However, now I see that it was a huge mistake! It's no problem as long as we learn from our mistakes. We have things that
could be used for learning at home already. Here's a semi-organized list of things that could be bought that you can ALSO
find a way to use in your homeschool from things you already have!
Counting manipulatives
We count with rocks and sticks. Then we make a pretend army out of them
and have the battle of our lives. CHAAAAARGE ^_^
Play-Doh!
We have clay we can dig directly from the ground to mold into things. If you don't want to get muddy,
then cornstarch + water or flour + water and food coloring makes for cool squishy stuff! This can replace stress balls too!
Paper for writing
Who needs paper when you have chalk? Yes, we have paper too. Chalk can be erased with water and we
don't have to kill that many trees while learning how to write. If you don't already have chalk, then yes you have to
buy it. It's usually cheap though! You can also re-purpose cardboard cereal boxes for this
Insect kits
I've heard of those insect kits you can buy and watch the insect grow then let it go. I think it's more
fun to discover which insects you have in your backyard and then study them. We have been watching snails and slugs for
quite awhile. I think we'll move on to the birds next!
Buy new books
Make your OWN books! Yes, buy some if you really need or want to, but it's also FUN to make your own
just like they do in the Waldorf education :)
I think we will try this idea pretty soon from Art of Homeschooling
Scavenger Hunt Kit
Once again, you can just make your own scavenger hunt! We do this a bunch and although it usually isn't that "pretty", it is "pretty fun" to do with the kids. Warning: You Will Get Dirty (if your hunt involves insects or stuff close to the dirt)
Taqueria tacos
Okay, so this is fun to do at home! It's easy, fun and the kids love to help with this one! Instead of
spending $20+ on tacos and gorditas for the family, we like to make our own. You can buy your own ingredients for less. The kids will learn math, chemistry, and practical life skills all in one. It's also fun to make tortillas with maseca, but don't forget the tortilla press if you don't already have one. It's a lifesaver! If you don't have one, then large plates work fine as well. I like how this site shows you how to roll out the tortillas without a press.
That's all I can think of for now. If you have any cool ideas of what people normally buy that you could just do at home, then feel free to drop them in the comments or our Live Discover Explore Diary group!
Remember, there's always another way! We're always trying to find new ways to do things in our daily lives. Becoming less or zero waste is on the list, but that is something that's going to take a bunch more work.
It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen. -John Wooden
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