Curriculum purchased for homeschool can be very expensive. Homeschool Science Frugal Living Style is tips on how to do your own science curriculum with minimal cost to the family budget. There are ways to save money and not cut out science or just read. I have never really been big on science. Maybe it comes from my days as a kids in public school. No, I am not saying public school system science is all bad. For me, it was boring. I can’t learn when I am bored.
Learning has to have a trigger. The trigger ignites curiosity and makes sense to dig deeper to find the meaning or knowledge. If subjects are boring and material is presented in a less than attractive way, it may seem that there is no interest.
Choosing a Homeschool Science Curriculum
Well, I say switch up how the message is being portrayed. That is what I will be doing this year. It seemed that my children had no interest at all in science. They would be working in the book, and learning. Yes, they learned and liked what they learned but it did not go further. Out on family hikes or adventures they would say “Mom, I read about that in my book this year”. Then as the appropriate next question from me would go “Yes, you did. Do you remember how they achieved that?” Then silence.
I don’t want that for my kids, and I also do not have a ton of money to drop into a more fun science curriculum. My notes are going to help me establish my own science curriculum designed for my boys. It will be fun, cost efficient and memorable.
Exploring Science Topics
Creating a science frugal living style is taking the cost out of science and putting fun into science. Exploring many types of curriculum at homeschool convention opened my eyes up as I watched my kids.
My goal is to spark their interest into Science and want to learn more. It is the spark that counts in learning. As we would visit with the attendant at the booth I would observe their body language toward the information. If they lost interest quickly or walked away, I knew it would be a no go. Now, let me say that I do make the final decision in choosing the curriculum. If it is a good idea to purchase and within my frugal living style then I would have done so.
Every child learns differently, and I know that. For my budget I could not afford to buy three different curriculum for science. When there are multiple children frugal living style is teaching to the oldest and working down.
Another great way to explore science is through backyard learning. Neighborhood scavenger hunts are great for this science activity. Also nature walks are a fun way to explore science. We go to a park weekly to get out some energy, learn science and view nature in action.
Create Your Own Curriculum
As I stated previously, I observed my children as we investigated different science curriculum. My kids definitely, and unanimously chose hands on activities. The excitement from their observation and curiosity allowed me to see what would create that spark this year. Since we are on a budget with one income that is when the idea hit me to make my own science plans this year. I know my children better than anyone. I am with them everyday.
Taking all of the notes and ideas from the last year and choosing topics they love is the framework for building my own plan. Materials will be a cost. Nature will be a large part of our study. Most of the study in the nature will be very in tune with our frugal living style.
Creating my own science curriculum plans will include many of the ways that I saw my children become engaged with science. The plan will also include them having a notebook and writing their own worksheet to remember. Next year, at this time I hope to have any questions that I ask to hold more enthusiasm. Maybe they will love my plans so much that I will continue to make my own science plans from now on.
Do you purchase curriculum, or make your own? What are your thoughts on both?
Cheers,
Michelle
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