Introduction
As the homeschooling trend has been gaining ground in recent years, many parents have found themselves with books, resources, and other materials they are not longer using. While these items can be helpful in teaching, they also present potential clutter and too much stuff in an already too-small house.
Fortunately, there are many options for dealing with old homeschool curriculum, some of which can help others or make use of the resources already in hand. Below are thirteen ideas of things that can done with old homeschool curriculum.
Donate the Materials
One of the best options for dealing with old homeschool curriculum is giving it to someone else. Schools, homeschool groups, libraries, and local learning centers will often accept donations of textbooks, resources, and materials.
non-profit organizations such as the National Homeschooler’s League, The Bump Foundation, and The Global Literacy Project, also accept donated homeschool materials. If the materials are new or in little to no use, many of these places may also be willing to accept cash donations as well. In addition, many of these organizations will be happy to send information on how the materials are used or even acknowledgement of the donation to add to the donor’s tax record.
Before donating, it is nice to make sure that the materials are in good condition and would be useful to the recipient. If they are not in good condition, they can at least be recycled instead.
List the Materials Online
Another option for dealing with old homeschool curriculum is by listing it online. This can be done through a variety of websites and curate marketplaces, such as eBay, Craigslist, Curriculum Swap, or CurrClick. Each of these platforms provide the ability to set a price for the materials and make the article available for purchase.
This is a great way to make a few extra bucks and clear out clutter from the home that may no longer be needed. Before listing the materials online, it is a good idea to make an inventory of what is being sold and note any defects or missing pages.
It is also important to include clear photos of the items and some background information about the series and how it can be used. If possible, it can also be beneficial to ask for a review from a secondary source that has used the materials before.
Finally, be sure to have clear shipping and payment policies in place, as potential customers will be looking to these before completing a purchase.
Re-use the Materials
A third option for dealing with old homeschool curriculum is to use them again. If the conditions of the materials are still good, there are a variety of ways these materials can be re-purposed.
Textbooks and resources can be used to teach a younger sibling, passed down to a friend or family member, or even used by a local library as part of their curriculum collection. Another great way to re-use materials is to participate in a local homeschool co-op. Most co-ops require at least one parent to lead a course or two, and this is a perfect opportunity for experienced homeschoolers to “repurpose” their old curriculum into a course, a lecture, or some type of activity.
This not only takes care of the materials, but also provides an opportunity for other families to benefit from the lessons.
Repurpose the Materials
Another option for those with old homeschool curriculum is to repurpose them. Repurposing old curriculum can involve a variety of activities like making lap-books, making crafts from the old books, using paper, book covers, and binders to create source material for projects, or even turning old textbooks into scrapbooks for a unique and creative way to store and keep track of old homeschool materials. In addition, some of the materials can be used for future projects such as puppet shows, reenactments of historic events, plays, or games, allowing for novel and fun ways to remember and use the old homeschool curriculum.
Alternately, the materials can be used to create whole new projects in a homeschool environment – be it through writing, discussion, creating new activities, or simply offering an alternative way to get the same results.
Make a Digital Copy
For those with old homeschool curriculum, a fifth solution is to make a digital copy of the materials. This can save on space by replacing physical materials with digital versions, which can be shared or stored electronically. In order to make digital copies of old homeschool curriculum, one can scan the material into a PDF or JPEG format, or even use a dedicated scanning app like Microsoft’s Office Lens, which allows users to easily transfer materials with a few taps on their device.
Once the materials are in digital format, it is possible to store them online, either in a cloud storage platform such as Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, or a personal computer. In addition, many of these platforms also allow users to share their files with others, which is great for those looking to keep their materials organized in a way that’s easily accessible to the entire family.
Trade Materials
For those looking for an alternative way to deal with old homeschool curriculum, one option is to trade with other homeschoolers. This can be done either through online communities such as Curriculum Swap or by organizing a local trade fair. It is important to remember that when engaging in a trade, it is important to check the other person’s materials before agreeing to anything.
In addition, having predetermined limits (such as “no more than five books per trade”) can help keep trading fair and manageable. It is also important to remember that trades should be mutually beneficial for both parties.
If two people are trading textbooks, but one person’s textbooks are newer and more valuable than the other’s, then the value of the trade should be evened out in some way. One party may agree to offer an additional resource or a bit of cash to make the trade more equitable.
Recycle Materials
A seventh way to deal with old homeschool curriculum is to recycle it. This can be done through a variety of organizations that specialize in recycling old books, magazines, and paperwork; or it can also be done through local or community centers. Whenever possible, it is best to make sure that the materials are being donated to a place that will be able to use them before they are recycled.
In addition, it is important to note that recycled material should not be dumped into curbside recycling bins if there are no recycling facilities in the area. Instead, try to drop off materials at a local recycling center or drive to a nearby town that does offer recycling in order to make sure that the materials do not enter landfill waste streams.
Sell the Materials
Though it may not be the most optimal option, one way to deal with old homeschool curriculum is to sell it. There are several online sites that specialize in selling used and old homeschool materials, such as Amazon, Etsy, Hand Made by Homeschoolers, and Usborne Books and More.
These sites offer the ability to list materials for sale and communicate with potential buyers. Before setting any materials up for sale, it is advisable to research the market to determine a fair and equitable price. It is also important to remember that buyers may not be willing to pay as much for used materials as they would for new materials, so be prepared to adjust the price accordingly.
Reuse the Covers and Bindings
Another way to deal with old homeschool curriculum is by reusing the covers and bindings. This can be done by removing the covers from a set of textbooks, cutting out pieces of the covers for use in craft projects, and creating covers for notebooks, journals, and notebooks. Another option is to create a binder for the materials and turn it into a resource book.
This can help keep the materials organized, while providing a durable and decorative way to store them.
Pass the Materials Down
Another option for dealing with old homeschool curriculum is to pass the materials down the family. This can help avoid the need to buy or create new materials, while still keeping the teaching materials in circulation.
It can also be a great way for older siblings to connect with their younger siblings and keep the learning environment in the family consistent.
Create a Little Free Library
For those looking for an interesting way to deal with old homeschool curriculum, consider creating a Little Free Library. This miniature library can be placed in front yards, community areas, or even inside homes, and can provide an outlet for homeschoolers to donate their old materials and share them with their neighbourhood. To create a Little Free Library, one may need to find a supplier that provides mini-library kits for an easy and hassle-free way to get started.
Conclusion
Dealing with old homeschool curriculum can be tricky, but with a bit of creativity and thoughtfulness, there are many options to make sure the material doesn’t go to waste. From donating materials to schools, to trading with other homeschoolers, or even creating a Little Free Library, the possibilities are almost endless.
Hopefully the above thirteen ideas have provided some helpful insight into dealing with old homeschool materials.