Decisions Decisions

Many people have asked how do I choose the right curriculum? I am one of those people who enjoys looking through curriculums and exploring the boxes when they come. However, I know there are some out there that find it as thrilling as dental work. But, it is just as important to find the right curriculum for you and your child as it is to keep your mouth healthy. The reason I include you is because you're the one who is teaching it and no one wants to be bored. Let's look at 10 ways to sort things out and make things a little less daunting. 

1. Curriculum is NOT one size fits all. Even something that worked for an older child, may not work for your younger children. My oldest daughter practically taught herself how to read. My oldest son has dyslexia and dysgraphia, and I quickly realized that I needed something different for him. If someone recommends or donates a curriculum and you or your kid really don't jive with it, you are allowed to say no, pass it on, and find something else. Guilt and comparison have no place here.

   
   

2. Get the brick and mortar mindset out of your head. Sitting at a desk all day is not the best way to utilize homeschooling time. It drains a desire to learn very quickly. Learning is meant to be discovered, not force fed. Think back to when you were in school. How much of what you learned do you actually remember? I would almost be willing to bet that the stuff you do remember didn't come from reading a section from a textbook and responding to the summary questions at the end of the chapter. Most likely you remember something you learned on a field trip, creating a project, or when your teacher played a fun game. I am not in any way saying that textbooks/workbooks don't have their place, but they should be used as a tool and not a way of life.

   
   

3. Let your search engine work for you. Use specific words to look up what you want. For instance, if you know a particular modality your kid thrives in, make that search- “best homeschooling curriculums for visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners”. If you know that workbooks are not going to cut it, specifically search “homeschooling without textbooks.” Or, on the other side where your child does prefer workbooks but needs great visuals and step-by-step instructions… “homeschool workbooks with many visuals.” Creating these streamlined searches will decrease the amount of unwanted curriculums that just won't do for your child or you. 

   
   

4. Look through at least three different options and compare what they have to offer. Is it mostly teacher led? Do you have the time to do that much leading? Does the child need to be self-motivated? Is your child actually self-motivated or will they need more prompting? Does it require a lot of extra materials or does it come with everything needed? If it's online, are there any extra fees? Do they keep records of progress? Questions like these can really help you discern if you want to even give it a try or pass it up.  

   
   

5. Read reviews on at least two different sites on the curriculums you think you may want to try. Wherever they sell the curriculum will usually have reviews. Another great source is Cathy Duffy reviews. It is a very helpful website in that the reviews give a good rundown of pros and cons, details of the substance, and who it would be good for. 

   
   

6. Allow your child to give input. The older kids are the better they are able to know what works for them and what doesn't. Obviously, if your kid wants to just float through life on a bubble without lifting a finger, their thoughts on curriculum choices may not be so helpful. But, that does allow for the idea that they will probably benefit with concise lessons and breaks. If your child is young, they can help you by answering questions geared to their learning style. For example, “when you are learning how to [bake/build/craft] do you like to hear someone tell you how to do it, [watch someone do it/look at pictures/read directions], or do it yourself while someone tells or shows you?” Most younger children will use all modalities, but they soon discover which one comes more naturally to them. Another decision you can bring them in on is choosing particular subjects. Would they prefer Paleontology or Botany? Do they want to learn about Florida or New Zealand? When a child has a say in their education, it gives them a sense of ownership making them more willing to dive into something. 

   
   

7. Take advantage of curriculums that allow for trials, samples, money back guarantees, or refunds. 

   
   

8. Attend a homeschool conference and check out the curriculum tables to get a hands-on look. 

   
   

9. Ask other homeschoolers what curriculum(s) they use, why they chose it, what they like about it, what they don't like about it, and if they can let you take a look through it.

   
   

10. Last, but surely not least. If you purchased a curriculum and found out during the school year that it really wasn't what you thought it would be, you are allowed to stop using it and find something else even if it’s January. However, if you don't want to waste the money, there are simple ways to change a curriculum to make it more suitable for your family. Reach out and ask if you are unsure how to make the changes.

    
    

There are so many homeschooling options out there. Free yourself of analysis paralysis. Make a choice that will do well for your family today. If things need to be changed in the near or far future, take a different route and make that change. Too many families continue to use the same curriculum for years out of habit even though it has sucked the enjoyment out of learning for their children.

Take the opportunity that homeschooling has to offer and grow a love of learning!