| Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a | | | | In addition to books, your local library carries CDs, |
| lack of imagination. | | | | DVDs, and Audio books. Your student can use the |
| - Oscar Wilde | | | | library's databases to do research. Your student can |
| Markers, crayons, textbooks, desks. The list of supplies | | | | also attend author readings and book talks. |
| needed for a home school can run longer than the | | | | BROWSE. The internet is full for free supplies. Check |
| Boston Marathon. As a parent who has decided to | | | | out the "free" page on Craig's List (under "for sale"). |
| educate your student independently, you can find | | | | This page lists items people are giving away. Scour |
| yourself with an exhausted wallet and a frazzled brain. | | | | this, and other sites, for give-aways. |
| Fortunately, you have stumbled upon this article. | | | | GRADUATE. Colleges often hosts speakers and |
| As the second in this article series, this piece suggests | | | | events that are open to the public. Visit college |
| ways to get free and valuable resources to educate | | | | websites in your area and get a calendar of events |
| your child. Use the ingenious tips below to stock your | | | | from various departments. Your student can attend |
| supply closet without breaking your bank. | | | | events related to her studies. |
| RUMMAGE. Most cities or towns designate days on | | | | CELEBRATE. In addition to Black History Month, did |
| which residents can dispose of large items. On these | | | | you know that February is National Cherry Month, |
| days, wake early and make the rounds in several | | | | National Bird-Feeding Month, and Litter Prevention |
| neighborhoods. From wastebaskets to computer | | | | Month? Along with these observances come free |
| desks, you can find great reusable items. | | | | workshops and events. Find out about these |
| REGISTER. Plan a "grand opening" party and then | | | | observances on EarthCalendar.net. Make these free |
| create a registry of items you will need for your home | | | | field trips a part of your lesson. |
| school. As a part of your grand-opening, send this | | | | MAKE IT OFFICIAL. Register your home school as a |
| registry to friends and family. Then, when celebration | | | | non-profit. Then, apply for grants and donations. |
| time comes, watch the gifted supplies pile high. | | | | Though the filing is lengthy, the thousands in donations |
| REUSE. Many organizations donate or dispose of | | | | may be worth it. Consider combining with other home |
| damaged items. Private schools and universities are | | | | schools and filing as a network. You don't need |
| great places to get slightly worn, but usable, office | | | | thousands of dollars to stock your home school with |
| furniture, textbooks, and other resources. Ask these | | | | amazing supplies. Remember: free resources are all |
| institutions for used items. | | | | around you. To find these resources, you simply need |
| BORROW. Find tons of resources at your local library. | | | | a plan and a bit of ingenuity. |