Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know exactly what you need and how to find it.
Home education expert Cathy Duffy has offered advice on how to choose a homeschool curriculum for many years and her advice can help any homeschool family make the best decision for their situation. In this article, we’ll review fifteen questions to ask when considering a homeschool curriculum according to Cathy Duffy.
1. What kind of learner is my child?
The first factor to consider when choosing a homeschool curriculum for your child is what kind of learner they are. Cathy Duffy recommends assessing the child’s learning style and then basing your decision off of this information.
Are they a hands-on learner, visual learner, quiz-style learner, or a reader? Depending on your child’s individualized needs and learning style, certain curriculums may be better suited than others.
2. Are the lessons interesting for my child?
In according to Cathy Duffy, it is important to consider your child’s interests. If the curriculum you choose has topics or lessons that your child finds interesting, they are more likely to be engaged in the material and remember what they learn. On the other hand, if the topics are not of interest to them, they are unlikely to retain the information they’re taught.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that the material is interesting and engaging so your child will be able to learn efficiently and effectively.
3. Will I have time to teach the material?
When choosing a homeschool curriculum, it’s important to remember that you’ll also have to be the one to teach the material. It’s easy to get carried away with the abundance of options and feel compelled to choose the most intense curriculum, but keep in mind that you are the one that will be dedicating your time to teaching your child.
It’s important to balance the intensity of the curriculum with the amount of time that you are able to commit to its teaching.
4. What is the cost of the curriculum?
It’s also important to consider the cost of the homeschool curriculum. It’s important to compare prices and determine what fits within your budget.
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the amount of material that you need, as well as if you receive any discounts. According to Cathy Duffy, there are some great, budget-friendly options available for homeschool families.
5. Is the content relevant to my child’s age and grade level?
It’s important that the material you choose is both age-appropriate and grade-level appropriate. The grade level assigned to the curriculum may depend on your state’s or local school district’s requirements, as well as the quality of the material and the level of difficulty.
Make sure that the curriculum you choose aligns with your child’s current grade level and offers challenging material while also taking into account their individual learning needs.
6. Is the material aligned with any standardized tests they may take?
If your state requires students to take a standardized test like the SAT or ACT, it may be helpful to choose a homeschool curriculum that offers material aligned with these tests. This can help ensure that your child is adequately prepared come testing time and can potentially help them score higher. This material can either be found as a prep course offered by the curriculum you choose or a separate course or book you can purchase.
7. Does the curriculum offer extra resources or activities?
Cathy Duffy recommends looking for extra resources or activities that may come with the curriculum. These can come in the form of online materials, CDs, games and more that can help supplement the curriculum material and keep your child engaged.
These activities can also help alleviate the boredom that can sometimes come with traditional homeschooling.
8. Is the material classical in nature?
If you opt for a classical homeschool curriculum, there are certain things to keep in mind. According to Cathy Duffy, a classical homeschool curriculum should focus on the seven traditional subjects, like history and literature, and have an emphasis on reading, writing, and the sciences.
The material should follow the cycle of Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric and offer an in-depth study of a few topics rather than a superficial overview of many.
9. Does the curriculum integrate technology?
In recent years, technology has become an increasingly important part of education. That’s why, when choosing a homeschool curriculum, it’s important to make sure that it includes technology integration. Technology can help keep your child engaged in their studies and can also help make their lessons more interactive and fun.
10. Does the curriculum provide assessments and tests?
Many homeschool curriculums come with assessments and tests that allow you to evaluate your child’s progress. Depending on your state’s laws, you may need to provide evidence that your child is making academic progress. According to Cathy Duffy, the curriculum you choose should offer resources like tests that can help you monitor your child’s progress.
11. Is the curriculum designed for long-term success?
You can make sure that the curriculum you choose is designed for long-term success by considering the scope of its material. Can your child continue learning the material for many years to come or will they have to start from scratch every year? According to Cathy Duffy, curriculums that are designed for long-term success can help reduce the amount of money and time you will have to spend re-teaching material each year.
12. Is the material hands-on?
Hands-on material can be a great way to make learning fun and increase engagement. According to Cathy Duffy, when choosing a homeschool curriculum, make sure that there is a good mix of both online and hands-on activities. This can help keep your child interested and engaged in the material.
13. Does the curriculum offer extracurricular activities?
Many homeschool curriculums offer extracurricular activities as part of the curriculum. This can be a great way to offer your child more diversity and give them a chance to expand their skills and pursue their interests. Activities may include things like art, music, cooking, and more.
14. Is the curriculum teacher or parent friendly?
Not all homeschool curriculums are created equal. It’s important to make sure that the curriculum you choose is easy to understand and navigate for both the teacher and parent. Cathy Duffy recommends looking for a curriculum that offers a clear layout and makes it easy to access the material.
15. Does the curriculum offer support resources?
Finally, Cathy Duffy emphasizes the importance of choosing a curriculum that offers additional support and resources. This may include things like online forums, webinars, and tutorials that can provide additional help with understanding the material.
Additionally, many curriculums offer other resources like magazine subscriptions, workshops, and online communities that can help support your homeschool journey.
Conclusion
Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can be a challenging process and requires careful consideration. Asking the right questions can help direct your search and point you toward an ideal curriculum for your student.
With the fifteen questions mentioned in this article and the expert advice of Cathy Duffy, you can be sure that you’re choosing a great homeschool curriculum for your child and helping them achieve the best possible educational outcome.