Free Homeschooling

Try these ideas for free field trips.

Often just taking a walk can unearth opportunities for homeschooling. Make a Nature Table from your finds, or try a Photographic Treasure Hunt.

When my children were particularly interested in insects we met an entomologist who got great pleasure from encouraging them - and bringing them unusual caterpillars and bugs to look at. Our local kayaking group holds a free family taster session every summer. The local observatory have kindly said we can take our children to a 'members only' evening to look through telescopes and chat to members about what they are seeing. Social groups and guilds (such as knitting or quilting groups) are usually very friendly and welcoming to someone looking to try their craft.

Volunteering is also a great way to get involved in your community and get to know people - as well as being a a great way to get some free homeschooling!

Keep your eyes open for things other people discard. Shops often discard boxes or wooden pallets they no longer require. Offices discard paper when they change their letterheads. Upholsterers may have old fabric sample books. By asking around you will be able to unearth all sorts of treasures.

Another great resource for getting things other people don't want anymore is Freecycle. Some schemes even let you ask for things you require - and failing that you could try advertising in your local paper. A friend of mine got an old fishtank this way. It leaked, so wasn't suitable for fish - but made a great bug house!!