Homeschooling children is becoming more and more popular simply due to the many benefits and advantages it can provide. However, many parents are unsure of where to begin when it comes to choosing a preschool curriculum for their homeschool.
To ensure that the early educational experience of the homeschooled student is a successful one, it is important to choose the right curriculum through careful research and assessment. To make this task more manageable, here are 15 important questions to consider when selecting the best preschool curriculum for homeschool:
1. What Subjects Will Be Covered in the Curriculum?
The first question to ask when selecting a homeschool preschool curriculum is what subjects will be covered. It is important to be aware of not just what topics are included but also the scope and depth of the coverage of each topic.
Age appropriate topics typically include language arts, science, math, and social studies. A good preschool curriculum should incorporate all four subjects in a balanced way. In addition, topics such as music, art, physical education and nutrition should be included as well.
These subjects should be used to introduce the basics of each so the student can begin to develop a better understanding of each.
2. How Hands-On Is the Curriculum?
Being able to engage in hands-on activities is an excellent way to learn and is something that should be sought out in a preschool curriculum. This might include things such as writing with real paper and pencils, cooking, gardening, role play, field trips, creating models with recyclable materials, and building with legos.
Allowing the student to be involved in these types of experiences will help to make the curriculum more enjoyable and engaging.
3. Who Developed the Curriculum?
It is important to know who developed the curriculum. If it is developed by experienced homeschoolers or professionals in early education, then there is a higher chance that it will provide an appropriate learning experience for your preschooler. Additionally, the qualifications of the authors – if published by a company – should be taken into account.
Knowing the credentials of the experts behind the curriculum will help to ensure the mix of activities, topics and tasks within the curriculum are both age-appropriate and beneficial to the student.
4. Is There a Range of Learning Activities?
A good preschool curriculum for homeschool should include a variety of learning activities. This not only helps to keep the student engaged and interested but also helps them to develop and practice different skills. A variety of learning activities also ensures that all of the above mentioned topics are covered in a thoughtful and thorough manner.
5. How Much Parent Involvement is Required?
It is also important to consider the amount of parent involvement that is required for the curriculum. An appropriate amount of parental involvement is essential for a successful homeschool program. If a curriculum requires parents to be very involved in order for the student to keep up then it may not be the best choice for your student.
6. Does the Curriculum Align With State Standards?
If you live in a state that requires yearly testing, then it is important to select a curriculum that is in line with the state standards. Most preschool curriculums are aligned to the Common Core state standards, but it is important to check as some states have their own standards as well.
7. Is the Curriculum Accessible to Both On and Offline Learning?
It is important to select a curriculum that can be used both online and offline. A good curriculum should incorporate both digital and traditional methods of teaching and learning.
This ensures that the student is able to access the material in whatever form is the most comfortable for them.
8. Does the Curriculum Include Assessment?
Finding a curriculum that includes assessments is important as it allows the parent and student to gauge progress and to identify any areas that may need extra attention. Most preschool curriculums include some kind of assessment, which might include testing, tracking progress or grade.
9. Are There Any Additional Resources Available?
In addition to a curriculum, it is beneficial to have access to additional resources such as pre-recorded lessons, additional worksheets, teaching aides, and experiments. This ensures that the parent has access to a wide range of activities to keep their student engaged and interested in the material.
10. Does the Curriculum Have Support?
Look for a curriculum that has access to support materials such as webinars, live Q&A sessions, or forums. This enables the parent to get advice and support when needed.
11. What is the Cost?
Cost is another factor to consider when selecting a curriculum. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, it is important to remember that you get what you pay for.
The cost of a curriculum should not be the only determining factor; be sure to consider all the factors mentioned above as well.
12. How Is the Curriculum Structured?
A good curriculum for homeschool preschool should have a clear structure and a logical flow. This makes it easy to understand and use.
Some curriculums have a specified sequence in which activities are to be completed while others allow the parent to pick and choose activities that best suit the student’s needs.
13. Does the Curriculum Allow for Flexibility?
Flexibility is important as it allows the parent to tailor the curriculum to better suit the student’s needs. Look for a curriculum that allows you to adjust activities, tasks, and topics to better address the student’s individual needs and interests.
14. Does the Curriculum Adapt Over Time?
It is also beneficial to select a curriculum that adapts as the student grows and develops. A curriculum that is easily modified or supplemented as the student’s skills improve is beneficial.
This ensures that the student is challenged and that the activities remain engaging and stimulating.
15. Are Student Records Available?
Some curriculums provide student records or portfolios that can be used to track progress and accomplishments. This includes activities completed and lessons learned.
This is helpful as it allows both student and parent to easily view progress and keeps the student motivated.
Conclusion
Choosing the best preschool curriculum for homeschool doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. By asking the right questions and assessing your own needs, it is possible to create the best possible learning environment for your student. When selecting a curriculum, ensure that it covers age-appropriate topics, is engaging and hands-on, can be adapted to the individual needs of the student, and has access to support when needed.
Furthermore, make sure that the curriculum is affordably priced and can be accessed both on and offline. Taking all these things into consideration will help to ensure a successful homeschool experience for both parents and student.