Homeschooling is an attractive prospect for many families today as it gives them the opportunity to tailor their children’s education to suit the values and lifestyle of their family. But the challenge of choosing the right homeschool curriculum can be daunting. Choosing the right education materials and activities is critical to effective homeschooling, and with so many options available, it can be hard to identify which is best for your family.
In this article, we examine the key considerations for choosing the right homeschool curriculum and provide 15 important questions to ask that will help guide you to making this important decision.
1. What are Your Educational Goals for Your Child?
The first step in selecting your homeschool curriculum is to outline your educational goals for your child. Consider your child’s interests and abilities and establish realistic goals for their homeschooling experience. This will help you to identify the type of program best suited to their development.
Review the educational standards for your state and make a list of the skills and knowledge your child will need to master.
2. Will You Follow a Structured Program?
Once you have established your educational goals, you need to decide if you want to use a structured program to deliver content or a more relaxed, interest-led approach. Many parents opt for a structured program, such as Abeka, as it provides an easy way to implement a school-like environment for their homeschooling. However, these programs can be rigid in terms of the order of or speed at which content is delivered.
An interest-led program, on the other hand, allows parents to be flexible and to pursue topics of interest to their child.
3. What Type of Curriculum Should You Use?
There are many different types of homeschool curricula available, and knowing which type to use can be challenging. Some of the most popular options include traditional textbooks, digital curricula, online classes, and hands-on curriculums.
Consider the type of learner your child is and their learning style. Also think about whether you have enough time and energy to devote to creating a hands-on learning environment.
4. What Subjects do You Need to Cover?
The next step is to decide exactly what subjects you need to cover in the homeschool curriculum. In the United States, state laws dictate the minimum number of hours and types of subjects that must be covered.
Make sure that you select a curriculum that meets these requirements and provides your child with an adequate education in the core subjects of math, science, language arts, and social studies. You can also consider adding supplemental extras such as foreign language, music, and art.
5. What Resources Do You Need for Your Homeschool Curriculum?
Once you have established which subjects you need to cover, you must determine which resources you will need to include in your homeschool curriculum. Many parents opt to purchase pre-packaged curricula that contain all the necessary items, while others prefer the specialized, personalized approach of creating a customized curriculum.
Consider what resources your child needs, such as textbooks, science equipment, manipulatives, and art supplies. You should also replenish any essential supplies on a regular basis.
6. Do You Need to Purchase Supplemental Materials?
Even with an all-in-one curriculum, chances are you will need to supplement it with additional materials to ensure your child gets a well-rounded education. For example, in addition to a math program, you may want to incorporate supplemental material such as practice worksheets, math stories, and math games. Consult your child’s IEP and the educational standards for your state to ensure that you have sufficient supplemental materials.
7. Will You Use Online or Offline Materials?
When selecting homeschool curricula, you must decide if you want to use online materials or physical materials, such as textbooks and workbooks. Online materials such as videos, websites, and apps can provide an engaging and interactive learning experience for your child. However, you must be aware of the quality of the materials, as some sites can be unreliable and lack educational credibility.
Physical materials, on the other hand, are typically more reliable, but they can be expensive and can take up a lot of space. Consider which option is most suitable for your child’s learning style and also take into account your budget and storage space.
8. Is the Homeschool Curriculum Aligned to Your Values?
When selecting a homeschool curriculum, one of the most important considerations is whether it is aligned to your values. Many homeschool parents choose curricula that reflect their family’s faith, philosophies, and morals. Ensure that you take the time to carefully review any material before you decide if it is appropriate for your family.
9. How Much Time Will Your Child Need Each Day?
It’s important to plan in advance how much time you and your child will need to dedicate to homeschooling each day. Generally, it is recommended that children spend between three and five hours a day studying. This should include not just the core subjects, but also any supplemental materials or activities.
It is important to ensure that your child gets adequate rest and access to outdoor activities, recreation, and socialization.
10. What is Included in the Cost of the Homeschool Curriculum?
Before committing to a homeschool curriculum, it is important to understand exactly what is included in the cost. Many companies offer an all-inclusive package that includes all the necessary materials, but some require you to purchase additional materials separately. Additionally, some curricula require an annual fee for additional resource material, expert advice, and support services.
Make sure to get a full picture of the costs associated with the homeschooling curriculum before making your decision.
11. Is the Homeschool Curriculum Flexible?
One of the major benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility to customize the curriculum to the needs of your child. Before selecting a curriculum, find out if there are options for modification and customization. Can the order of lessons be changed?
Is there support for different levels of learning? Is there an appeal process if your child has difficulty with a lesson?
12. Is the Homeschool Curriculum Age-Appropriate?
When choosing a homeschool curriculum, it is essential to ensure that it is age-appropriate. Many curricula are designed to meet the educational standards of a certain grade level, but this may not be appropriate for your child if they are working above or below their grade level.
Therefore, it is important to carefully read through the materials to make sure that they are suitable for your child’s age and development.
13. Is the Homeschool Curriculum Engaging and Interactive?
Ensuring that your child remains engaged and interested in the homeschool curriculum is an important part of creating a successful learning environment. Look for materials that use interactive experiences such as educational games and hands-on activities to make the learning process fun and exciting.
14. Does the Homeschool Curriculum Support Different Learning Styles?
Keep in mind that different children learn in different ways, and the homeschool curriculum should be flexible enough to accommodate different learning styles. Some curricula feature a multi-sensory approach, which incorporates visual, auditory, and tactile experiences to keep students engaged. Ask yourself whether the material will work for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners and whether there are options for different technical levels, such as language and math.
15. Is the Homeschool Curriculum Compatible With Online Learning?
With the emergence of online remote learning, many parents are looking for ways to integrate online content into their homeschool curriculum. Consider whether the curriculum you select is compatible with online learning formats, such as video conferencing, interactive learning platforms, and educational applications. ConclusionChoosing the right homeschool curriculum is an important and sometimes daunting task.
But by asking yourself the 15 questions outlined in this article, you can ensure that your child will get a well-rounded education tailored to their needs. Armed with this information, you can confidently select a homeschool curriculum that will provide them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in life.