Conversaving

May 22, 2013

This is the season where I hibernate in a room with the computer and research, pray, make lists, and plan for the new school year. I LOVE to plan and look for school curriculum. Sometimes, I make this harder than it has to be so when the opportunity arose for me to review Joyce Herzog’s book Choosing and Using Curriculum, I was thrilled, especially since it arrived prior to our annual trip to a homeschool convention.

About the Author:

Joyce Herzog has a doctorate degree and has over 30 years of experience in working with homeschoolers and 25 years of experience in working with learning disabled students. She has written several great products of interest to homeschoolers and families of special needs children. The Schoolhouse Review Crew had the opportunity to review twelve of these products including the wildly popular Scaredy Cat Reading System. Click the link below to read more about these other great products offered by Joyce Herzog

About the Products:

This 108-page paperback is a great reference tool. There are 28 short, easy to read chapters. I found myself finishing several chapters in each sitting. Some of the chapter titles include:

Curriculum Types and Comments
Getting Back to Basics
Start Your Year Out Right!
Take a Snapshot of Your Child’s Progress
Bible, Spiritual, Religious and Character Training
Comparison of Math Programs
How to Interest a Child in Reading
Testing
and 20 more………..

The beginning of the book explains curriculum types, gives the pros and cons for each type (with special consideration for how they work with special needs children), and then lays out the types of homeschooling styles. Helpful descriptions are given of homeschooling moms to help find where you fit into the picture. I found the descriptions humorous and enjoyable to read. Educational styles and grade levels are discussed. Importance is placed on starting out your year right, goal-setting and generating excitement in your homeschool. The focus of the book shifts about halfway through, and the individual disciplines are covered in-depth including comparing types of curriculums to help you choose a good fit your family. Math, Reading, literature, Handwriting, Language Arts, Geography, Science and History are touched on in this book. The comparisons are not exhaustive, but are a great jumping off place to help you see the different types of products available. Mrs. Herzog has done so much of the work for you in comparing and contrasting curriculum types. The book ends by covering testing and gives a few chapters on adapting materials for special needs children and listing resources for different types of special needs learners. This is an excellent resource for new homeschoolers, but has equal merit for older homeschoolers who are in need of some new ideas or looking to adapt materials for children with special needs.

The second title we were given to review was the companion ebook that is part of the Choosing and Using Curriculum Set. This downloadable resource is a plethora of awesome homeschool resources. There are page after page of links to items such as museums, librarys, blogs, support groups, homeschool conventions, product reviews, educational games, history resources, and science resources. This is just chapter one. Chapter two goes on to list general resources mentioned in the book with addresses, phone numbers and websites. The companies are mentioned in alphabetical order for easy reference. The next several chapters give resources and links for deaf, blind, autistic and dyslexic students. Speech and Language Develpment resources, legal information, support group resources and magazine suppliers are listed at the end of the e-book.

Pricing:

Choosing and Using Curriculum Set is available from Joyceherzog.com for $15.00

This is meant to be a resource for parents.

My Opinion of the Products:

Pros – I fell in love with the heart of this author. By the end of the read, I was wishing she lived near enough to be my mentor. She has so much wisdom to share. I was reminded after reading this book that I can’t forget to include character training and life skills in my curriculum planning.It helped me narrow my focus on what is really important in my kids education. I was reminded in chapter six that obedience and learning to listen are some of the most important skills for preschoolers. I loved the suggestion that she gave on p. 40 of the book to have the kids answer a list of questions each year and compare them annually to see how much growth has occurred. I will probably expand on her idea and create a form for my kids to fill out on the first and last day of school. I think this will be a fun way to see improvement and record special memories. I had never had anyone explain the differences in reading methods. This explanation was helpful for me and gave me lots to think about as I prepare to teach my third child to read in the next couple of years. I loved the lists of resources in the e-book and have just barely skimmed the surface of all that is there. I will probably reference this list for years to come.

Cons – This book had numerous typos and formatting issues in regards to spacing. The graphics are cute but seem to be taken from printed clip art , and you can see some of the edges of the copies in the book. The content is excellent, but the typos and formatting errors take away from the content and make it seem rather unprofessional.

