It is that time of year. Yes, the school year just ended, but you are probably shopping for books and getting next year’s school schedules set up for your multiple grades. Or at least thinking about starting. If you are just beginning your homeschool journey or looking for more tips on the best homeschool curriculum (let’s face it, no matter how long we’ve been doing this, we are always on the lookout to improve) then this post is for you!
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The Elusive Search to Find the Best Homeschool Curriculum
I had an epiphany a few years ago, the sudden intuitive perception kind, about curriculum. As I was banging my head against the wall for the millionth time because I was frustrated with the curriculum and so was my son. I realized something.
Part of the reason we homeschool is so we can tailor curriculum and teaching to each child.
I don’t need to force my kids into a specific curriculum that we both end up hating.
If you’ve been a parent for any length of time, you know your child is unique. There are no two children alike. There may be similarities in personality, but every child is different. And homeschooling breaks the one-size fits all mold of a traditional classroom. Whether you have out of the box learners, kids who thrive with traditional learning, or reluctant readers, you homeschool so you break the one-size fits all mold. So how do you pick the best homeschool curriculum for your child?
Things to Consider When you are Looking for the Best Homeschool Curriculum
There are number of things to consider when you are looking at curriculum. I highly recommend Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. The list could probably be longer than what I am going to give you. Here are the 5 things to keep in mind when you are looking for curriculum.
1. How do you want to homeschool
Figure out how you want to homeschool. Remember, you don’t have to use a one-size fits all style. There are so many different ways to homeschool. Do you want to be literature based, follow a classical educational style, use traditional textbooks, or be eclectic. There isn’t a right or wrong style. But figuring out your homeschool style and how you want to homeschool will benefit you and your child. Check out this article that will take you in-depth on the many homeschool styles.
If you are just starting out, this will take some time to figure. It is ok to switch curricula throughout the year or grit out a curriculum you hate because you spent too much money on it. We’ve all been there and done that. Figure out what you like or dislike about a particular curriculum and build from there. Ask your friends what like or dislike about a certain curriculum. What they dislike, you may actually like
2. What subjects interest your child
Did you know that you don’t need to teach just reading, math, science, and history? What is your child interested in? Incorporate that into your curriculum. Are they interested in other topics like animation, designing a website, learning another language, photography, or another subject.
And don’t forget to consider what you are interested in. Yes, if you are going to teach the various topics they might as well interest you too. If you need help getting started on curriculum choices, check out these articles Choosing the Basics, Skills Subjects, Content Subjects, Dessert Subjects.
You aren’t limited to programs “just for kids”. Skillshare is a great place for creative and extracurricular activities. I would suggest this for upper elementary to high school students. But if they are interested in learning Photoshop and that is beyond your skillset, sign up for a subscription and let you kids go wild.
3. Your kid’s learning style
The commonly accepted idea, when it comes to learning styles, is there are 4 main styles of learning. Understanding how your child learns is an important part of not getting frustrated with the curriculum you choose. Or feeling like your hitting your head against a brick wall every time you open the books.
The learning styles are
- Visual: These learners need to see the information to learn it.
- Auditory: This style learns by hearing the information.
- Read/Write: This style learns by reading and writing the material.
- Kinesthetic: These students need to touch and experience what they are learning.
If you want to explore this topic further. I found this book to be extremely helpful and informative when it comes to learning styles. And as a bonus, it is not very long, it is an interesting and easy read. Check out The Way they Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias.
4. Cost
This is always an important factor because curriculum can get expensive. Especially if you are buying for multiple kids. Some parents are able to save curriculum and use for a later year, but all my kids learn differently and one curriculum doesn’t work for another.
The great thing, you can find used curriculum very easily. Look in Facebook groups, on Ebay, or at a local used bookstore. There are many ways to homeschool cheaply.
5. Parent involvement
Do you want to be involved in every subject, or do you want your kids to be able to work independently? Because I work from home, I need my kids to be able to work independently and it is absolutely possible. My big 3 are old enough to be responsible for their schoolwork. My first grader does require more of my attention, but he is still able to do some things on his own. Homeschooling is not public school at home, so you can teach the way you want.
Conclusion
Homeschooling gives you and your child the greatest freedom to learn. The best homeschool curriculum is the curriculum that fits your child’s learning style and your style the best.
I would love to hear from you. Tell us what curriculum you use and why it works for your child.
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