How To Homeschool Without Textbooks

For many homeschooling parents, the decision of what to use for curriculum can be a difficult one. There are so many different books and ideas out there that it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all your options. In response, some people will make their own curricula from scratch or buy only part of an already designed course in order to save money on pricey materials. Homeschooling can be expensive and hard, but it doesn’t have to be. You can homeschool without textbooks.

For those who have chosen this route because they cannot afford the high costs associated with a full curriculum like Saxon Math or Abeka Science, creating your own lessons around specific topics may help you learn without breaking the bank!

So what do you do if you want to ditch the textbooks and create your own curriculum? Keep Reading.

Determine Your Goals to Homeschool Without Textbooks

Homeschooling is a thought-provoking and fulfilling decision that is usually not made lightly. For many, they are making the decision to homeschool because of how disappointing their children’s public school experience has been or want them to have better self esteem in comparison with other students at their level academically. You will want to set goals for your homeschool which may include setting objectives like improving on certain skills while also seeking character development by teaching these lessons through hands-on activities.

What does “Education” Mean to You?

Your definition of education will help so much in homeschooling without textbooks.  Think about how your education was, especially if you were schooled traditionally.  Think about how you want it to be in your house.  What did you like about your education? What did you dislike about it?  How could your education have been better?  

What Interests Your Child?

Think about what your kiddos love?  What are they passionate about?  What interests them?  What makes their eyes light up?  What is the topic of conversation if your child is leading it?  Is your child interested in animals?  Cars? Art?  

Really think about the answers to the above questions.  Also, be sure to discuss with your child to see if they have any ideas.  Once you determine a few interests think about how you can tie them into learning.  For example, your child might just LOVE animals, art, and race cars. Make a list of “things to learn” about those topics.  For example:

Animals

• Find videos or online resources about animals, have them learn about animals & their features/habitats and build models with LEGO or in Minecraft.  
• Head to a zoo or petting farm

Art

• Purchase art supplies and let them watch online tutorials.  
• Visit a museum

Race Cars

• Have them design & build their own model race car & then type up or write or “tell” a story about it. 

These are just a few ways that you can apply your child’s interests to their education.  

Books, Books, & More Books (no, not textbooks)

Last but not least, you CAN use books.  Just because you are homeschooling without textbooks doesn’t mean you have to totally ditch the books.  Living books and literature books are one of the best resources for learning.  Head to the library to find books about the subject or topic you are learning.   

Hopefully this helps give you some ideas on how to get started homeschooling without textbooks.  Enjoy!