I hope that you will take the time to check out this great reference. I know that I will be keeping it handy as I continue to plan my upcoming school year.

Tags: Choosing Curriculum, Joyce Herzog, Parent's Resources, TOS Review

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/22/choosing-and-using-curriculum-by-joyce-herzog-a-schoolhouse-crew-review/

May 20

Winding Down and Gearing Up

Categories:

May 20, 2013

We finished our school year a couple of weeks ago ending with standardized testing and an awesome weekend at the Teach Them Diligently Conference in Spartanburg, SC. Since arriving home, we have had non-stop activities related to end of the year sports activities, out-of-town company, etc. I am just now sitting down and taking stock of our accomplishments.

My husband and I sit down at the beginning of the school year and talk about character issues, academic needs and life skills that we need to focus on with each of our kids for the upcoming school year. We try to revisit this list in January and tweak it or change it if needed. This helps us to personalize each of our kids educational plan. We also pray for direction and wisdom as we lead our kids on this exciting adventure we call homeschooling. The adventure comes with joys and challenges and we know that we need help from the Source and wisdom for the journey.

I also ask the kids what they liked and disliked about school this year and if there is anything particular they would like to study next year. I am always surprised at the answers the kids give me. My fifth grader told me he LOVED history this year and he REALLY wants to study more about animals next year in science (he hopes to be a vet when he grows ups). I would love your suggestions in the comments if you have any great science resources for animal studies. My first-grader declared his favorite subject was preschool time with his two-year old sister. Just these two simple questions give me insight and direction on where to focus my teaching in the upcoming year. It gives me a peek in their heart and into their passions and personalities.

This year was a pivotal year for us as we made a transition from a more traditional home school curriculum to a literature-based living book-type of curriculum. The switch to Sonlight curriculum was a wonderful thing for us. My kids thrived with the new schooling environment which included more read-alouds, a history focus, and a focused Bible time each morning. We attended a smaller co-op that we formed with friends and met every other Friday for a half day, This schedule was perfect and we loved having our co-op at the end of the week rather than the first of the week as we had in the past.

Another thing that worked great for us this year was the switch to computer-based math for the boys. I knew that this year was going to be challenging for me with a 5th grader, 1st grader and a two-year-old. I just wasn’t going to have the time to give everyone their own one-hour math lesson. Having the boys do just one subject independently was so liberating. I worked out a checklist for my 5th grader to complete his own work and after only a few weeks, he was able to breeze through his work without multiple stops for directions from me. This was so liberating and I was wondering why I didn’t incorporate more of this self-direction and independent learning into our homeschooling earlier. This gave me the extra time I needed to focus on teaching my first grader to read. I think my biggest academic goals for this year for the boys were increasing independent learning in my oldest and teaching my middle child how to read fluently. I feel these big goals were accomplished.

The things that didn’t work for me this year included planning too much schoolwork in a day, making our school days longer. I found after a few months, that I couldn’t accomplish all the things I had planned in a reasonable time frame. The kids were beginning to dread school after lunch because they were having less and less free time. If they finished early, there always seemed to be one more thing to add-on to the daily schedule. I am planning to have more free time in our schedule this year and work in some margin to our schedule for the extra things that come up such as Crew Reviews, unit studies, lapbooks, etc. I also found myself pushing everyone to finish everything as the year was winding down and I felt that I lost focus on the important life lessons and character training opportunities that arose. I am praying for insight on how to relax and not be so focused on curriculum that I miss the relationship with my kids.

I hope that as you reflect on your school year you will take the time to thank the Lord for time with your kids, small accomplishments such as learning to ride a bike, milestones such as losing a tooth, and landmark moments such as a child coming to faith in Christ. Homeschooling is more about passing on our faith and teaching our kids character than checking off academic lists. If we can teach a love for Christ and a love for learning, we will have accomplished our job. Be encouraged even if your evaluation falls short of your expectations. Give your expectations to God and pray for guidance on this journey. He can give us the educational plan we need if we just consult Him and make sure our plans are checked at the door. Be open to change if He leads you in a different direction. Blessings to you on your homeschool journey!

Click on the link below if you would like to read what other Crew members have to say about evaluating their school year.

