Poll: Have you homeschooled any of your children?

We've homeschooled for almost 20 years. There are many many ways to save money.

1. Don't write in the books if you'll use the same one to teach the next child. Have them write it out the old fashioned way or do work orally.

2. Buy good condition used books. For most subjects it doesn't matter if it is the next to current edition- the material is the same.

3. Check out your local library. Some have extensive collections of teacher's materials that you can borrow including reproducibles, textbooks, and unit study guides.

4. Visit your local college that has an education department. It will usually have an Instructional Materials Center that student teachers use. Sometimes it's in the regular library, but often it is housed elsewhere.

5. Stay home. Be picky about your outside activities. Your kids don't need to do everything the support group has scheduled. That saves money on gas, admission fees, dues, and the meals you'll eat out at McDonald's because you're running late.

6. Barter for piano lessons, etc. Maybe you can trade homemade bread, eggs, cleaning, or other lessons so you don't have to lay out cash.

7. Be creative. Homeschooling is not just school at home. Throw out your preconceived ideas of recreating a classroom environment. Make learning fun.

8. If you have children close in age, teach some subjects together. You'll need less supplies and save time.

My children go to public school but I feel like the teacher gives the kids the work and then they come home and I have to help with the homework and teach it to them.