Choosing Material:
even for the beginner

First ask yourself what is important for your child to know. Make a list in order of importance.
Begin by investing in or borrowing a homeschool help book. Eventually you will want to buy a book or two to keep on hand. You will find yourself referring to it often.
Consider how your child learns. Are they visual, kinesthetic or auditory learners? Take some time to find out if you aren't sure. It will help.
Look at the learning environment around you: Libraries, museums, local events, culture (are you currently living in a foreign country?), natural boundaries, the list goes on........
Accept the fact that you are going to buy things that won't work for you or your child. It might work for the next child. Start out buying the basics. Find out what works for you and your child and then you will have a better idea of what to invest your money in. No program or curriculum will be perfect. See my tips and suggestions on saving money.
If you don't like it, or it takes a lot of preparation on your part, don't buy it, you won't use it.
Don't get so overwhelmed that you buy a pre-packaged program. You could be wasting hundreds of dollars. If you start out slow, spending some time reading, you will realize that it isn't as difficult as it seems.
Buy used books and use the library often (what a great resource to save money and teach your child about using it at the same time).
Order catalogs. There are so many homeschool catalogs available for free. You can find more than enough on the internet. Look through them, keep them for a while, then throw out the ones you have no interest in.  Let your children look through them. You will find great additions to enhance your learning.  Be sure to set your budget and stick to it. Buy the basics and add a few things at a time.
Use the internet to find free units, worksheets and educational games. You will be amazed at how many free things are offered on the internet. (Check out my links of free sites, units and worksheets)

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