or taking nature walks around your neighborhood. By staying physically active, you are establishing a foundation of health and fitness, and helping your child develop gross motor skills.
4. Create a learning environment in your home by providing your child with materials that encourage imagination, creativity and open-ended play. Stock an area of your home with different types of paper, paint, markers and other art supplies. Stock another area with blocks, cars, trucks, trains and miniature people. Fill a box with various clothing items, pots and pans, toy food and other materials for pretend play. Then set up a quiet area with math manipulatives, puzzles and books. You now have a preschool in your home!
5. When you begin formal lessons, keep them short and simple. End the lessons before your child is ready to stop. If you notice your child becoming frustrated, end the activity for the day. One of the best ways to teach your budding student is to read to him or her daily.

Your preschooler has plenty of time to learn the details of reading, writing and arithmetic. Take time during these early years to focus on the basics and make learning fun!

Author Info:

Here are some additional tips and ideas for homeschooling preschool.

Carletta Sanders is a homeschool mom of 3. For homeschool information and activities delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for her homeschool newsletter.

Homeschool History - What Is Homeschool?

What is homeschooling? It's home education, a method of teaching that's conducted in the family home instead of a public, charter, or private school. Before we had anything like public education, everyone was schooled at home.

Occasionally there were also small community centers for learning. Homeschool history is varied and rich, since it was the first tool of instruction.

It was usually the advantaged children who received any sort of education or had private tutors. Most of them came from rich families.

The only real way to get an education was in an informal home setting. The parents were usually the main providers of education, but sometimes there were local teachers who would lend a hand.

It is widely known that before we had public education, the United States experienced its peak literacy rate. It's important to remember this point in homeschool history.

In the 1800s, education and schooling were starting to undergo a lot of important changes. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of laws that made school attendance mandatory. The government decreed that it is a human right for children to receive a public education.

Since that time there has been plenty of debate about the success of public schooling. Many people have gone so far as to say that the current education system is harming younger children, especially boys since they mature at a slower rate.

Studies have been conducted to study the effects of formal education on children between the ages of eight and twelve.

The findings of this research showed that formal schooling was both mentally and physically damaging to children. At times, the negative environment produced behavior problems.

These studies were conducted in the 1970s, and according to these tests, tribal mothers in Africa with no literacy were able to bring up their children to be more emotionally and socially advanced than Western children.

The conclusion was that this emotional advancement was largely due to the bond that exists between parents and children. The bond is weakened with formal education.

Homeschool history shows a positive trend, and parents follow it by choosing a variety of curricula and teaching methods for their children. Although schooling can be done in a secure home environment, it's usually mandatory for children to complete required tests.

Most parents who decide to homeschool their children do it because they want their children to have the best education possible.

Author Info:

Discover How to Raise Your Child to Be a True Leader with Our Classical Christian-based Leadership Program. Great for Homeschoolers and Other Parents Who Want to Make Sure their Child Gets the Best Leadership Training Possible.

Character Education - Do You Have What It Takes To Make Your Dreams Come True?

It has happened to all of us. Something we have always dreamed of is about to happen. We get excited about this project, and start making plans for the next steps to take. In our mind we are already basking in the light of victory and accomplishment.

Then all hell breaks lose. Things start going wrong, and obstacles we had never thought of start showing up at the turning of every corner.

Finally the whole endeavor, which we had started out with such high expectations, is about to collapse under the weight of all the opposition we encounter.

When you start a new project or step out in faith to do something new, there will always be something that will try to get in your way. If you don't resolve to be rock-solid firm, it won't be long until you throw in the towel and give up.

There is an attitude you must possess if you wish to achieve success in your life. This attitude is the asset of every achiever, and of every history-maker, that has walked on this planet.

This kind of attitude is essential and non-negotiable to everybody who wishes to do anything of significance in his or her life.

It is the attitude of being immovable. This word refers to one of the most critically important character traits for those who want to please God and do something noteworthy in their lives.

Being steadfast and immovable means several things:

• It means not easily shaken or affected
• It describes something that is not unpredictable
• To have a strong and unbending character

This attitude says: "I am not moving until I see my dream come to pass!"

