If you’re a homeschooling parent that really tries to do it frugally (but effectively), I have an awesome tip for you! Actually, thinking about it, this tip can be utilized by anyone with preschool and early elementary aged children, as well.
My boys (6 and 3) enjoy age appropriate versions of dot-to-dots, mazes, matching shapes/numbers, tracing letters/numbers. They often ask to do these things in addition to their regular school work. I absolutely adore the fact that they would rather do this type of activity in their free time, than asking to watch tv, etc. (most of the time!).
However, I don’t like that these activities can get expensive. By the time you’ve bought printer paper and ink or activity books, these activities become less frugal than I’d like – especially for something that isn’t a required homeschool lesson and I’m not required to keep records of it.
So, I came up with a solution to turn these consumable (ie. they get used up) activities into non-consumables.
Items needed:
~ 3 ring binder
~ Page protectors (the smooth ones, not textured)
~ Activities
~ Dry erase markers
These binders are very simple to make. Simply take apart your activity books and then cut the pages apart and insert into the page protectors. Insert any other materials into the page protectors and fill up the notebook. Give your child a dry erase marker and they’re all set!
There is an initial investment of the binder, page protectors and markers (around $10), but it will last for years!
Tips:
~ I recommend a hard binder (not the flexible kind) because this gives the child a hard writing surface for mobility. My children don’t have motion sickness, so they enjoy doing them in the van. We also take these kind of activities to appointments, etc.
~ You can add in math pages for extra practice on the go.
~ The smooth page protectors clean better than the textured ones. The textured ones seem to hold on to the marks. Avery makes the smooth ones, but I haven’t been able to find them in any other brand or generic.
This post is linked to Works For Me Wednesday.
This is awesome! I used paper protectors for math drills, etc. I never thought of making a whole book. LOVE it!
Angela @ Homegrown Mom´s last blog ..Storing and Organizing Photos: The Mess
I’ve been reading a lot about page protectors in the homeschool lately. Even bought some of my very own, but haven’t done anything with them as yet. This is a really great idea to add to my Homeschool To-Do List! Thanks!
Amy @ Raising Arrows´s last blog ..Cleaning Music
I saw this idea recently, and I’ll definitely be using it!!
Ashley´s last blog ..Books about Weather
awesome idea! i’ll be trying this for my soon to be 5 yo! Thanks!
keli´s last blog ..The Man Behind the Woman
What a great idea! I only have the textured page protectors right now so I’ll have to find some of the smooth ones but I can’t wait to try this!
Sharon´s last blog ..