Reciprocity as a Home Schooling Resource

Our unschooling lifestyle offers room for exploration in all forms. We take the opportunity to learn from hands-on experience as often as we can. Museums create a place to touch and talk about a wide variety of topics, and many offer free entry!

Some places also offer discounts on tickets or memberships if you bring proof that you are a homeschooling “teacher.” You can get a card through The Home School Legal Defense Association, or many places accept the official letter from your school district stating that your children are excused from public school.

Another way to save money is by purchasing a membership to your local museums, then use reciprocity to gain entry to other locations for free or at a reduced rate. We travel often and use our museum memberships along our route to plan rest stops and stay overs. This gives the seedlings a way to burn off some energy and enhance the travel experience for everyone.

Below is a list of organizations that offer a reciprocity program across North America and beyond. All have easy search functions to help you plan your trips - Enjoy exploring!

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The Association of Science and Technology Centers - ASTC supports science and technology centers and museums to thrive—now and in the future—as they engage their communities in science and technology. As a member of a science center or museum participating in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, you are eligible for benefits such as free general admission when you travel outside of your local area.

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The Association of Zoos and Aquariums -Leaders in Animal Care, Conservation, and Family Fun! AZA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 200 institutions which meet the highest standards in animal care, provide a fun and educational family experience, and dedicate millions of dollars to scientific research, conservation, and education programs. One of the benefits of becoming a member of your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium is free or discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program.

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The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association - A mosaic of 1,137 art museums and galleries, historical museums and societies, botanical gardens, children’s museums, zoos and more. When you sign up with your favorite participating NARM institution you can receive reciprocal membership benefits across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, El Salvador and Mexico.

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More Resources to Explore:

• Social Emotional Intelligence: some whys and some hows of sowing new seeds

• Sweet Carolina - Lesson Plans from the Tar Heel State

A Light in the Fog - Lesson Plans for the New Year Slump

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I am grateful to find a place with rich soil to grow a community. May we take root, and flourish together.

@Bia.Birch 🌱

All artwork, photographs, and content are original and created by @bia.birch unless otherwise credited

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Thank you @focusnow for your help with formatting - I am a work in progress!