| Homeschool software should be used as an important | | | | experiences with the package. |
| tool in the proper homeschooling of your child. The real | | | | If you are able to budget for your core software |
| decision you face when choosing homeschool | | | | purchase in the beginning, this option may save you |
| software is where to spend your money. Unless you | | | | money in the long run as there will probably be no |
| have an unlimited budget, you will need to plan ahead | | | | monthly membership fees involved. The publisher may |
| and make decisions on which homeschooling | | | | still provide for a web-based forum or support group, |
| resources are worth paying for and which resources | | | | but for the most part you should feel comfortable in |
| may be found for free. | | | | utilizing software on your own. Don't forget to look for |
| While it is true that you can find invaluable information | | | | the ability to customize the features, as this will help |
| and some course materials for free on the Internet, a | | | | ensure that your version of the software will last for a |
| homeschooling program on a budget should not | | | | long time to come. Be aware that there may be future |
| overlook the value in purchasing select software. | | | | versions of the software and that there may or may |
| If you have planned properly and have a budget in | | | | not be upgrade costs involved if you choose to |
| mind, a good rule of thumb might be to spend 50-60 | | | | purchase the updated versions. |
| percent of your yearly budget on your core | | | | Once you have made your decision of which core |
| homeschool software package. This is the point where | | | | software to purchase, you may decide to supplement |
| you will look for your core homeschooling curriculum. In | | | | this with any of the free resources that are available |
| addition, your ideal package may include important | | | | on the Internet. There are free or low-cost programs |
| record-keeping functions, detailed lesson plans, | | | | that can provide you with record keeping forms, basic |
| benchmark testing and additional resources. | | | | lesson plans, generic testing and achievement awards. |
| Your core homeschool software might be in the form | | | | You can always find great ideas for extra-curricular |
| of a monthly membership web site or it might be in the | | | | activities on various homeschooling web sites. You can |
| form of a stand alone software package. If you have | | | | save money by looking for these free resources on |
| less money to spend in the beginning, a monthly | | | | line or at your public library. |
| membership fee may be the solution of choice. | | | | Homeschooling software can be a valuable resource |
| Purchasing a monthly membership may also give you | | | | to help you achieve your homeschooling goals. You |
| the peace of mind that your homeschooling software | | | | can find a mix of free and paid resources to fit your |
| will not be out of date in the future, as these sites will | | | | budget, while ensuring that your child has the best |
| provide any updates in software for free. You also | | | | opportunity for success. Software is certainly a |
| may have more access to forums and support groups | | | | worthwhile investment in your child's future. |
| full of people who are more than willing to share their | | | | |