Intending homeschoolers will soon realize that the homeschooling space is vast and complex. With so many resources available, it can seem daunting – even overwhelming – to select the right curriculum for your needs.
Knowing what questions to ask yourself and having a good understanding of the curricula options available to you can go a long way to helping you make informed decisions as to how to proceed. The following fifteen questions can help you sort through the various secular homeschool curriculum offerings.
Question 1: What types of curriculum are available?
The first step when considering your options is to understand the types of secular homeschool curriculum that are available. Many homeschooling resources will come with a combination of physical textbooks and workbooks, tangible items such as blocks and balls, and digital resources – some that require a laptop or tablet and others that can be used with only a printer and a set of coloring pencils. It’s a good idea to understand what each type has to offer, as this could play an important factor in your decision-making process.
Other physical materials available might include craft supplies and kits, as well as games, toys, and manipulatives. Digital materials can include supplementary videos and animations, song downloads and accompanying audio recordings, and interactive and supplemental exercises.
Question 2: What subject matter should be covered?
The next step is to narrow down your curriculum search by considering the type of subject matter you find most interesting and that is most applicable to your student’s age level and interests. You should consider supplies, resources and materials needed to educate your student with the chosen subject matter. For example, if you are teaching science, you may need to purchase a microscope, a few pieces of lab equipment, magnifying glasses, and safety goggles.
If you are considering a foreign language course, you will likely need accompanying resources such as a language guide, language books, CDs, and more.
Question 3: What resources are needed?
When selecting a secular homeschool curriculum, it is important to investigate the resources needed to complete your chosen program. You should consider what materials and supplies are needed, such as textbooks, scientific equipment, and other educational items. Additionally, you should consider the investment of other resources such as time, energy, and money.
You should determine the cost of tuition or materials, if there are any additional fees and other associated costs. Do you require access to online resources or a computer?
With how much frequency will you need to purchase new curriculum items? All of these questions should be answered before you commit to a secular homeschool curriculum.
Question 4: How easy is the curriculum to learn?
When selecting a curriculum, a major factor to consider is how easy it is to learn. Is the instruction straight forward and comprehensible, or is it confusing and unclear? Are the exercises stimulating and challenging, or too difficult for the student to understand?
Is the instruction presented in a manageable, step-by-step fashion, or is it difficult to comprehend because the instruction jumps around too frequently?It is important to remember that you, as the teacher, will be primarily responsible for keeping the instruction clear and concise.
Consequently, if the curriculum is convoluted, time consuming and more stressful than fun, then it is likely not the right choice for your student.
Question 5: Is the curriculum engaging?
Another key factor to consider when selecting a secular homeschool curriculum is how engaging it is – this includes the appeal of its subjects, activities, and exercises. Are the topics interesting and pertinent to the student’s age level? Does it offer a real-world understanding of the topics or simply a theoretical lesson?
Is the curriculum visually appealing with interactive exercises, animations, and videos? Engaging materials draw the student into the learning process, making it an enjoyable and productive experience.
Consequently, if the curriculum is engaging, it will be less likely to lose the student’s attention during the learning experience.
Question 6: Are supplementary resources offered?
Many secular homeschool curriculums offer supplementary resources in the form of lesson plans, teacher’s manual, and additional resources that can assist in the learning process. In-depth lesson plans can serve as a guide to supplement a course, as well as helping to ensure that all the necessary material is covered in a timely fashion. Teacher’s manual can help answer any questions that you may have about the curriculum, as well provide important tips on how to use the material and make the most out of the material that is presented.
Additionally, supplementary resources can serve as tools to enable the student to practice their skills, such as books that focus on wring and math enrichment.
Question 7: Is the curriculum endorsed?
It is always beneficial to select a secular homeschool curriculum that is endorsed by professionals and experts. You can determine the reputation of the curriculum by researching online, asking other teachers and researching online user reviews.
Additionally, you can also inquire with different homeschooling organizations, as well as check for state-level curriculum approval.
Question 8: Is there an online community of other users?
Joining an online community of other users can greatly enhance the homeschool experience. An online group can provide helpful tips, advice, and support from experienced homeschoolers, as well as a platform to discuss common challenges encountered during the homeschooling experience. Furthermore, you can join specialized groups for particular curriculums and use the information provided in the group to assist in selecting the most suitable curriculum.
Question 9: Are there additional costs associated with the curriculum?
When selecting a curriculum, consider what additional costs may be associated with the curriculum. For example, certain curriculums may require additional materials such as books, magazines, videos and online resources.
In addition to purchasing the physical materials, you should also consider any digital subscriptions and license fees.
Question 10: Does the curriculum require an internet connection?
In cases where the curriculum requires an internet connection, consider the cost, speed, and access requirements of the connection. Are digital subscriptions, equipment rentals, licenses or fees required in order to use the digital aspect of the curriculum? Additionally, it is important to ensure that the student is capable of utilizing the technology, such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Question 11: Is the curriculum compliant with state laws?
It is important for a secular homeschool curriculum to be compliant with the laws and regulations, of the state and/or district in which it is used. Make sure to research the applicable laws, as well as the state or district’s guidance, in order to ensure that the curriculum is in compliance.
Question 12: Are assessments provided?
Assessments are an important aspect of any homeschool curriculum, and it is important to ensure that the assessment options provided are suitable for the student. Assessments should be tailored to the age, level and ability of your student and should accurately reflect their understanding of the material. Additionally, assessments should provide adequate feedback to assist in evaluating student progress.
Question 13: Are there additional activities or supplemental materials?
You may also want to consider additional activities and materials, such as student clubs, enrichment classes and summer programs. These activities can serve as a practical application of the curriculum and can help to enrich the student’s overall learning experience.
Question 14: What is the cost per student?
It is important to factually consider the cost per student when selecting a secular homeschool curriculum. Make sure to tally up the costs of all the materials, the cost of tuition, the cost of additional activities and materials, and any additional fees that you may incur.
You should then divide the total cost by the number of students in order to get a more accurate cost per student.
Question 15: How much time will be required for the curriculum?
When selecting a secular homeschool curriculum, you should consider how much time you are willing to dedicate for the curriculum. Do you need to adhere to a tight schedule or can some leeway be allowed? Are there a sufficient number of days per week to incorporate the activities and assignments?
If you are limited on time, you should select a program that allows for flexible pacing.
Conclusion
Picking the right secular homeschool curriculum is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. The answers to these questions can help you to better understand the landscape of secular homeschool curriculums and help you to determine which curriculum is right for your student.
Doing the necessary research and asking the right questions will enable you to make an enlightened decision, ensuring that your student is provided with the best possible education.