What if I Don’t Have a Kindle
Perks of Owning a Kindle
- You can share your books between all of your devices. That means if you want to have your Kindle app on you computer, your I-pad and also have a separate Kindle, you’d have access to the same books on all of those devices.
- It reads like a book, as there is no back light. and they have a cool technology called e-ink that makes you feel like you’re reading a real book. (This is for the Cheapest edition of Kindle. They now have a Kindle Paper White that has a Back Light in it. Also there’s always the Kindle Fire, that is more than just an e-reader, but more like a tablet.)
- The battery life lasts FOREVER! Because it doesn’t have a back light, the battery can last up to 2 months before it needs to charge. One con to that is that if you are trying to read at night, you will need a book light or will need to be in a lighted room.
- You can sometimes borrow Kindle books from your local library.
- Know a friend who bought a Kindle book? You can borrow it from them for 2 weeks.
- You can also download audio onto your Kindle and listen to audio books, MP3’s, etc.
- You can download and read .PDF books on a Kindle as well.
How Do I Use the Kindle in my Homeschool?
There are lots and lots of books available now in Kindle format. Also, there are many books that are on promotion to be free for a limited time. The classics are almost ALWAYS free. There’s no need to go to the library to borrow them any longer.
When you go to Amazon, they will link you to many of the ways that you can obtain free books. Just go to the following link to find out how:
If you’re not sure how to use the classics in your homeschool, you can use a free online curriculum like Old Fashioned Education or Ambleside Online. Both of those curricula base much of what they teach around e-books that are free and available online.
If you’re interested in reading a book that you don’t own, be sure to check with Book Lending. Book Lending is a service that allows you to loan and borrow Kindle books with people you don’t know. Don’t worry though, it’s risk free. It is automatically returned to you after 2 weeks.
Many Classics for Free
Modern Titles for Purchase, including many Sonlight Books
Now, I hope that you can see the many ways that an E-reader device of some kind can definitely be an asset in your homeschool. It took me a while to finally take the leap and actually purchase one, but once I did, I was very happy to know how much it could enhance our homeschool! We rarely leave home without it.
Do you already own a Kindle or have the Kindle App? What’s the last book you or your child read on it?
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links in it. If you should choose to click on them and purchase something, I could make a small commission off of your purchase. Any commissions earned will go towards the expenses of this site as well as our homeschooling endeavors. Thank you for your support!
tereza crump says
We have had a kindle for 2 years now. I subscribe to a lot of whole food/ health blogs and some of them like to post books that go on kindle for free. So I am learning a lot from those books. I got a lot of free books for the little ones too. My oldest reads a lot on kindle too… sometimes I get books that are free or 0.99 that I know we will be using in the years to come… mostly historical fictions, since the classics are mostly free. I love books but I have clutterphobia… so when my shelves are full of books I begin decluttering: selling or donating them. Like right now, I got a bunch of homeschooling books on sale on my blog… I love the books, but they are read, so why hoard?? With the kindle I can hoard without having to dust!!! 🙂
Sidetracked Sarah says
amen to that. I go through every year or so and get rid of a bunch. I don't think that my husband notices though. LOL. It always looks like we have too many to him!
Elizabeth says
Are there learning apps available like ipad has? Such as puzzles and learning games.
Sidetracked Sarah says
There are some very basic ones on the Basic edition of Kindle, but there are more available on the Kindle Fire. I've never used a Kindle Fire though so I'm not sure how they compare. I have both a Kindle AND an I-pad. I use the I-pad more for online things and the Kindle just as a book. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions.
Suanna says
Thank you for this post. As someone who likes to hold a book and doesn't care to read off a screen, I am finding my Kindle useful after all. My husband gave it too me and I have enjoyed reading free books without adding them to my bookshelf. If I find one that I really like I may purchase it in book form, but this is a great way to preview books, too. On my Kindle we are currently reading Seed Sowers in our school. I recently finished reading Hidden Hand and Capitola's Peril. I am currently reading Smart School Time Recipes and dyslexia Tool Kit for Tutors & Parents.
Sidetracked Sarah says
I don't generally read much fiction, but when I do, you have a hard time pulling me away from that thing. I've gotten some really good fiction works for free from the Kindle.
Cindy B says
I finally bought a kindle last year and as I do Charlotte Mason homeschooling, I saved a bunch of money. I usually spend around $200-300 a year on books but this year it was around $100. One book was free and most for 4.99. Some of the books I knew we would be wanting in hand so I bought the book. It was nice to have the option. I have been pleasantly surprised with the kindle and have enjoyed it. I have the app on the computer and an actual Kindle I am hoping to get another Kindle one for me and one for my daughter. The convenience is great but I still want an actual book with some of the classics. I hope this helps someone as they consider stepping into the Kindle world.
Sidetracked Sarah says
Yes, I agree, it is still nice to actually hold a book every now and then. Thanks for sharing!
John Wilkerson says
The Kindle is a great device. I'd like to see more curriculum publishers offering electronic versions of their texts. It would save a lot of money, trees, and bookshelf space!
Sidetracked Sarah says
That's true. Some of my favorite homeschool curriculums still don't have their books on the Kindle. Thanks for stopping by John! 🙂
Christine Hebert says
My son had to read the Story of the Last Days of Jerusalem by Alfred Church for history. I could have purchased a reprint edition hard copy, but instead I got a free Kindle edition. Using the kindle says us money in our homeschool budget.