Used curriculum fairs can be awesome to a homeschooling parent. If you are not sure what you want to use when you are homeschooling, you can go look at all the different varieties that many homeschool families have used. If you see something you like, you can usually purchase it for a much cheaper price than what it is brand new. You can also talk with experienced homeschool moms and get their advice and opinions on how the curriculum worked for them and their children.
The past few weeks, I have been browsing different homeschool curriculum catalogs looking for ideas for this next year. I will be homeschooling 3 children in 3 different grades. However, I have been looking at ways to combine Samuel and Claire’s schooling since they are only 18 months apart. They can do many of the same subjects together. The curriculum that I kept going back to over and over was Sonlight. This is an awesome curriculum, however, it is very expensive. I kept looking Sonlight Core K. I would be able to adapt this curriculum for both of Samuel and Claire’s needs. However, that price kept jumping out at me and I just kept thinking there was no way on earth we would be able to afford that.
Last night, as I was browsing a used curriculum sale, Charlotte (homeschool mom I rode with) came across the basic Sonlight K package. This included the Teacher’s guide, and the readers for the History section. The lady had it marked for $25. I could not believe it!! I had been praying for God to make a way to get this and here it was for a reasonable price!
Not only did the same lady have the Sonlight curriculum that I had been looking at, she had Saxon Phonics grades 1 and 2 (minus the consumable workbooks), for $5 each. I was so excited. At one place, I was able to get most of what Samuel and Claire needed for next year for less than $50.
The homeschool mom took time to talk with me about each curriculum and told me how it worked with her children. She told me the pros and cons that she had with the curriculum and also told me what all I would need to get to finish buying to go along with what I was purchasing.
This was definitely an answer to a prayer. I am so thankful that I went and was able to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time.
When I got home last night with my box of goodies, Samuel and Claire were so excited about what I found for them. Claire even went as far to go get her folder that we have been using this year and said at 9:00pm last night that she was ready to do school!
By Claire and Samuel’s reaction, I know that I have chosen the right curriculum for them. I also know that I found this curriculum by lifting up in prayer to God what my desire was for my children and he lead Charlotte and myself to that table.
I also have in mind what I would like to use with Sarah next year and did not see anything at the used curriculum fair for her. We have several more used curriculum sales coming up in the next couple of months. My advice is to pray about what God would like for you to teach your children and then make a list. Do a search for used curriculum sales in your surrounding areas. Take the time and go. I am sure you will be able to find what you are looking for just like I did!
Thank you Charlotte for taking me with you!! I had a blast and look forward to going with you again!