Home schooling is a growing trend. As school systems and educational standards vary from state to state, the appeal of customizing a program that best fits one’s individual student’s learning needs has become increasingly attractive.
With this trend, parents and students are on the hunt to find the best homeschool curriculum to meet their individual needs. In this article, we will explore what to consider when selecting a homeschool curriculum and also address fifteen of the most commonly asked questions about homeschool curricula.
What is Homeschool Curriculum?
Homeschool curriculum is the academic and instructional framework used by homeschoolers to educate their students. It is a set of resources and materials that can provide instruction in math, language arts, science, and all other core disciplines.
It is up to the parents and students to design their own custom program and curriculum to best bring their learning goals to life.
What are the Reasons for Choosing Homeschooling?
There are many reasons why parents and students choose to pursue homeschooling. Some of the most common motivators include the freedom to customize learning programs, a desire to keep up with an accelerated or individualized pace, the opportunity to focus on certain subjects or skill sets, the ability to form a personalized learning environment, the chance to provide real-world education and experiences, and the goal to pursue additional areas of interest such as language, music, art, or technology.
What are Some Important Factors in Selecting a Homeschool Curriculum?
Selecting a homeschool curriculum can be a daunting task. It is important to take into account a variety of factors when assessing your options.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider:• Subject Matter Content: Does the curriculum address all of the needed subject areas? Are there resources for additional information or supplemental materials? What versatility does the curriculum offer?
• Instructional Quality: Does the curriculum effectively teach the material? Are there suggested activities, worksheets, or videos to reinforce learning?• Learning Objectives: Does the curriculum meet the learning objectives of the student?
Are the objectives age-appropriate and achievable?• Scheduling: Does the curriculum offer flexibility in scheduling?
Is it self-directed or guided by instructors? Are there suggested timelines?• Cost: Does the curriculum come at an affordable cost?
Are there separate fees for materials, activities, or other additional services?
What are Some of the Most Popular Homeschool Curriculum Programs?
The most popular homeschool curriculum programs tend to vary based on region. However, some of the most frequently used programs include:• Abeka: An all-inclusive curriculum that offers textbooks, worksheets, and streaming video courses.
• BJU Press: An advanced Christian-based curriculum that includes textbooks and online learning services. • Alpha Omega Academy: A complete program that incorporates a Christian education with virtual classrooms and online activities. • Time4Learning: An online interactive learning platform with flexible resources for elementary, middle, and high school students.
• K12: An online schooling program for kindergarten through high school that provides lesson plans, interactive activities, and state-funded tuition.
What are Some of the Benefits of Homeschool Curriculum Programs?
Homeschool curriculum programs can provide a wide range of benefits. Among these include a customized learning experience, increased parental involvement, a quitter and more engaging learning environment, the potential to accelerate educational growth, and a greater ability to align education with personal values. Additionally, homeschool curriculum programs can help save money as they tend to be more cost-effective than traditional educational programs.
What are Some of the Drawbacks of Homeschool Curriculum Programs?
There are also drawbacks to be aware of with homeschool curriculum programs. Homeschoolers may not have access to the same extracurricular activities as traditional schools offer, they may miss out on the socialization experience found in public or private schools, and they may not receive indirect guidance and mentorship offered by teachers and guidance counselors.
Additionally, homeschoolers may not receive the same level of credibility when applying to college or pursuing certain career paths that require specific accredited educational credentials.
What Type of Homeschooling Curriculum is Right for You?
The selection of a homeschool curriculum should be tailored around the individual needs of the student. It is important to assess the benefits and drawbacks of any homeschooling program before making a decision. Additionally, it is important to recognize that homeschooling is a long-term commitment that requires involvement from both the parent and student.
Therefore, family dynamics should also be taken into consideration.
What are Some Popular Resources for Locating Homeschool Curriculum?
Parents and students can locate homeschool curricula through a variety of resources. Popular online sources include Homeschool World, HSLDA, The Good and the Beautiful, and Khan Academy.
There are also print-based sources such as The Homeschooler’s Resource Guide, The Homeschooling Handbook, and The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas. National organizations such as Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) can also provide helpful information regarding curriculum selection.
Are There Options for Local or Online Classes?
Yes, there are a variety of options for local or online classes. Many cities and towns offer homeschool classes that are supervised and taught by parents. There are also a number of online learning platforms and tutors available.
Additionally, many states have passed legislation to allow homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurricular activities and courses.
Can Homeschoolers Receive Accreditation for their Education?
Yes, homeschoolers can receive accreditation for their education. There are a variety of options for accreditation, including the umbrella of an accredited private school, enrolling in an online accredited school, or having the homeschool program evaluated and accredited by organizations such as SACS or NCA. It is important to research each of these options to ensure that the program meets the particular needs of the student.
Are There Homeschool Programs Available for Special Education Needs?
Yes, there are homeschool programs available to accommodate special education needs. These programs focus on the particular handicaps or challenges that the student may have.
Examples may include special programs to accommodate auditory or visual impairments, or programs designed to help those with learning or emotional disabilities. It is important to research the different options to ensure that the curriculum meets the individual needs of the student.
Are There Options for Home Schoolers Who Want to Pursue College/Career Paths?
Yes, there are a variety of options for home schoolers who want to pursue college/career paths. Home schoolers can choose to earn an accredited high school diploma, a GED, or a certification from a nationally recognized institution.
Additionally, most colleges and universities accept homeschoolers for admission, and many have the option to take college classes while in high school. Additionally, technical and career-oriented programs, such as nursing and HVAC, are available for home schoolers wishing to pursue vocational career paths.
What Types of Support are Available for Homeschoolers?
There are a variety of support options available for homeschoolers. Many local and regional organizations offer annual or monthly events, such as homeschool field trips, co-ops, and book clubs.
These are great opportunities to connect and build relationships with other homeschoolers. There are also numerous online resources, such as homeschool forums, websites, and blogs that provide helpful advice and tips. Finally, parents can seek outside help from homeschool tutors and coaches as a supplement to their coursework.
Conclusion
When deciding on homeschool curricula, there are a variety of factors to consider and resources to explore. It is important to evaluate homeschool options to ensure the curriculum fit the individualized needs and learning objectives of the student. Additionally, parents should keep in mind the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling, and acknowledge that it is a long-term commitment that requires dedication from both the parent and student.
With the help of these questions, parents and students can find the best homeschool curriculum to meet their individual needs.