Usually, this is the time of year that I start drooling over what to buy for next year. Usually, I have magazines dog-eared and ink-stained, websites bookmarked with wish lists galore. But this year, another few moms and I have been chatting on a message board about not buying. That's the thing with homeschooling - somehow we end up with loads of materials that, by and large, go unused. We started brainstorming about what-if's. What if we simply used what we already have? Do we need more? Do we need the newest-shiniest-"most organized"- this-year's-must-have?
We're studying pre-history right now, without a planned curriculum, without a guide, just using books, videos, discussion, and projects, and we are learning, and enjoying ourselves! I would like to start ancient history in the fall, for which I have plenty of materials, without buying another guide, another how-to.
Instead of spending money on more books, more guides, and the like, I could instead buy a membership to the science museum (we have a really good one just an hour away). I could buy those cool science kits I have been eyeballing for years. I could get more art supplies. There are many things I can of to do with money if it is not going on more books, more curriculum packages, which inevitably end up on a shelf... well, at least the curriculum guides do because we're not good at following those.
There are a couple of things I am thinking about... a good Latin program for Beetle, another Life of Fred book or two. But I don't need English programs, or spelling guides, or history texts.
I think my goal for fall is to make good use of what I have on hand, and we'll see how that goes!
I hear you! As long as living books don't count. I plan on buying some of those and maybe an art book or two, but no math or new LA or science curriculum at all. In fact I may be selling some of what I have. Was thinking of you and Living Math the other day. I recently started a new system that is working well (well for two weeks anyway) here. Thought you might want to have a look. http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinning-it-down-volume-2-build-better.html
ReplyDeleteI started a rather lengthy post about this very subject-but I deleted it 'cause no one seems to read my long winded, thoughtful posts. LOL
ReplyDeleteYa know what I thought the other day? What if we attempted to read every single non-fiction book we currently own? I don't necessarily mean 'read' but browse. Use. Ya know what I mean?
My index card system seems to be working for us--at least for now. :)
I agree with you 100%, and I always plan to just get art supplies and go on field trips..... but then a really cool-looking new curriculum passes in front of me (Hey look! A shiny thing!)and I get suckered in all over again.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant idea! I have more curriculum on my shelves than should be allowed...what if, what if I didn't buy anything next year? What if we used what we have and used that money for some great experiences instead?! Wow - that could be really exciting!!
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