At some point most homeschool parents have suffered from curriculum buyers remorse. That shiny new curriculum looked perfect but it wasn’t the right fit or you didn’t actually have time to fit it into your schedule. I confess that I have lived out this scenario more times that I care to admit. Today I would like to share some quick and easy tip to choose homeschool curriculum that will fit your needs, your budget, and your approach.
Homeschool Curriculum 101
Consider your child’s learning like a tree. Consistency is the nourishment that makes the tree grow strong and healthy. Each subject is like a branch. In order for the tree to be balanced and have beautiful form, each area of learning needs to be given attention and nourishment.
Having a clear plan for your homeschool year will eliminate the risk of overspending and will provide you with peace of mind and help you define attainable goals. Before shopping for curriculum, craft a learning plan that lists subjects your student will study and takes into consideration their learning style and your teaching approach.
How to choose subjects
- Skill-based
- Knowledge-based
Skill-based Subjects
Skill-based subjects include reading, math, handwriting, writing composition, grammar, and spelling. These subjects need to be practiced often to achieve mastery and students can work at their own pace.
It’s important to research the curriculum you will use carefully. Programs are unique in their sequencing and switching back and forth may create holes in your student’s learning.
Skills-based Shopping List
So how do you know which subjects to cover? Below is a shopping list to get you started. Some subjects will need to be included at all ages of development, while others are age-specific. Make a list of the subjects your child needs to cover before moving to the next step.
Math & Critical Thinking Skills
- Math program – choose a solid program that fits your child’s learning style
- Thinking Skills Activities – optional {Chess, thinking skills games, logic}
Reading
- Phonics – K through grade 2 (usually)
- Reading & Literature – begin after phonics are completed
Language Arts
- Handwriting – you may also assign copywork instead of using program.
- Writing Composition – typically begin once phonics is completed; you may want to do narration orally or some informal writing activities with your younger learners.
- Grammar – can begin concurrently with a formal writing curriculum.
- Spelling – start at the same time or a year into phonics instruction
- Word Study – optional; begin once spelling is completed
Visit our curriculum library here.
Knowledge-based Subjects
Knowledge based subjects include science, history, geography, foreign language, literature, and fine arts. During the early-elementary years while students are working to master beginning skills-based subjects, these subjects can be incorporated more lightly as enrichment.
As a homeschooling parent, you have the choice to focus on history one semester and science the next semester. You could also opt to do nature study throughout the summer and focus on U.S. geography during the school year.
Read more about our favorite curricular resources here.
Knowledge-based Shopping List
- History – Try to choosing a program that will work for the whole family
- Geography – some history programs include geography or you may prefer a stand-alone programs
- Science – choose a program that will work for all your students; you can also do nature study for science.
- Literature – our family chooses literature to go along with our history study; there are myriad topic-based reading lists available and all you need is a list and library card.
- Fine Arts – our family does art, picture study, and music based on our history study; there are an abundance of resources available for free, or you may choose to purchase stand-alone curricular resources.
- Foreign Language – if you choose to do foreign language there are several free or inexpensive online options or stand-alone curriculum
- STEM – there are a lot of resources for STEM activities for free on Pinterest; if you’re interested in purchasing a program Timberdoodle has fantastic resources
How to Determine Your Approach
factors to consider
Before you start shopping, there are some factors to consider.
- Teaching approach
- Student learning style
- Homeschool vision
- Student goals
Learn about Approaches to Homeschooling and take a quiz to determine learning style in our Determining Your Homeschool Approach post .
If you haven’t crafted a vision statement and student goals, our process to create a homeschool vision plan and craft goals for your student(s) will walk you through step by step.
These factors will shape your educational approach and will help you refine your options quickly.
If you’d like to learn more about the planning process check out posts from my How to Start Homeschooling series.
How to Choose Curriculum
- Write down a list of subjects your child will study.
- Begin to research programs in each subject area keeping your child’s learning style and your teaching approach in mind. You might want to look at samples online, contact other moms to visit about their favorite curricula, and read reviews. We like Cathy Duffy’s online reviews.
Hack #1: Choose Homeschool curriculum that will make life easier! Give special consideration to open-and-go and scripted programs. These programs make the teaching process much easier and are a good option for new homeschoolers. You might also want to seek out resources that offer video instruction, particularly for subjects that you don’t feel comfortable teaching.
3. Shop. Before you begin shopping explore alternative options such as borrowing materials from your local library or homeschool support group. You may also want to look for materials that are gently used. Once you determine what needs to be purchased new, begin comparison shopping and keep a log of where you plan to buy each item.
Hack #2: Our family likes to shop Homeschool Classifieds for used materials. For new materials, our favorite vendors are Rainbow Resource, Christian Book Distributor, and Timberdoodle but there are many options.
4. Put your learning plan into a format that works for you. Consider doing an individual plan for each student as well as one for group subjects.
For more inspiration check out our Delightful Homeschooling Pinterest boards.