Homeschooling has become increasingly popular over the last few years due to its flexibility and freedom from the traditional school system. With the growth in popularity, there has also been an increase in the number of homeschool curriculum options available, from basic kindergarten kits to comprehensive lesson plans for high schoolers.
With so many options available, it can be challenging for homeschoolers to decide which curriculum is best for their needs. This article aims to provide clear steps and questions to help both new and experienced homeschoolers test and review homeschool curriculum so they can find the right fit.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Curriculum?
Before selecting a homeschool curriculum, it’s important to consider several aspects of the program, such as age level, price, and genre. Homeschoolers should also consider their child’s learning style and interests, as well as the homeschooler’s goals for their child. To ensure the curriculum is suitable, homeschoolers should do research and read reviews from other homeschoolers to get an unbiased opinion.
How Should I Assess a Curriculum?
To help homeschoolers assess a curriculum, it’s helpful to break the process down into five main steps. First, take a look at the list of topics in the curriculum and consider if they cover the topics your child needs to learn.
Secondly, read the curriculum and take note of any materials that need to be purchased separately as well as the overall difficulty level. Thirdly, look at the lesson plans and note if there is enough structure for your child, as well as the extent of parental involvement. Fourthly, find out if there is any support available, such as online forums, phone numbers, and other materials.
Last but not least, look at the cost and decide if the curriculum is worth investing in.
What Questions Should I Ask When Reviewing the Homeschool Curriculum?
Once homeschoolers have conducted their research and have chosen a few curriculum options, it is important to ask the right questions in order to make the right choice. Here are 15 questions that can help homeschoolers evaluate a homeschool curriculum and decide which one is best for their family:
Is the curriculum age-appropriate for my child? Does the curriculum cover everything my child needs?
Does the curriculum require any additional materials?
Is the curriculum easy to understand?
Does the curriculum provide enough structure to keep my child on task? Are the instructions clear and easy to follow?
Does the curriculum offer any assessment or evaluation tools?
Is there any parental involvement required? How much time will it take to complete the curriculum? Is the curriculum flexible enough to accommodate different learning styles?1 Is there any online support available?1 Is the price of the curriculum reasonable?1 Are there any additional fees or costs?1 What do other homeschoolers think of the curriculum?1 Is there a money-back guarantee?
Conclusion
While many homeschoolers may initially feel overwhelmed by the number of available curricula, this article has outlined key steps and questions to help them make the best choice for their child’s needs. Homeschoolers should always do their research and ask the right questions before investing in a curriculum to ensure it covers the necessary topics and suits their family’s circumstances. Finally, homeschoolers should take advantage of reviews from other parents and any available money-back guarantees to ensure they are comfortable with their decision before purchasing.