Tags: goals, TOS Blog Cruise, Year-End Evaluation

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/20/winding-down-and-gearing-up/

May 19

What’s In the Bible – 20% off

Categories:

Coupon Zone, Home

May 19, 2013

This post contains a referral link. WITB

I am so thankful I discovered the What’s in the Bible? series. Our family is now laughing and learning our way through the Bible and loving every minute. Help build a Biblical foundation in your home with this series using my friends-only discount. Simply go to What’s in the Bible and by using this referral link you can save 20% off your purchases.

Tags: 20% off, What's in the Bible

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/19/whats-in-the-bible-20-off/

May 17

I is for Interesting

Categories:

Heart and Home, Home

May 17, 2013

Here goes………..

my kids/husband
homeschooling
all things techy
deal shopping
school planning
insects
butterflies
cats
horses
anatomy ( I am a R.N.)
microbiology
the cute things that children say
classical music
apologetics
Christian missionary biographies
baking bread
Facebook
Pinterest
running
writing
old movies
scrapbooks

Check out this link to see what my blogger friends are writing about this week.

Jennifer is a blogger along with her husband David and can be found enjoying a good book, homeschooling her three kiddos, or fiddling on the computer. She is a follower of Christ and seeks to glorify Him in all she does.

Tags: About Me, Blogging Through the Alphabet, I, Interesting

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/17/i-is-for-interesting/

May 17

The Fruit of Our Labor

Categories:

Heart and Home, Home

May 17, 2013

I was pondering on Proverbs 14:23 the other day.

”All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

I was reminded of the time and efforts I have put into training my kids to do household chores. I usually spend some extra time each summer when we have more down time teaching the kids new chores to add to the list of ones they do well. It always seems like such a big task to get the kids to do their chores, but I saw the fruit of it on Wednesday. We spent the morning picking berries at a local farm and had lunch with family at the park. It was such a fun time. My sister-in-law offered to take the kids home with her so I could clean the house in anticipation of company coming to visit on Thursday. I almost took her up on the offer thinking how easy it would be to run through the house and clean with no distractions. Then I began to think that the kids really NEED to be a part of helping prepare for guests. I want them to learn the importance of hard work and serving others, the need for hospitality and finally enjoying the fruit of their hard work by having good times with others after the work is done. We got started with the cleaning later than I had planned and we were under a time crunch since we usually have dinner at church on Wednesday night. I made a list of the chores we had to accomplish before the day was done and in two and a half hours, all the chores were done (except freezing the strawberries we picked). The boys worked hard, they knew what had to be done. There was no whining and very little complaining. After I sat down that night when church was over, I realized that hard work DOES earn a profit. If I am faithful to try to instill a good work ethic, good attitudes and Christlike behavior in my kids, He will complete the work in them. I may not see the fruit until heaven, but I am NOT going to give up. I was blessed by the help of my kids. The work went so much faster than if I had done it all myself, and I think it made the kids feel that the family needs them. That is such an important things for kids. Knowing that you are needed in the family gives you a reason for doing the things you do. We can also translate this knowledge over into our spiritual life. If we know that we are serving a purpose in the family of God, we can more joyfully attend to the tasks that He gives us to do, knowing that we are furthering His kingdom.

Tags: chores, feeling needed, hard work

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/17/the-fruit-of-our-labor/

May 16

Science Naturally – A Schoolhouse Crew Review

Categories:

May 16, 2013

As a science major myself, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric and Natalie Yoder, published by Science Naturally. My ten and seven-year-old boys like science and my oldest has been interested in mysteries since he learned to read. I knew that this combination of science and mysteries would be a hit at our house and I was not disappointed. In fact, it has even drawn in my husband and I.

About the Company:

Science Naturally is an independent press located in the nation’s capitol. Their goal is listed below:

We are committed to increasing science and math literacy by exploring and demystifying topics in entertaining and enlightening ways.

About the Product:

photo MysteriesMoreSciCoverFrontweb_0_zpse15319fb.jpg

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! was written by a father-daughter team. This title is the sequel to the first book One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! The second book in this series is available for $9.95 as a 180-page paperback. It is recommended for ages 8-12. We found this age range to be on target. My ten-year old really got into guessing the answers and figured out many of the answers on his own. The seven-year old enjoyed listening and tried to guess the answers, but didn’t answer correctly most of the time. I felt it was a good learning opportunity for him even though his participation with the content was limited.

