It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the ordering season! Today (March 26, 2025) is the final day to place orders using instructional funds for this school year—with the exception of Amazon orders, which you can still submit until April 30. If you have funds remaining, this is a great opportunity to think creatively about how to use them to enrich your homeschool in these final months of the academic year.
This time of year naturally invites fresh energy and curiosity—perfect for exploring something new. If you’ve been thinking about adding a fresh experience to your routine, consider using your funds for lessons or services through one of our amazing Community Partners. From music and art lessons to horseback riding, gymnastics, martial arts, or even sewing classes, there are so many ways to turn learning into an adventure! Keep in mind that all lessons must conclude by the last day of school, but the options of what you can try are truly limitless.
- Many of our Community Partners also offer academic tutoring and support. If your student is struggling in a particular subject or could benefit from a confidence boost before the end of the year, now is the perfect time to use instructional funds for tutoring services. Whether it’s math, reading, writing, or study skills, targeted support can make a big difference as we head into the final stretch of the school year. Reach out to your HST for recommendations or to find a partner that fits your student’s needs!
- Don’t forget—we’re still registering for fee-based field trips and events until April 2! Be sure to check out what’s still available at the tail end of this newsletter.
Looking for something you can use at home? This is a great time to stock up on items that spark creativity and hands-on learning:
- Craft kits and art supplies – Think watercolors, oil pastels, origami, weaving, and more. Just remember to keep materials age-appropriate and within a reasonable quantity for the remaining school year.
- Hands-on science kits or STEM projects – Explore brands like Thames & Kosmos, Magic School Bus Science Kits, or circuit-building kits like Snap Circuits.
- Subscription boxes (à la carte) – While it’s too late in the year to order a full subscription, many vendors like KiwiCo, MEL Science, and Little Passports allow you to purchase single boxes. This is a great way to sample different themes and vendors now to see what you might want to incorporate into your curriculum next year!
- Spring-themed unit studies and nature exploration books – Dive into seasonal topics with resources like:
The Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie
The Curious Nature Guide by Clare Walker Leslie
Burgess Bird Book for Children (great for birdwatching and narration!)
Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots by Sharon Lovejoy - Gardening kits or butterfly habitats – These are a beautiful way to bring life cycles and observation skills into your homeschool. Consider:
Insect Lore Butterfly Garden
Sprout & Grow Window Greenhouses - Pair with books like Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner or From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
Spring is also the perfect season for nature journaling, sketching, and reading books that celebrate the world blooming around us. Whether it’s planting a small garden, building a birdhouse, or reading a novel set in the great outdoors, these experiences count as meaningful learning—and often become the most memorable parts of the homeschool year.
If you’re unsure how to spend your remaining funds, reach out to your HST! They can help brainstorm ideas, recommend vendors, and guide you through the ordering process if you have questions.
Let’s finish strong and set the stage for a season of joyful, curiosity-led learning!
Kindly, Kara