This is the right way to respond when we face a challenge.

"Who cares?" is the prevalent attitude nowadays.

Don't allow yourself to be inconsistent and wavering in your commitment to accomplish your God-given assignment.

"I wish I could be that strong, but I have such a weak character!" This thought might be crossing your mind while you read this message.

Being steadfast is not something you are or are not. It is not a character trait you are born with. It is a decision.

You simply decide not to quit, - and that's that!

Author Info:

All of us have come to a point where we are on the verge of giving up on something we had high expectations on. The good news is that we can learn how to have a stronger character! I'd like to invite you to visit http://www.Self-DirectedLearningForSuccess.com for tips and tools for creating and growing in your own learning process. Learn how to teach yourself in my FREE e-book: "The Power of Self-Directed Learning", and my FREE e-course: "Seven Steps to Consistently Change Your Life."

From Bettina Langerfeldt, who teaches people how to pursue their God-given gifts and talents by designing their own education with self-directed learning.

© 2008 Freedompioneer

Avoid Used Home School Curriculum Buying Blunders!

Looking to save on your home school expenses? Have home school budget constraints?

Buying used home school curriculum is probably one of the best ways to save money on your home schooling expenses... Or is it?

In our effort to save money and use our limited financial resources wisely, we often look for deals, discounts and bargains.

But sometimes these sweet buys can turn sour...

• Items arriving late, or not at all.
• Buying damaged products with missing lessons.
• Or, purchasing the wrong materials.

It all adds up to wasted time and money!

If you are not careful, purchasing used home school curriculum could actually cost more than buying brand new materials.

Over the years, I admit that I have made my share of purchasing blunders while trying to stretch our home school budget.

I have bought the wrong items, wrong grades, wrong textbooks, and wrong editions for our curriculum.
I have purchased items and not received them from the seller. I have received items that didn't match their description, stunk like cigarette smoke, were missing entire lessons and filled with writing.

Everyone's standards are different. A little writing to one person may be a lot to someone else.

When you have financial constraints and a budget to keep, you can find many ways to save money on home schooling material. Purchasing used curriculum could save you a boatload of money, but may not always be the best solution.

If you decide to purchase used home school curriculum, here are some helpful tips to guide you when purchasing used educational materials, so you can avoid my book buying bloopers.

Buy the set instead of individual items.

Don't buy used teachers guides, solutions manuals, student workbooks, tests and test answer keys separately, unless you know exactly what you need. You may experience difficulty finding certain items from older editions or never find the exact missing piece you need.

Spend the extra money and purchase all course components together, as a set.

Make sure your editions match.

If you don't purchase the correct editions, i.e. matching teacher's manuals and workbooks, etc. you can waste your precious time, and your hard earned money!

When you purchase different editions, most often the questions and answers don't match and you will waste more time trying to figure out the answers to the questions.

Avoid the headache - make sure your editions match!

Don't get sucked into the auction feeding frenzy.

Ask questions and do your research.

During my eBay excursions, I have seen used curriculum sell for more than the retail price!

With a little research, you will know what a product really costs. You will make wiser decisions, save money easier and become a savvy shopper.

Buy from sellers who have a good reputation or ratings.

Buying sight unseen takes some faith in the person you are purchasing from. You are trusting that they are honest and have your best interest at heart.

Unfortunately, not everyone is honest.

Look for testimonials from happy customers. Happy customers tell others.

You may find less hassle, increased confidence and a better shopping experience when purchasing new or used materials through a trusted home school curriculum provider.

Purchasing used home school curriculum can be fun, rewarding and money-saving. You meet other home schoolers and recycle some still usable educational materials.

But many small mistakes can add up so...

Used home school curriculum buyers - beware!

Author Info:

You can homeschool your child successfully and affordably! From her personal experience as a home educator and group leader, Heather Gneco shares valuable insight to help you increase time, save money and provide your children the best homeschool experience possible. For more homeschooling success tips, visit:
http://www.homeschool-curriculum-savings.com