Home School Curriculum Fair

As a self-proclaimed curriculum junkie, I can’t resist a home school curriculum fair.

Plan Your Purchases

To make the most of a home school curriculum fair, spend time planning before the event. Make a list of your curriculum needs for each child. Don’t forget to include supplies for subjects like science and art, or games and readers for your children.

Review homeschool catalogs and websites of vendors who will be at the fair. Make a list of specific products you want to view, the lowest price you can find online, and any questions you may have, and bring it with you to the event.

Here is a free printable checklist that will help you with this process. My favorite online discount company is Rainbow Resource Center. I usually see if I can find materials on their website before purchasing from vendors.

Work with your spouse to set a limit for how much you will spend, leaving a reasonable amount of room in your budget for unexpected finds. It sometimes helps to only bring along the amount of cash you are willing to spend. Here are some additional tips for affordable homeschooling.

How to Navigate a Homeschool Vendor Fair

1. Read the rules. Some home school curriculum fairs discourage children from attending. Due to space limitations, many do not allow strollers.

2. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a tote bag, back pack or rolling luggage carrier, if allowed. Don’t forget to pack a notepad, pen, calculator, water and snacks.

3. Review the site map, and make note of the locations of vendors from your checklist. Visit these booths first, then make your way to other product tables.

4. Print a sheet of return address labels for ease in filling out vendor mailing lists.

5. Be courteous. Wait patiently when a salesperson is helping another customer, and don’t take too much time when it’s your turn and others are waiting.

6. When comparing product, consider the company’s return policies and level of ongoing support.

7. Reward good sales personnel by purchasing directly from their tables. I will sometimes pay a bit more for a product if I’ve received good service from a vendor.

8. During a two day event, spend the first day looking and make purchases on the second day. Don’t feel pressured to take advantage of event specials. You have not truly saved money if you purchase materials you’ll never use.

9. Keep catalogs of companies who sell products you like, making note of materials you may want to purchase in the future.

10. Bring a little something home for the kids! I usually like to buy an inexpensive book or activity they can use right away, just so they know we’ve been thinking of them.