Homeschool Curriculum

Believe it or not, researching homeschool curriculum is one of the LAST steps in starting your homeschool. Your vision is the backbone of your homeschool and the curriculum is what will help you achieve the goals you set. Curriculum companies are changing all the time and unfortunately, the "hottest new curriculum" might not be a good fit for your child. If you try to cover the curriculum picking for your homeschool first based on the lastest trends and expert advice, you and your child may very well wind up frustrated.

Check out the Start Homeschooling Step by Step Guide to help you create a vision statement, learn about teaching methods and discover your child's learning style.

Curriculum literally means "courses offered by an educational institution." So when you research homeschool curriculum, it means you decide what subjects your children will study over the year. Easy enough. Math, science, history, logic, spelling, creative writing, manners, music, art, literature, auto mechanics, home ec.... the list can be very long or very short depending on your goals.

When you hear the question "What curriculum do you use?" in the homeschool community, it usually means "What (company's materials, method, philosophy) do you use to teach your children?" The answers are as varied as the families who homeschool.

With that in mind, we will use the word "curriculum" to mean the actual books, materials and information parents use to plan lessons. Twenty years ago, companies that provided homeschooling curriculum packages were very limited. Most families didn’t have to research homeschool curriculum, they used what they could find and made up the rest. Now, the choices are so overwhelming it can make your head swim.

Ask questions. Read reviews. Visit bookfairs.

You can choose a pre-packaged homeschool curriculum or you can "make your own".

Pre-packaged is great for families who don't have the time or desire to plan a subject or course of study. Many families use these to get started and get a feel for what homeschool will be like. Many publishers will provide you with a complete year of materials, lessons and record keeping forms. Often you can choose to purchase one subject or an entire grade level including all subjects.

"Make your own" is perfect for the homeschool family that wants flexibility and doesn't mind spending time researching different programs. They basically pick and choose the materials they feel will meet the needs of their child the best. Some people get started this way just by going to the library and checking out books that interest their children and branching out as the kids ask questions.

Most families, after getting some time under their belts, often find a blend of pre-packaged and "make you own" curricula works best for their family.

Whatever you choose, make sure it:

Fits with your state's homeschooling laws

Fits with your vision

Fits your child's learning style

Fits your needs as a parent

Fits your budget

Don't get involved in OVER analyzing your choice. Find one that can you can use to start your homeschool the first year. There is no perfect curriculum for everyone, and sometimes it takes awhile to find the perfect one for you.

Remember, if it doesn't work, get rid of it and find something new.

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