Affordable (Or Free!) Educational Worksheets And Activities For Your Child This Summer!

Schools out for summer!! OK well not yet but it will be soon. Chances are that you’ll still give your kids something to work on during the summer just to keep their brains active and prevent them from turning to mush from all that TV and snowcone sugar overload.  So how can you help your kids stay educationally active without spending a ton of money? How can you find affordable workbooks and lessons to do over the summer break? The great news is that these ideas do not only apply to summer. You can use them at any time for affordable homeschool curriculum or as a way to supplement your kid’s school work during the year. The goal is to provide your kids with learning worksheets and activities to encourage a focused educational time of the day while leaving you money in your pocket to enjoy the time you have with them. 

1. Buy workbooks at thrift stores and used book stores.

Great workbooks are easy to find at thrift stores and used book stores. Most of the time they will have a little bit of writing in them but it’s usually only the first few lessons and it’s almost always in pencil. You can either skip these sections or erase the work that was already completed!  Don’t just ignore a workbook at a thrift store or used book store because it’s not the correct grade level. Take time to thumb through the book. Is there anything in there that you can use? Many times different publishers have different grade level qualifications. A very large 6th grade workbook we found the other day at the thrift store is actually at the 4th/5th grade level that my daughter needs. We paid $1 for a book that was originally priced $20.  Every time we are in a thrift store or used book store I browse their educational section. If the book is really cheap and can be used or put back for the next year, I pick it up. Some of my kids favorite workbooks are the ones we have found for less than $2. 

2. Use free online printable resources –

The internet is a wonderful thing. There are so many resources that you can pull up online and print from your computer. All you’ll pay is the price of ink for your printer.   With a simple search online you can have free printable worksheets that perfectly fit your child’s interest.  Is your child in love with owls? Search online for “3rd grade owl worksheets” and you will be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.  Maybe your child needs to learn all the Countries in North America? You can worksheets and maps to print to help them achieve that goal. What about a science journal or book reading list? You can find it all online for free. Some of my favorite sites are: Education.com – You can register for a free basic account that allows you a limited number of free downloads to print each month. Their worksheets are great and worth dealing with the limit.  Teachers Pay Teachers – Also have a free registration option. Once you register you can search for free resources to use. They also have very affordable worksheets if you find something that you just can’t live without. All the resources have been developed by teachers and the money goes to the teachers. Great Schools / Great Kids – Great Schools has a site named Great Kids that offers wonderful free worksheets. 

3. Go virtual – 

I know you might want to reduce screen time this summer but sometimes screen time can be good. Take your learning online and your kids will find a wealth of information. There are so many great websites and online programs to help your child dive deeper into education. The don’t require a printer and many programs will even track your child’s progress as they work through the lessons.  A few free different ideas for you to check out:  1. Kahn Academy – Kahn Academy is a great resource for any age! They offer free classes in so many topics for children and adults alike.  Kahn Academy has a solid math program for children.  You must register them with a child account and Kahn Academy will notify you of their progress.  2. Spelling City – Spelling City offers fun games that help your children learn their spelling words. You can play it online or as a mobile app.  Register for a free account and you can make your own spelling lists or find lists used by teachers in your area. 3. Easy Peasy Homeschool – This is a full curriculum that was developed my missionaries that didn’t have access to different books and worksheets. The courses are all online and walk you through different online games and books to read each day. No commitment is required so this is a great option for homeschoolers and public schoolers alike.  4. YouTube – You mean your kids get to watch YouTube for school work? Yes! YouTube is a great resource when used wisely! Spend a bit of time making a few different playlists of educational videos. We have a playlists for sign language, different science experiments, swimming tips, and different periods of history. When it’s too hot to go outside and play, watching a few educational videos are a great way to keep those young brains working. 

4. Get to the library – 

Libraries are great. Not only do they have books, computers and even ipads, they also have a lot of scheduled activites. Have you visited your local library lately and grabbed a calendar of activities?  If your child isn’t interested in the library you might want to walk them through the aisles and show them all of the different books that are there. Once our oldest child discovered they had cookbooks for children, she started begging to go.    One day you’ll have college to pay for. Don’t spend a ton of money today to help supplement your child’s education.  With a little bit of time you can have an endless supply of worksheets, activities and online resources to challenge your child and keep them learning all summer long for next to nothing! If you want more ideas check out my learning activities Pinterest board!  Don’t forget to pin this image below so you can find this post at anytime!