College Credits, Frugal Curriculum, Virtual School, and Why it All Matters

I’m always excited to work on projects with the fabulous bloggers of iHomeschool Network, and working together to compile The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas is no different. I’ve learned so much from these ladies, and I was happy to contribute pieces that I felt I had to offer. I’d love to share with you why I’m passionate about the chapters I wrote, and why I hope you’ll pick up the book. Each author is passionate about their topics, just like I am, and you can tell through their writing. First, let me introduce the book and the bundle sale happening right now!

Why you’ll love the bundle

From now until November 10th, you can get BOTH The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas and all 23 MP3s from iHomeschool Studio for 50% off! The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas alone is worth the $15 with topics ranging from pregnancy to high school, curriculum to encouragement, and family time to mama time.

iHomeschool Studio really beefs up the deal with both fun, relevant, and heart warming topics. It’s great to listen to in the car, while you’re cooking dinner, or at the end of the day when you want to rest your eyes.

We’re even giving away a bundle! No worries, if you purchase it now, you’ll be refunded right away when you win. Enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

Getting Started with Credit-by-exam

Our family has spent time focusing on credit by exam through CLEP, DSST, and AP exams, and I wanted to share some tips on getting started. I wanted people to see that it’s not just for the elite, Harvard-bound students, but our everyday, driven students can achieve lofty goals with a carefully set out plan. Credit by exam has been a way to drive Kira to higher goals, and to in sha Allah (God willing) save our pocketbook when college time comes around. I feel passionate about helping our children get through college without crippling debt, and paying for four kids to get through college at sticker price just isn’t in the works.

Where to Buy and Sell Used Curriculum

I spent seven years as a single mom, but even more than that as a broke mom. Starting out as a mother in high school, and getting laid off shortly after getting married made for some trying financial times in my past. While we are not affluent at this point, alhamdulilah (Praise God) we are comfortable. I no longer have to worry about how I’m going to buy groceries, or pay the electric bill, but the idea that I need to be careful how I use each dollar is engrained in me. Paying full price for curriculum is something I only do when absolutely necessary. I know that new homeschooling families tend to spend more than they need to, getting expensive curriculum, stocking up on items they think they’ll need, and simply being unaware of how to shop around to find the best deal. In sha Allah (God willing), this chapter on buying and selling used curriculum helps ease the financial strain of homeschooling for families and stretches those dollars for other uses.

Transitioning to a Virtual School from Public School

I’ve talked about the pros and cons of a virtual school, and why in the end I recommend a virtual school to most, but not all, new homeschooling families. A virtual school is kind of like taking your entire public school home with you, and there are some aspects that must be prepared. Even just transitioning to being together all day takes time and effort. There were many ups and downs for Kira and me her first year in virtual school as we were both figuring out our roles, and honestly, I was getting used to being around a 10 year old all day. I know there’s some pressure in the homeschooling community to bypass a virtual school entirely, but I wanted to offer some support to those that are taking this step as it seems there isn’t much out there in the blogging sphere.

It’s been such a pleasure to work together with so many passionate homeschool bloggers. I hope you’ll hop over to visit some of the other authors, and read why they are passionate about the chapters they wrote as well.

Join the author blog hop!

Yesterday, Carisa shared why she wrote about Homeschooling Tots, and she is giving away her Animal ABCs Bundle.

Tomorrow, join Marianne as she talks about why she wrote the chapters Homeschooling Teen Girls, The Power of Interest-led Learning, and Raising Kids With Vision. Marianne will be giving away a DVD/study guide bundle of Intrepid: The Zac Sunderland Story – Part 1, Part 2 and Wild Eyes: The Abby Sunderland Story.

Of course, don’t miss out on all the other authors! There are giveaways happening throughout the month, so you’ll want to make sure to hop along with everyone.

I love the bundle sale, but if you’re only interested in the book, use the coupon code homeschool to get $2 off your purchase. Remember, this is only good until November 10th!