You’ve decided you want to homeschool your child. Now comes the fun part, in my opinion, of choosing homeschool curriculum. While choosing curriculum *can* be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you keep your sanity intact while choosing homeschool curriculum.
Choosing Homeschool Curriculum
Pray
As a Christian parent, I believe that prayer can have a powerful impact on my kids, both now and for the rest of their lives. I want to make the best decisions I can for my kids, especially when it comes to things that will impact their future. We pray for wisdom and guidance in choosing homeschool curriculum for our kids, because we believe it is important.
Know Thy Purpose
Knowing your purpose will help you determine your priorities and set realistic goals. Knowing the WHY behind your choice to homeschool your children will help you narrow your curriculum choices. If you haven’t done so, writing a homeschool mission statement is a great idea.
Understand your child
The importance of understanding your child when choosing curriculum cannot be overstated. What is his learning style? What is her love language? What motivates him? What interests her? Knowing what makes your child tick can help you avoid wasting time and money on a curriculum that won’t work for him or her.
Know which homeschool method suits your family
There are different homeschool methods, so it’s important to know which homeschool method suits your family. Whether you choose to create your own curriculum or purchase a pre-packaged “school in a box” will depend a lot on your homeschool style.
Know your time
There are only 24 hours in a day. Knowing how much time you can devote to homeschooling will help you determine which curriculum and books are a good fit.
Know your budget
Let’s face it, money does not grow on trees. Make a realistic budget of what you can spend on homeschool curriculum. After you’ve decide how much you have to spend, take a look at your priorities. Knowing what each child needs will help you determine which purchases make sense. Familiarize yourself with free homeschool resources as well as cheap homeschool resources.
Ask other Moms
I’ve had the benefit being part of a great local homeschool support group. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked another Mom about a particular book or curriculum. Feedback from Mom’s who’ve travelled the road before you will help you navigate the choices available.
Read reviews
You knew I was going to say that, right? As a homeschooling blogger, of course I think it’s important to read reviews while doing your research. Knowing the pros and cons different curriculum can help you narrow down which ones you’d like to try.
Look it over
Once you’ve narrowed your choice down, take the time to actually look it over. Will you enjoy using it? Ask your child what they think about it.
Keep in mind that curriculum is a tool that you use to teach your child. Occasionally, you may pick up the wrong tool. Simply set it aside and pick up another one that is better suited to the task at hand. Pick up a copy of Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
to help you choose the right curriculum and approach for each child’s learning style!
102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
