Choosing the right homeschool curriculum is an important decision for any parent, as it will determine the kind of education their child receives. Deciding which type of homeschool curriculum to use is not an easy choice and can be quite overwhelming, as there are a lot of different options available. To help make the decision-making process easier, this quiz evaluates your child’s age, learning style, and interests in order to make tailored recommendations.
The questions cover homeschool preferences, homeschool methods, and the various choices of homeschool curriculum.
1. What is Your Child’s Age?
The age of the child is the most important factor when choosing a homeschool curriculum because the curriculum should be tailored according to their age and thematically appropriate for their level of development. Children aged 5 to 7 are considered in the very early stages of learning, which require basic phonics and math exercises, vocabulary and storybooks, coloring pages, puzzles, and educational games. From age 8 to 10, children are more open to learning more complex topics and can handle intermediate level math and language studies, as well as more abstract concepts such as science, government and social studies.
For students aged 11 to 13, the curriculum should focus on more advanced topics that require critical thinking, such as art, music, and literature, as well as more sophisticated topics such as algebra and chemistry. For children aged 14 to 18, it is important to have a curriculum that is aligned with the expectations and standards of the high school level and includes topics that prepare them for college.
2. What is Your Child’s Learning Style?
Your child’s learning style can be a critical aspect in determining which type of homeschool curriculum should be used. Learning styles can be divided into three basic categories.
Visual learners are better suited to a curriculum that has many image-based activities and exercises, such as completing math problems, diagrams that explain concepts, and video lectures. Auditory learners will benefit from activities that involve listening, such as lectures, discussions, and podcast audio lessons. Kinesthetic learners excel in more hands-on activities and can benefit from a curriculum that includes physical exercises, art projects, and field trips.
3. What Type of Subjects Does Your Child Enjoy Learning?
It is important to determine the type of subjects your child might be interested in and enjoy learning. To do this, it is important to assess the hobbies and interests of your child, as well as their natural talents and abilities. This could include topics related to science and technology, art and design, language and literature, or even more abstract concepts such as philosophy and economics.
Once these interests are determined, it is easier to narrow down which type of homeschool curriculum would be the best fit, as there are curriculums that specialize in specific topics, such as math and language arts.
4. What is Your Preferred Homeschooling Method?
The type of homeschooling method you prefer can also be a determining factor in which type of curriculum to use. There are different types of homeschooling, such as classical education, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, Montessori, and unit studies. Each one has its own unique approach, either emphasizing memorization, emphasizing practical skills, or providing a more hands-on approach by using real-life examples.
It’s important to research these methods in order to make sure the curriculum aligns with your preferred method.
5. Is the Curriculum Structured or Flexible?
Another important question to consider when choosing a homeschool curriculum is whether it is structured or flexible. Structured homeschooling follows traditional academic standards and uses a more traditional textbook-based approach to education. Flexible homeschooling, on the other hand, is more open-ended and allows for more creativity and independent thought.
Depending on the style of homeschooling you prefer, it’s important to make sure that the curriculum matches your preferences and expectations.
6. Are You Interested in Online or Off-Line Homeschooling?
The type of technology-based homeschooling you prefer is also an important factor when deciding on a homeschool curriculum. Online homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows for greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and coursework, while also allowing a wider range of curriculum options. Offline homeschooling is more traditional, utilizing textbooks and paper-based resources and often providing a more structured approach.
It is important to evaluate both options to determine which one is the best fit for your family.
7. What is Your Budget?
When choosing a homeschool curriculum, it is important to consider budget. Depending on the size of your budget, the type of curriculum available can vary significantly. It is crucial to research different homeschool curriculum options and evaluate what type of coursework material, supplemental resources, and additional activities are included.
When researching, make sure to read customer reviews, talk to other homeschool families, and compare prices.
8. Is the Curriculum Accredited?
One essential factor when choosing a homeschool curriculum is whether or not it is accredited. An accredited curriculum is usually developed by educational experts and certified by an accrediting organization. This type of curriculum is designed to meet certain educational standards and ensure that the material is age-appropriate and academically rigorous.
It is important to check with your state and local authorities to make sure the curriculum is accredited, or that credits earned can be transferable to other schools or universities.
9. Does the Curriculum Include Assessments?
For many parents, it is important to have a way to measure and track their child’s progress when using a homeschool curriculum. Many curriculums include assessments, such as quizzes, tests, and assignments, in order to evaluate student learning.
Assessments can be a useful tool to help determine if the student is understanding the material, is progressing at a satisfactory rate, and to adjust the curriculum accordingly.
10. How Accessible is the Curriculum?
One of the great advantages of homeschooling is that students have access to materials anytime and anywhere, enabling them to study at their own pace and work around other commitments. Depending on the type of homeschool curriculum, it can be necessary to access the material online, either through a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It is important to make sure that the curriculum is accessible from different devices you might have in order to ensure the teaching materials are available wherever and whenever they are needed.
11. How Detailed is the Curriculum?
Another criterion that should be evaluated is how much detail the curriculum provides. Some courses give an overview of the subject, while others offer more in-depth material. It is important to assess the level of detail included in the materials, and if the material is sufficient for your desired level of instruction.
12. Does the Curriculum Include Supplemental Materials?
In addition to the standard material, it is important to consider if the curriculum includes supplemental materials that can be used to enhance the educational experience. These materials might include supplementary worksheets, activities, and projects that are integral parts of the curriculum. If the curriculum offers these materials, it can be a great way to engage and motivate the student to learn and be more engaged with the material.
13. Is the Curriculum Aligned to Common Core Standards?
If your homeschooling is being done in-line with regulations and guidelines set out by the state, it is important to check if the homeschool curriculum is aligned to Common Core standards. This will ensure the curriculum meets the standards set by the state.
14. Does the Curriculum Require Parent Involvement?
Finally, it can be beneficial to assess if the curriculum requires parent involvement or if materials are designed for the student to complete independently. Depending on the student’s age and level of maturity, it might be more beneficial to choose a curriculum with more parent involvement in order to guide and support the student as they progress through their studies.
15. Are Tutorials Available for the Curriculum?
Since homeschooling can be a completely new territory for many parents, it is often beneficial to have access to tutorials that provide guidance and advice, especially if the curriculum has been just bought or if the parents have never homeschooled before. Many quality homeschool curriculums have tutorials or guides that provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the curriculum and other helpful tips on homeschooling in general.
Conclusion
Choosing the right homeschool curriculum is not an easy task and requires careful consideration. It is important to evaluate the age of the student, their preferred learning style, their interests and talents, the type of homeschooling that is preferred, and the type of technology-based homeschooling that is preferred. Furthermore, financial constraints and curriculum accreditation, assessments, detail, supplemental material, and tutorials should also be taken into account.
Answering these questions should help narrow down the choice and make the decision-making process a little easier.