Simply Thrifty

Save Money on Homeschooling With the Library

by Katelyn Thomas on September 15th, 2008

If you’re a homeschool parent and you haven’t been to the library recently, you might want to check it out. In my library system, there are many different things that are great for homeschoolers. A few of the completely free services you can use are:

• Themed Learning Resource Bags - These bags have a book, puppets and an activity guide in them. I am doing a bird science unit with the little guy this month, so I was really excited to find a resource bag on Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. I can keep it out for three weeks, just like a book. The owl baby puppets are just adorable and he is going to have so much fun acting out the story with the puppets after we read the book together.
• Special section for preschool and elementary teaching materials. This parents’ corner has thematic unit books, how to teach your child to read resources and more.
• Babytime, toddlertime and storytime programs - We have fantastic storytime staff and they even teach the younger groups some basic signs during the program. Last week in storytime, we learned about numbers. This week, we’re going to go over colors. It is a nice way to reinforce a concept you’ve already been talking about. The best thing? These programs take care of the “But what about socialization?” question that everyone asks you.
• Science and math programs - our library system has the best group of science and math programs anywhere because we have a great former science teacher in the children’s department. Ask if your library is offering a series of these free programs. We can learn about dinosaurs, electricity and all kinds of other fun science concepts.
• Book discussions - Kids can start discussing books with their peers in third grade. Although the books being discussed are not great literature, it is a fun way to get them to talk about the books with other kids.
• Computer classes - Everything from how to use a mouse to using Microsoft Word.
• Wifi and free computer use. I can use my laptop while the kids play Magic School Bus games.

So, what does your library system offer that homeschoolers can take advantage of?
Photo by Danielle20

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POSTED IN: Kid Stuff