Writing and selling your own homeschool curriculum can be a great way to supplement your children’s education and even generate additional income. It’s a big endeavor, so it’s vital to have accurate information before jumping in.
These 15 essential questions will get you started on the path to success.
1. What Is a Homeschool Curriculum?
A homeschool curriculum is an educational program crafted to facilitate learning and often home-based. Generally, these curricula are crafted by parents and educators, encompassing all the typical academic areas such as math, science, language arts and history. Additionally, they can offer supplemental material in niche areas and often feature alternative teaching methods.
A homeschool curriculum is, essentially, a program of study adapted to a student’s individual strengths and focus, as well as the parent’s preferences in teaching, while following the necessary educational requirements.
2. What Are the Benefits of a Homeschool Curriculum?
The benefit of creating and utilizing a homeschool curriculum is immense. It allows for a custom education for your child tailored to their needs, innate strengths, and any disabilities that need to be addressed.
You can focus on the areas on which your child excels, and take it slow on the topics that prove more challenging. Above all, with a homeschool curriculum you can spend time with your child and guide them through their education. Utilizing alternative teaching methods have been proven to help students remember the material and keep students engaged.
3. What Are the Requirements to Sell Homeschool Curriculum?
Ratified by the Home Learning Association and promulgated by the courts, homeschool curriculum vendors need to be aware of the statement of requirements to ensure they are in accordance with state laws. Generally, home-learning programs require standards established by the host educational authority, should provide defined learning objectives, and create an appropriate learning atmosphere. Requirements vary by state, so ensure you research the particular regulations in your area to ensure the program you offer meets with the legal framework.
4. Are There Different Approaches to Crafting a Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes! There are many different approaches to creating a homeschool curriculum.
With an understanding of your state’s requirements and your student’s needs and strengths, you can engage in a combination of approaches including traditional, unschooling, classical, unit studies, Charlotte Mason, eclectic and relaxed. Each approach requires different resources and materials; for the purpose of selling, however, consensus suggests a traditional format is the most widely accepted.
5. What Types of Resources Are Needed to Create a Homeschool Curriculum?
Again, the types of resources needed to craft and run a homeschool curriculum vary depending on the type of curriculum you opt for. The most basic needs to get you started are a comprehensive home-learning guide, which covers the legal requirements and is the backbone of your curriculum; textbooks, workbooks, and other reference materials tailored to the pupil’s aptitude and ability; and worksheets and craft supplies to help round out the program.
6. How Do I Research the Market Before Crafting a Homeschool Curriculum?
The surest way to research the market before crafting a homeschool curriculum is to talk to other parents and educators. If, for example, you have a specific concept or niche, contact those who have a vested interest in the topic and speak with them about their preferences for learning.
Additionally, a wealth of information can be ascertained from forums and discussion panels, allowing you to learn from other people’s experiences. You can even offer a survey to parents and educators to have a better understanding of the topics and concepts the general public seeks.
7. Where Should I Launch My Homeschool Curriculum?
If you are completely new to selling your own homeschool curricula, it is recommended to start selling it in social media platforms. These spaces are a great medium to advertise, build relationships with potential buyers, and generate traffic to your website.
In addition to social media, there are many websites that offer a platform to list and sell curricula. As your business grows, you can consider registering a business in your county and apply for a sales tax permit.
8. What Is the Best Way to Price Your Homeschool Curriculum?
When pricing your homeschool curriculum it is important to consider all the hard work you put in to creating it. Start by considering the cost of the materials and the value offered when putting the program together.
You should also consider the amount of time put into the program, the complexity of the program, the number of lessons included, and the educational background of the creator. Of course, you should also research prices of other similar programs to ensure you are competitively priced.
9. How Important Is Professionalism When Selling My Homeschool Curriculum?
When selling your own homeschool curriculum, professionalism is of utmost importance. Professionalism helps you not only command the respect of your clients but also uphold the status of an educated tutor or teacher. Presenting yourself with finesse, tidiness, and a polite demeanour helps enhance the credibility of your program and reinforces the perception people have that you are a competent educator.
Professionalism also helps you manage difficult situations and ensures your customers are treated accordingly.
10. How Should I Promote My Homeschool Curriculum?
Promotion for your homeschool curriculum can come in many forms, but digital media promotion is crucial. Social media trends allow for campaigns to grow organically, so devoting time to creating networks of influencers and content-creators will generate visibility and inbound traffic. Additionally, you should consider paid advertising, especially in the digital space.
It allows you to target particular audiences and test several different messages easily and cost-effectively. Of course, don’t forget promotional activities such as giving out fliers and making speeches promoting your program at events.
11. How Can I Make My Curriculum More Appealing?
Making your homeschool curriculum more appealing can take many routes. Of course, the quality of the program is paramount, but to really stand out, consider developing areas such as the look and feel.
Utilize aesthetically pleasing fonts, implementing iconography to add visual appeal and keep key sections, lessons, or activities relating to each page. You can also develop audio or video elements to help drive home key elements of the curriculum. This will also help for homeschoolers without access to the internet boost their learning opportunities.
12. What Digital Platforms Are Good for Selling a Homeschool Curriculum?
There are several digital platforms that are great for selling a homeschool curriculum. Consider platforms such as Teachable and Thinkific, which assist in creating an online course easily and with built-in support. They also provide analytics and insights regarding student progress.
Squarespace is also an optimal choice to market, list, store, and sell your program. Additionally, e-commerce sites like Amazon and eBay, as well as more niche digital marketplaces such as TeachersPayTeachers.
13. Is It Possible to Make Money Selling a Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes, it is certainly possible to make money selling a homeschool curriculum. However, it should be noted that there are several factors involved including advertising, marketing, and the quality of your program.
Selling your own curriculum requires dedicated and time-consuming effort, but the rewards of providing a quality program can be significant. Generating recurring income through service-based programs like subscription curricula is also another great way to monetize your curriculum.
14. What Resources Are Available to Help Market My Homeschool Curriculum?
There are many resources available to help market your homeschool curriculum. Of course, traditional marketing such as social media platforms and paid digital ads are a great place to start. Additionally, there are many subscription-based teaching platforms such as Coursera and Udemy, which provide educational courses online.
These are great spaces to not only get your courses out there, but also to review and refine your program.
15. Are There Any Other Important Considerations to Keep in Mind?
Overall, when crafting and selling a homeschool curriculum there are several things to keep in mind. Ensure you’re abiding by state and local laws in regards to homeschooling and that your curriculum meets the established standards. Analyze competitors and the market for pricing, value added, and services.
Lastly, remember to be professional, courteous to clients, and develop proper promotional outreach tactics.
Conclusion
Creating and selling your own homeschool curriculum is a great way to supplement your children’s education and potentially generate additional income. It’s a big endeavor, so it’s essential to have accurate information before jumping in. These 15 essential questions cover important topics to keep in mind when writing, crafting, and marketing your homeschool curriculum, ensuring success and vibrant engagement.