Things to consider when picking a homeschool curriculum
Homeschooling is a great way to ensure that your child is receiving the education they need, tailored to their individual needs, interests, and learning style. But with so many homeschool curriculums out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you and your child. Here are 8 things to consider when picking a homeschool curriculum.
Does it fit your learning styles?
First and foremost, consider your child’s learning style. Does your child learn best with colorful and highly engaging materials? Do they do best with a spiral vs. a mastery curriculum? Do they need something that is more traditional based with lectures and textbooks or do they learn best with games and hands-on activities? Look for a curriculum that matches your child’s learning style and offers material that will engage them.
2. Does it fit your budget?
Next, consider your budget. Homeschool curriculums can range from free to quite expensive. Figure out what you can afford and look for curriculums that fit in your budget. You may also want to consider a combination of free and paid materials to make the most of your budget. Research on whether or not your state offers any financial incentives or support for homeschooling.
3. What are your educational goals?
Taking the time to set your vision of goals for your homeschool year is an important step when it comes time to consider the content of the curricula you’re interested in. Is the goal to build confidence and mastery in a certain subject or are you wanting to introduce your child to a variety of different topics? Does the curriculum cover all the topics you want to teach? Does it align with your educational philosophy? Are the materials appropriate for your child’s age and level?
4. Does it meet state standards?
This piece of the puzzle can drastically change from state to state. Some states are very relaxed when it comes to their homeschooling requirements, while others are very strict. The best thing you can do is to research what requirements and law are applicable to your state. Understanding what you are responsible for may change your approach when choosing your curriculum.
5. Does it fit your schedule?
Make sure the curriculum is flexible enough to fit your schedule. You should be able to adjust the materials to fit your child’s interests and learning needs. Look for a curriculum that allows you to customize the content and activities to ensure your child is getting the best education possible.
6. What type of curriculum do you prefer?
While it’s very important to get a curriculum that works for your child, it is also very important to get one that works for you as well, after all, you will be the one teaching and/or directing your child. Do you prefer an open and go curriculum that requires very little preparation or are you ok with a curriculum that might be more hands on and parent led like unit studies? Figure out how you feel about online learning and how/if screen time fits into your curriculum. Do you want to mix and match curriculums or do you prefer a one stop shop for everything? Do you have a preference on religious vs secular based programs?
7. Is it enjoyable and engaging?
While most days homeschooling is fun, there will be days where you and your child are going to lack the motivation to do lessons. This is where having an enjoyable and engaging curriculum can be helpful.
8. Is there support and resources?
Just because you are responsible for the day-to-day of your child's education does not mean that you have to do it alone. When researching a curriculum, check to see if there are additional support and resources to guide you. Does the curriculum that you’re interested in provide you with a free trial or download? Are there additional resources like videos, hands-on activities, printables, additional practice, ect available? Can you reach out to someone to ask questions regarding the curriculum?
Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can seem daunting, but if you take the time to consider a few things, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your family. With the right curriculum, you can rest assured that your child will receive the best possible education.
