Home schooling is becoming increasingly popular as an educational alternative to traditional schooling. With growing demand, more and more homeschool curriculum options have become available.
If you’re homeschooling your children, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. In this guide, we’ll answer 15 common questions about finding and purchasing homeschool curriculum.
1. What is homeschool curriculum?
Homeschool curriculum is a set of educational materials and textbooks that are used to help teach students in a homeschool setting. Homeschool curricula are available for all academic levels and comprise the core basics of what the student will learn during a given academic year.
Most curricula contain textbooks, workbooks, and supplementary materials, although some curricula are available in digital form.
2. Why buy homeschool curriculum?
A well-chosen curriculum is an important part of a successful homeschool experience. Not only does it provide the educational framework for the student, but it also offers support for the teacher.
Quality curricula provide lesson plans and teaching strategies that can help the homeschool parent become more organized and can help them cope with some of the challenges of homeschooling.
3. What are the different types of homeschool curriculum?
Homeschool parents have many options when it comes to choosing a curriculum. Some of the most common types of homeschool curricula include fully packaged curricula, pre-packaged curricula, custom curricula, and hybrid curricula. Fully packaged curricula contain all the materials a student needs for an entire academic year and already have lesson plans in place.
Pre-packaged curricula provide basic textbooks and materials, but the homeschool parent is responsible for developing the lesson plans. Custom curricula are tailored to the individual student and their learning needs.
Hybrid curricula combine elements from different methods and provide a combination of pre-packaged, custom, and self-created materials.
4. Where can I buy homeschool curriculum?
Homeschool curriculum is readily available from a number of sources. Many educational publishers offer their own homeschool materials, and most local bookstores will carry some homeschool materials. You can also find homeschool curriculum online from stores such as Amazon, EBay, and Building Faith Families, as well as from specialty stores such as Rainbow Resource, Sonlight, and Heart of Wisdom.
5. How do I choose the right curriculum for my child?
Choosing the right curriculum starts by understanding your child’s learning needs and style. Ask yourself what your child is capable of and what types of materials best suit them. Once you have a better understanding of your child’s learning style, you can begin to look around for the right curriculum.
Try to find one that will challenge your child while providing them with the support they need.
6. How do I know if the curriculum is high quality?
High-quality homeschool curricula typically have well-researched materials, thorough lesson plans, and plenty of support both for the student and for the teacher. Make sure to read reviews and look for sample materials online before making your purchase. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the curriculum is up-to-date and meets the required standards for homeschooling in your area.
7. What should I consider when comparing costs?
Cost is an important factor when choosing homeschool curriculum, but it isn’t always the most important factor. Consider not only the cost of the material itself but also the cost of supplementary materials, textbooks, and additional resources. Additionally, the cost of your time should be taken into consideration—for example, a pre-packaged curriculum may cost more but may ultimately save you time in the long-run.
8. Is it possible to find free homeschool curriculum?
Yes, it is possible to find free homeschool curriculum, but it’s important to note that free materials may not be up-to-date or comprehensive. Many educational publishers and homeschool websites offer free materials that can be used as supplements to a core curriculum, but it’s important to research thoroughly before committing to a free curriculum.
9. Are there any books I should consider when buying homeschool curriculum?
Many homeschool parents use books as part of their curriculum, either as primary reading materials or as supplemental reading. Common choices include classic literature, biographies, and books from various disciplines such as science and math.
For science and math, consider using textbooks from major university publishers. Additionally, many educational publishers offer entire booklists suitable for homeschooling.
10. How do I track progress when using a homeschool curriculum?
Progress tracking is an important part of homeschooling, and it can be accomplished using a variety of methods. Some parents choose to use online or paper-based tracking systems. Others prefer to focus on hands-on learning and progress tracking, such as portfolio-based assessments.
There are also a variety of standardized assessments available, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the End of Year Tests in Math and Reading.
11. What are the most popular homeschool curriculum publishers?
The most popular homeschool curriculum publishers include publishers such as Abeka, BJU Press, and Saxon Math, as well as more widely known publishing houses such as Pearson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Macmillan.
12. Are there any government resources available for homeschoolers?
Yes, there are a variety of government resources available for homeschoolers. The U. S.
Department of Education provides information about homeschooling and links to various state and local resources. Additionally, many states offer state-funded virtual academies and online schools for homeschoolers.
13. What other resources are available for homeschoolers?
Aside from government and educational resources, homeschoolers have access to a variety of other resources. Many homeschool support organizations offer a variety of classes, activities, and advice to homeschoolers.
Additionally, homeschoolers can often find local support groups and online forums for homeschoolers.
14. Should I buy used homeschool curriculum?
Used homeschool curriculum can be a good way to save money, but it’s important to make sure that the materials are in good condition and up-to-date. You will also want to be sure that all the necessary text, materials, and supplemental materials are included.
15. Are there any other tips when buying homeschool curriculum?
When buying homeschool curriculum, it’s important to look for one that meets both your needs and your budget. Be sure to read the reviews and samples to make sure the materials are right for your child. Finally, remember that a well-rounded curriculum includes not only textbooks, but also materials and resources for music, art, and physical education.
Conclusion
Buying homeschool curriculum can be a daunting task, but with a bit of research and planning, you can find the right materials for your child’s needs. By considering the different types of curricula, researching reviews, and looking for supplemental materials, you can be sure to find the right homeschool curriculum for your family.