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Does your heart race and sweat start dripping when you think of picking homeschool curriculum?! Well, it could be for two reasons; 1) you get so super excited pouring through curriculum, or 2) you become paralyzed with all the options. I bet more fall in the last category. However, I’m one of the weirdos that LOVE curriculum shopping.
Finding the curriculum that is a good fit for your family doesn’t need to be stressful.
Did you catch that there?
I said a good fit FOR YOUR FAMILY. Believe me; this is THE most important thing to keep in mind.
Don’t worry about the latest curriculum everyone is raving about. Believe me. I’ve tried some of those and ended up disappointed in the end.
Do you know why???
It wasn’t a fit for my family.
Now, that is just the start. But keep that in mind.
Overall, picking a homeschool curriculum doesn’t need to be scary. I know there are so many options. So let me help you find some ways to weed through it all.
It takes time, but it is well worth it.
Table of Contents
Tips For Picking Homeschool Curriculum
When I am picking homeschool curriculum, I do a few things to make sure I choose a good fit for my family.
TIP 1 for Picking Homeschool Curriculum: Know Your Learner
First, I’d encourage you to make sure you know how your child learns. It might help to jot down some notes on how your children like to learn or learn best. For example, do they like workbooks, hands-on activities, computer work, videos, etc. Write it all down. It will help when looking at curriculum choices.
TIP 2- Know Your Teaching Style
Once you understand how your children like to learn, determine how you want to teach before looking for a curriculum. This step is just as important.
Here’s a little story on why knowing your teaching style is important.
My son was (still is) struggling with fractions. I can’t begin to tell you how many math programs I’ve tried. I really can’t. It is way too many, and I haven’t found what will work yet.
Anyway…
Many people love Saxon Math. It is a spiral math program that many rave about.
However, I found out that I didn’t particularly like using it. Now, in general, I’m not a huge math person. But, once I started using Saxon, I was not too fond of math time anymore.
I tried teaching the way the program was designed. I really did give the program a try, but it wasn’t a style I liked. Plus, my son wasn’t finding a whole lot of success with it either.
On the other hand, Saxon has worked GREAT for so many homeschool families. Their kids have excelled, and parents enjoy teaching it. But, unfortunately, it just wasn’t for us.
From experience, I now know that if you do not like teaching a particular curriculum, homeschooling won’t be fun. So it would help if you found what works for you and your child.
Now, my kids have used a curriculum that wasn’t my favorite way of teaching, but it worked for them, so we kept it. Once in a while, though, you might find one that you just can’t work with.
If you’re not sure how you like to teach, think about how you enjoy learning. It may help you in finding programs you’d enjoy teaching.
TIP 3 in Picking Homeschool Curriculum- Read Many, Many Reviews
I look for reviews from vendors, homeschool blogs, and review sites because I want to hear what homeschool families have to say, the good and the bad.
I like reviews from homeschool families because you hear how they have used in their homes. In addition, you get to hear if it worked or not. I make sure to pay attention to WHY they think a program works or doesn’t work. Sometimes why something works for one family is why it WOULDN’T work for your family.
As an example, a friend of mine doesn’t like a lot of prep work and photocopying. So right there, I know one program we LOVE that wouldn’t work for her.
Some great places to find reviews are by searching YouTube, Google, and Pinterest. The sites I use all the time are Homeschool Review Crew (I not only review for them, but I read the reviews too) and Cathy Duffy. Cathy Duffy gives thorough reviews on how a program works.
YouTube is particularly helpful when someone does a video that shows you the program and tells how they used it in their homeschool. That is how I ended up using IEW for writing with my son. He watched the video done by a homeschool blogger, and he thought it would be great to try. I always try to involve my kids in homeschool planning.
And don’t forget, go to the Curriculum and Resource tab on my site to find LOTS of reviews! You can search by subject.
Also, I have a simple Curriculum Planning Checklist that can help you keep all your curriculum buying organized.
TIP 4- Look for Samples
I always go on vendor sites and companies that sell the curriculum to look for samples. I look for sample lessons, student pages, teacher manuals, and scope and sequence previews when I do. I want to look into a program and see how it is set up.
Some companies will even send you sample lessons to look at. I’ve found several that do this. Pandia Press, Journey Homeschool Academy, RC History, and Write Shop are just a few that have sent me large chunks of their program. It makes a world of difference.
When I get samples, I like to have my kids check them out too. They can let me know if it interests them or not.
TIP 5 for Picking Homeschool Curriculum- Ask Homeschool Families and Facebook Groups
If you want to get into a huge discussion, ask another homeschool mom about their homeschool curriculum. You are sure to get a lot of information. ; )
I always ask fellow homeschool moms questions about a program and see what others say in Homeschool Facebook groups. Homeschool families generally like to help others when it comes to picking a homeschool curriculum.
Again, just listen to why they think a program is excellent. Ask homeschool moms precisely WHY they like it and what things they don’t like about it. They may even tell you what kind of child a program will or won’t work for.
TIP 6- Open House, FB Live, etc.
For the first time, I am finding many companies are holding an Open House or Facebook Live party to talk about their curriculum. This can be a huge help in picking homeschool curriculum. So keep your eyes open for this.
Start by following potential companies on social media, so you can find out when they are holding such events.
Final Thoughts on Picking Homeschool Curriculum
Now, let me warn you. Just because you do your research, talk to others, look at samples, etc., it doesn’t mean you will absolutely find the best homeschool curriculum. I’ve been there a few times now, and as the year progressed, I had to switch our homeschool curriculum for a particular subject.
It happens.
However, following the tips above can help you feel more confident in your homeschool curriculum search. It takes time and work, but it is well worth your time. You will find the right programs to work for you and your kids.
Happy Homeschooling!
Great read!!! Thanks for sharing the benefits of homeschooling, this will help every homeschooler. I have homeschooled my children and both are doing well in their Virtual Middle School and this is only because of all the tips that I have used while homeschooling to make homeschooling successful.
Thanks! I’m glad you are having success homeschooling. Isn’t is great?!
Great read!! Thanks for sharing such a great blog, Keep sharing such great blogs.
I have homeschooled my children and blog like these have always helped me. Keep sharing such great blogs.