The book includes six sections covering topics from life science, earth & space science, physical & chemical science, general science, miscellaneous, and a bonus section with one-minute math mysteries. These short, one-page stories give background information and clues about the science mystery presented and then after you have had the chance to think of your answer, you can turn the page and read the answer or solution to the problem.

One example from the book is a story about a family visiting a national park. They are excited about seeing and taking pictures of the elk that they had seen on their last visit to the park earlier in the year. By the time they returned to the park for the second time, fall had arrived. They looked everywhere, but couldn’t find the elk herd. They discussed the possibilities of disease, wolf attacks, etc. when one of the family members stated they knew what had happened. You are left at this point in the story to come to your own conclusions about what happened. Then, you can turn the page and read the answer or solution to the problem. In this story, you will find out that elk migrate in the fall and return to their homes in the spring. If you would like to read more sample mysteries you can check out this link.

What We Thought About the Product:

Learning science through mystery stories? What is not to like about this? I loved the subtle way in which the topics were woven into the stories. The mysteries were short and to the point, taking truly only a minute to read. The discussions generated by the one-minute story lasted longer than a minute and many times carried over into our dinnertime discussion. I thought that this book was a truly unique product that makes science fun and entertaining and helps pique kids interest in finding out why things happen. After reading the second book in the series, I will probably purchase the first book in the future.

Drew’s Opinion (ten-years-old):

“I liked this book because it was a challenge to figure out the mysteries. It is a fun way to learn about science!”

If you would like to purchase your own copy, check out Science Naturally and use coupon code 3SPEC to purchase any 3 books on their website for $19.95 plus $2.95 shipping. (That is a savings of $12.90).

They offer seven products relating to math and science topics, with more in the works.

Tags: Mysteries, Science, Science Naturally, TOS Review

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/16/science-naturally/

May 13

I Am So Blessed to Be A Mom

Categories:

Heart and Home, Home

May 13, 2013

After reading all the wonderful tributes to mothers yesterday on Facebook, I was inspired to write an after Mother’s Day post. I was contemplating my upbringing and the way in which I hope to bring up my children and I was overcome by gratitude for the blessings in my life. I was raised by two godly parents who had the courage to step out and follow God’s calling to homeschool in the early ’80′s when it was not the popular thing to do. They led by example and taught me the core Christian values that I hold dear today. I pray often that I will be the kind of parent that they are. I regularly saw modeled the disciplines of daily quiet times, prayer, fasting, tithing, dependence on God and commitment to the local church. I was taken on mission trips and encouraged to serve others. My siblings and I were taught to put Christ first above all else in our lives and we saw our parents walk out their faith in front of us. We saw the ups and the downs, the good and the bad. I think when I ponder the blessings of my upbringing these things are at the top of my list. I am so thankful for my parents and my siblings. I am blessed to have a heritage of homeschooling which was the way in which they chose by sacrifice and faith to pass on their values to their children. If you would like to hear more of our story, you can hear an interview at this link: jenni allen radio show

My ten-year-old son wrote me the following poem for Mother’s Day and I thought that I would share it. I pray that this inspiring poem will remind me that my kids are beginning to catch my faith. When the days are hard and the patience is wearing thin, I want to remember that the Holy Spirit is my helper. When I allow the love of Christ to shine through me I will be able to teach my children diligently the things of the Lord.

Thank You

by Drew Allen

Thank you for all the things that you do

Like washing the clothes that ’til they look quite new

Thank you for cooking our meals each day

And for making us happy in your own special way.

Thank you for teaching us right from wrong,

And for helping us pray all along.

These are only some things that you do,

And to the rest, I will also say, Thank you!

The next generation of homeschoolers. My three kiddos and my 3 nephews and 1 niece.

