Since there are so many options it can be a really tough decision when trying to choose which homeschool curriculum to use with your child. I have been told that a long, long time ago there were only a few options because publishers were unwilling to sell their educational materials to homeschoolers. But, those days are long gone!
Have you ever attended a Homeschool Convention and observed all the resources offered? It’s like taking your children to Toys ‘R Us and expecting them to pick out what they NEED instead of what they WANT! Not very easy to do, is it?
Our Choices
Now, we have to select among traditional workbooks, computer software, and even online courses as we consider what materials to use to educate our children at home. Remember, though, that more is not always better and everyone understands the adage to “just keep it simple.”
Things to Consider
As you try to figure out what is best, I would like to suggest a few tips that I have learned:
• Do not feel that you have to use exactly what everyone else around you is using
• Browse catalogs and websites to get reviews and testimonials about different curriculums
• Look at your prospective books and inspect materials “in person” whenever possible
• Examine books without your children so they don’t sway your judgment (later on they can be included in the decision-making process)
• Make your best choice and if it does not work for you or your child, simply switch to another and don’t feel like you’re bound to a product that isn’t working
Find the Best Fit
There are different types of curriculum which appeal to different teaching and learning styles. Some will require more preparation on your part than others, some are geared for independent study, and some are more hands-on and interactive. Keep this in mind as you look at each resource.
Make Use of Great Resources
Use reference books or the Internet to learn about the various types of homeschool curriculums. Then, try to narrow your options down to just a few which you think will work for you and your child. Finally, go to a book fair or store to see the items before making your purchase.
Do not go overboard in choosing too much material. A basic plan could consist of resources to teach English/phonics, math, science, history, Bible or character education in the beginning. Later, you can add additional materials to cover other topics, if needed. Visit my page at http://www.AllAboutHomeschoolCurriculum.com/best-homeschool-curriculum.html to read about some of my favorite curriculum choices.
Claudette Upshur is a retired public school teacher and former administrator for Straight Arrow Private School, a home schooling program in Oceanside, CA. She has completely home educated four of her ten children from preschool through high school and is currently teaching the others in grades one through ten. Learn more about this mom who enjoys teaching at http://www.AllAboutHomeschoolCurriculum.com, her helpful website designed with you in mind.
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