‘Tis the season to shop for homeschool curriculum! My favorite part is heading out to our local used homeschool curriculum fairs. We have two large co-ops that host their own public events and I go to at least one each year. Now that my kids are older, they get to come along too. They save up their own money, so that they can find a few new treasures. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for a successful shopping trip!
Preparing for a Used Homeschool Curriculum Sale
Before you even think about heading to a used curriculum sale, get a rough start on your plan for the upcoming school year. Create a list of all of the subjects that you will teach and a list of possible resources that you’ll use. It’s okay if you only have a vague idea about some of it. You can list things like a variety of insect books for your insect study, Shakespeare resources, supplementary ancient history books, or children’s poetry books – the possibilities are endless!
New vs Used Homeschool Curriculum
Some homeschool curriculum and resources are better purchased new from the publisher. The big upside to buying new from the publisher is being able use their return policy if needed. If you have doubts that a program will be a good fit, new may be the way to go. If you plan on trying a new curriculum or resource, you can reach out to other local homeschool moms to find someone who already uses those materials to ask questions and get an up-close look at the material. Also, most publishers offer free samples so you can try before you buy.
Know the Pieces of the Curriculum
Pay attention to any consumables that come with the programs such as worksheets and science supply kits. Worksheets are particularly bothersome because copies are not supposed to be made for the purpose of reselling. Make sure you can buy a set of worksheets that matches up with the year the program was published. For example if buying a used science program with a version year of 2012, the currently available worksheet packet may not match up because of changes made since then. Some people are perfectly fine having mismatched worksheets or even none at all, but know ahead of time what you are okay using.
Spend some time on the publisher’s website for each program that you want to buy used. Make a list of all the parts that are supposed to come with it, so that you’ll know if a package is complete when you find it at the sale. Most companies offer individual parts of their programs for sale if you find that you’re missing a piece or two. However, that can quickly eat into the savings of buying used. If you’re piecing together a program that has a lot of books that you can find individually, make a list of each book that you don’t already own or can’t get from the library. Using a program like Good Reads can help you keep track of what you already own.
Spend a bit of time on used curriculum Facebook groups if you’re hoping to buy a large boxed curriculum. You’ll be able to get an idea of how much a used set is selling for.
Time to Shop
Some sales are packed with tables, merchandise, and a huge crowd so they may not allow young kids. Keep a close eye on your kids if you have to bring them. Bring a bag or two and leave the stroller outside if possible. Space can get cramped!
Get to the sale when it first opens for the best selection. Don’t forget to bring cash and the list you made of curriculum and resources that you hope to find. Start at one end and work your way around the room. To make the process quicker, feel free to ask the sellers if they have anything for your kids’ age range. Sometimes, especially if you’re a new homeschooler, it can be hard to tell quickly what age range the items are for. This can save time and help you clear out of an area to let other shoppers in.
When you find something you’re interested in, look at it thoroughly to make sure that all of the pieces are there and in good condition. Page through the books to look for writing or other damage. Pay attention to workbooks to make sure not too many of the beginning pages are completed.
Keep in mind your budget and the list you made. There will be a lot of temptations!
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The Free Table
Each sale I’ve been to has had a table set aside for items that others are giving away for free. Aside from being able to score a few free items, this is a fantastic way to get rid of some of your items and bless another family. Go through your old books and supplies to see if there’s anything you want to just give away.
Some of my favorite finds a used curriculum sales
My Favorite Used Homeschool Curriculum Finds
I love finding odds and ends at these sales. For me, that’s better than scoring a good deal on a complete curriculum. I’ve found sets of children’s poetry books, unique Shakespeare books, a Shakespearean insult generator, beautiful encyclopedia books, science supply kits, a talking globe, and magnetic poetry tiles. My youngest looks for half used science supply kits that she can add to her growing collection of tools. Those are like treasure chests for her! My oldest usually comes home with a few new American Girl books.
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After the Sale
Cross off items from your list that you purchased. If the event was part of a homeschool group that has an online presence, pay attention in the coming days as people list items that didn’t sell at the event. This is a great time to snag something you may have missed at the sale and maybe at a reduced price.
Buying used homeschool curriculum and resources is a great way to save money, but it often takes time to find what you’re looking for. Used curriculum sales can save time, but it’s easy to get off track and blow your budget on all the cool stuff on display. Making a plan (and sticking to it!) with these tips will help you make the most of these events. Happy shopping!
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