Tags: homeschooling, Mom and Dad, Mother's Day, my life story

1 comment

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/13/i-am-so-blessed-to-be-a-mom/

May 10

H is for Hiney

Categories:

by David

May 10, 2013

My wife has been doing the exciting “alphabet” series of posts for a number of weeks now. However, she will be unable to do it this week, so she asked me to fill in for her (which I bet will be the last time that happens). It is hard to believe that we have less than 20 letters in the alphabet to go, but we will make the most of it with the remaining letters we have. Anyway, I digress. I have been given the letter “H”, so “H” it shall be. Let’s see – H. H, H, H, H, H, H. H is for ……………………………………..Hiney. Yes, you heard that right. H is for Hiney. You didn’t expect that, did you? And that is precisely the point. Life throws many unexpected things your way. Picture if you will the following:

A man drives home the typical way from his typical job on a typical Friday evening. As is typical, he drives alongside his mailbox at the end of the driveway to check the daily mail. As he opens the mailbox door, the hiney of a toy doll comes spilling towards him from the inside of the mailbox, temporarily terrifying him. Impossible, you say. Well, here’s the photographic evidence:

Thus, a typical day turned into a very surprising day. And that’s the way life is – some cruising and some curveballs, with lots of lessons along the way. Can you really learn a lesson from the southern end of a northbound doll? Of course!

1. You never know when someone is going to show their hiney to you. Be prepared.

2. You can’t control when someone is going to show their hiney to you. But you can control your reaction to it – it can either be positive or negative, it is really up to you.

3. Don’t add to the hiney problem already in the world.

4. P.O. Boxes are probably worth the low monthly fee.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the “H” segment of our alphabet series. My wife will resume the series next week, something to do with the letter “I”. Although it will probably be “I for Irritability” after she reads this post. Toodle-oo!!

Tags: hiney

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/10/h-is-for-hiney/

May 10

Dave’s Dots

Categories:

Home

by David

May 10, 2013

Dave’s Law #45: The amount of listening one does is inversely proportional to the number of questions that one asks.

Corollary to Dave’s Law #45: The amount of listening one does is directly proportional to the number of dumb questions that one asks.

Star Trek Into Dorkness: On the eve of the new Star Trek movie, I am told that there are actually two kinds of Star Trek fans: “Trekkies” and “Trekkers”. Apparently, “Trekkies” are just casual fans that merely watch Star Trek. “Trekkers” go way beyond that and have been known to get their Kling”on”. Whatever category you are, it makes little difference to the jock about to give you a swirlie.

And speaking of Star Trek and dorks: What dork scheduled the premiere of The Great Gatsby the week between the premiere of Iron Man 3 and the premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness? But, no matter what, the premiere of this version of The Great Gatsby won’t be anywhere near as bad as the horrid 1974 version of the movie, a movie so bad that Mia Farrow was too embarassed to show up at the premiere. And here’s why:

Yes, she really said: “I’d like to get one of those pink clouds and put you in it and push you around.” Or something like that. F. Scott Fitzegerald no doubt rolled over in his grave.

And speaking of artists in the grave, a little joke: Visitors to Beethoven’s grave in Vienna, Austria were surprised to hear the faint of sound of symphony music coming from underground. It was also noticed that the music seemed to be played backwards. Day by day, the music continued and the crowds at the grave grew larger and larger. Finally, scientists were called in to try to explain why the symphony music was being heard underground, much less backwards. Approaching the crowd, the cemetery’s caretaker put the whole issue to rest. “You idiots!” he said “Beethoven’s just decomposing!”

The highs and lows and (highs) of life: From Foxnews - A team of smokejumpers parachuting into a fire in the mountains of Southern Oregon landed in an illegal marijuana garden being prepared for growing season.

The six smokejumpers from a base in Redmond found the site Monday evening, when there was a rash of lightning strikes. Jackson County sheriff’s spokeswoman Andrea Carlson says the smokejumpers notified authorities, who hiked into the remote site in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. They seized two guns and more than 1,000 little pot plants.

A recent poll of college age students showed that 61% of them wanted government to stay out of their lives. Wonder how many of those same students have federal student loans or tuition from places like the Hope scholarship?

And speaking of future aluminuseseses: Another poll reveals that 33% of college students wear “lucky underwear” to do better on exams. Are they truly indisposable? Depends on who you ask.

You know, I don’t think that there is a man, woman, or child alive that doesn’t enjoy the delightful medley that is a cheese tray.

