Homeschooling is quickly becoming a popular option among educated parents. After all, it offers the opportunity to provide children with a customized and flexible educational experience.
A child-centered approach that puts his interests and talents at the center of their learning is fast becoming the norm and many parents discover that buying a boxed homeschool curriculum can be a great way to achieve that. However, with so many different types and brands of boxed homeschool curriculums on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to invest in. To help parents decide, we’ve answered 15 questions about selecting a boxed homeschool curriculum.
1. What Is a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
A boxed homeschool curriculum is a complete educational package that includes different educational elements for a student to become proficient in a particular subject or to exceed predetermined learning goals in a particular grade level or subject. The package usually includes all the materials needed for classrooms designed for home schooling, including textbooks, worksheets, CDs, DVDs, videos, and other materials.
Additionally, the package can also include assessments, grading guides, and support modules.
2. What Are the Benefits of a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
The biggest advantage of buying a boxed homeschool curriculum is simplicity and convenience. All the educational elements are packaged into one box, making it easy for parents to set up a mini-classroom in their homes.
Also, the convenience of having all the materials needed for a particular grade level or subject in one package makes it easy for parents to stay organized and up to date with their child’s learning progress. Finally, by purchasing a boxed homeschool curriculum, parents can save money on buying the materials separately.
3. What Different Types of Boxed Homeschool Curriculum Are There?
There are several types of boxed homeschool curriculum packages available on the market with different elements included in them. The most common types are pre-packaged curriculums, which include all the elements of instruction and assessment in a single package.
Next are a-la-carte curriculums, which allow parents to pick and choose the components they want to use. Finally, there are blended curriculums that combine both pre-packaged and individual components.
4. What Age Range Are Boxed Homeschool Curriculums Suitable For?
The type of homeschool curriculum package suitable depends on the age range of the student. Pre-packaged curriculums are usually suitable for students from kindergarten age to high school, while blended curriculums are tailored for students from middle school up to college level. A-la-carte curriculums are suitable for all age ranges, as each component can be selected to tailor to the student’s needs.
5. What Should Parents Look for When Choosing a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
When it comes to selecting the best boxed homeschool curriculum package for their child, parents should take the time to look for the key components. Firstly, the package should include clear, easy-to-follow instructions, so parents know how to get the most out of the material.
Secondly, the package should include materials that are up-to-date and relevant to their child’s course of study. Lastly, the package should cover the essential topics needed to cover all learning goals.
6. What Are the Different Learning Styles to Consider When Choosing a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
Choosing the right boxed homeschool curriculum package also depends on the student’s learning style. Different students learn in different ways and the curriculum package should be tailored to their individual needs.
For example, visual learners might prefer a package that includes video instruction and tutorials, while auditory learners might benefit more from packages that include audio recordings and lectures. For tactile learners, packages with hands-on activities such as experiments and field trips are the most suitable.
7. How Do Boxed Homeschool Curriculums Help To Develop Life Skills?
Boxed homeschool curriculums are designed to help students learn the material they will need throughout their lives, including general academic knowledge and life skills. For example, some curriculums include modules on public speaking and personal organization, which help to develop skills that are useful outside of academic studies. Other curriculums might include modules on managing finances, in order to help students understand the importance of budgeting and the basics of banking.
8. Are Boxed Homeschool Curriculums Suitable For Special Education Students?
Yes, boxed homeschool curriculums are suitable for special education students. Special education students may require individualized instruction, and boxed curriculums allow this with the inclusion of specialized materials such as worksheets, audio recordings, and flash cards.
The inclusion of individualized instruction allows special education students to receive the same quality of instruction as their peers, while allowing them to work at their own pace.
9. What Are the Pros and Cons of a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
The main advantage of a boxed homeschool curriculum is the convenience and ease of use. All of the materials needed to set up a mini-classroom are included in one package, making it easy for parents to get everything they need in a single purchase.
Additionally, by buying a boxed curriculum, parents can save money on separate educational materials. The main disadvantage of a boxed homeschool curriculum is that it is less flexible than customized curriculums. With a boxed curriculum, your student is limited to the material and instructions included in the package.
This can be a problem for students that require additional help or understanding on specific topics.
10. Can Boxed Homeschool Curriculums Be Customized To Fit A Student’s Needs?
Yes, some boxed homeschool curriculums include the option to customize the materials to fit the student’s needs. A-la-carte curriculums allow parents to pick and choose the components they want to use, while blended curriculums allow parents to combine pre-packaged elements with individual components.
This allows parents to tailor the instruction to suit their individual needs.
11. Are Boxed Homeschool Curriculums Easy To Implement In A Home Setting?
Boxed homeschool curriculums are designed to make it easy for parents to create a home classroom. Most curriculums include clear, step-by-step instructions that make it easy for parents to set up the materials and get started. Additionally, the inclusion of assessment modules makes it easy for parents to keep track of their child’s progress.
12. What Is the Difference Between Traditional Homeschooling and Homeschooling With a Boxed Curriculum?
The main difference between traditional homeschooling and homeschooling with a boxed curriculum is the involvement of the parent. In traditional homeschooling, the parent is heavily involved in selecting, modifying, and implementing the curriculum.
With a boxed curriculum, the parent is able to set up a mini-classroom with all of the instructions, materials, and assessments included in one package, but the selection and individual components are predetermined.
13. Are There Any Advantages of Overlap With a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes, there are advantages to overlap with a boxed homeschool curriculum. If a student is doing well in a particular subject, the curriculum gives parents the option to extend it with supplementary courses or worksheets.
On the other hand, if a student is struggling with a particular subject, they can use the additional materials and extra activities to gain more understanding and get more practice.
14. Where Can Parents Purchase a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
Boxed homeschool curriculums are available from a variety of online retailers and educational websites. Popular websites include The curriculum corner, Time4Learning, Sonlight, Brainly, and Education. com.
Additionally, boxed curriculums may also be available at local and online bookstores, as well as homeschool conventions.
15. What Is the Best Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
The best boxed homeschool curriculum is the one that best meets the student’s individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as different students have different learning styles and needs. When selecting a boxed homeschool curriculum, parents should consider their child’s grade level, learning style, and educational goals.
Additionally, parents should consider their budget and the time required to implement the curriculum.
Conclusion
Boxed homeschool curriculums are a great way for parents to give their children a customized and flexible educational experience. With so many different types and brands of boxed homeschool curriculums on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to invest in.
By following the advice in this article and by taking into account the student’s needs, grade level, and learning style, parents will be able to select the best boxed homeschool curriculum for their child.