On this day in history: The commemorative holiday Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna Jarvis was the driving force behind the holiday. Her mother had served in a Mother’s Day Work Club, and when she died, Anna Jarvis wanted her mother to be honored in a national Mother’s Day (which it was in 1914). Ironically, Jarvis later campaigned against Mother’s Day, because she felt that it had become too commercial:

“A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.”

Take that Hallmark and Godiva!!

And speaking of mamas, and papas (how’s that for a segue?): On this day in 1966, the number one song in our fair land was “Monday, Monday” by the Mamas and the Papas. Admit it, you dig it.

Tags: dave's dots6

Permanent link to this article: http://conversaving.com/2013/05/10/daves-dots-6/

May 06

5 Ways to Save Money at a Homeschool Convention

Categories:

May 6, 2013

Have you ever attended a homeschool convention but found yourself arriving at the venue strapped for cash after you paid your registration fees, hotel fees, gas money, etc? Today I am going to share with you five ways to save money at a homeschool convention.

Check for other hotels in the area that are not on the conferences recommended list. We recently attended a conference and found a hotel within walking distance from the convention for half the cost of the hotels listed as recommended by the convention. This hotel was an older two-star hotel, but had recently replaced the carpet. It was clean, the staff was friendly and we had free continental breakfast and free wi-fi each day. By looking around and doing my research, I was able to save significantly. This is not always the best option if you are looking for nicer hotels with more amenities. If you want all the frills, you may score a better deal using the conference’s arranged pricing with the recommended hotels.
Bring your own snacks and eat from your cooler at least once a day. On our most recent trip, we chose to eat the free breakfast at the hotel and bring along ingredients for lunches each day. We packed sandwiches, muffins, brownies, fruit, etc and ate one meal a day from the cooler. I figure that saved us at least $30 a day for our family of 5. We treated ourselves to one meal out each day and we stayed well inside our food budget this way. Check with the rules at your local convention, you may not be able to bring food inside the convention center. Sometimes this route involves eating out of your car, but don’t worry, look around, you won’t be the only one doing this!
Look first, then buy. I try to look around the vendor hall the first day and get an idea of things I REALLY can’t do without. Then if I still think they are great deals after mulling it over for the day, I purchase them the next day. I also try to set a budget and use cash only, when possible. ( I didn’t make it to the bank before I left on my most recent convention trip.) Watching the cash disappear from my wallet helps me avoid impulse buys and see exactly how much I have left to spend. The visual reminder helps me stay within budget and refrain from buying things I don’t need.
Price check before you buy. I almost bought a book recently at a convention because the item was $10 off retail price. I did a quick price check on Amazon and Homeschool Classifieds before I purchased it and found that someone was listing for sale in new condition for $5 cheaper than the price I thought was great and that included shipping. I put the book back and ordered it online. If the price is within a dollar or two of the online price, I usually just go ahead a support the vendors at the convention. They come a long distance to speak and sell their wares and most of them make their living through sales. Another tip I heard and have not tried is to download the Price Check app from Amazon. It is available in the Android or apple platform for smart phones and tablets with scanners. You can scan the barcode of books and it will show you the Amazon price for the item in question. That would be awesome if I only had a smart phone. LOL! Sometimes I just take photos of products that I want to add to my wish list and purchase them later when I have the extra money.
Sign up for newsletters and enter contests. My friend won a book after signing up for the drawing at their table and my husband picked up a free radio dramatization CD for our kids just by signing up for a newsletter on our most recent convention trip. I picked up a catalog with a $15 off of $50 purchase promo code pasted on the front. I had planned to purchase over $100 of materials from this company, so I will definitely take advantage of that. You can also look for convention specials advertised at each booth. Just don’t forget to do your homework. I saw one special recently on DVD’s that were supposedly on sale for 50% off if you purchased sets of twelve, making them $14.95 each. A quick Amazon search showed me that I could get the videos for $12 or less individually. I didn’t really need 12 of the DVD’s. I was interested in about 4 of them, so buying them from Amazon saved me a bundle. I got only what I needed and didn’t pay the inflated price. Not every special is a good deal.

These are just a few tips that have helped me be able to enjoy a homeschool convention without breaking the bank. Do you have any other money-saving tips?

Tags: Frugal Homeschooling, homeschool convention, saving money, TOS Blog Cruise