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Choosing Homeschooling Curriculum

Homeschooling can be an excellent option for parents who want more control over their child’s education and want to create a customized learning experience that meets their individual needs. It can also be a great way to build strong relationships between parents and children, fostering a love of learning.

Choosing a homeschool curriculum is an important decision that can significantly impact your child’s education. The homeschooling process can vary for every family, but it typically involves purchasing or creating a homeschool curriculum and scheduling regular lessons. Many families also utilize online resources and community groups to find support and connect with other homeschooling families.

Select Curriculum

After learning what is required and understanding what you want your homeschooling journey to be like, choose the curriculum or educational approach that aligns with your goals.

Here are some steps and considerations to help you choose the right curriculum for your family:

HSLDA is a nonprofit advocacy organization that enables homeschooling by protecting families and equipping them to provide the best educational experience for their children.

  • Understand Your Child’s Learning Style: Every child is unique, and their learning style may vary. Consider how your child learns best – whether they are visual, auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic learners. This can help you choose a curriculum that aligns with your learning style.
  • Define Your Educational Goals: What do you want your child to learn? Consider your long-term educational objectives and the subjects that are most important to you. Also, think about any special needs or interests your child may have.

Tip: If you are considering homeschooling a high school-level student, you are likely committing to four years of homeschooling. Re-enrolling your child into the public school system often results in the school determining their grade level and ability to graduate from high school.

  • Create Your Academic Calendar: An academic homeschool calendar can help you organize lessons, track progress, and maintain a balanced schedule.

Research Different Curriculum Options.

Tip: If you homeschool a high school student, create a detailed curriculum map for their four-year high school career to ensure they receive the necessary education for college admissions or other goals.

  • Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Join homeschooling forums, groups, or social media communities to get recommendations from experienced homeschooling parents. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights.
  • Consider Your Teaching Style: Consider how you prefer to teach and your availability. Some curricula require more hands-on teaching, while others are more self-directed. You may be more comfortable with specific instructional methods than others.
  • Evaluate Costs: Homeschooling can range from free (utilizing online resources and public library materials) to expensive (purchasing comprehensive curricula or hiring tutors). Consider your budget and choose a curriculum that aligns with it.
  • Try Samples or Free Resources: Many curriculum providers offer free samples or trials, allowing you to assess whether a particular curriculum suits your child’s needs.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Every curriculum has its flaws. Be prepared to adapt and customize the curriculum to fit your child’s pace and interests. Children with learning challenges may need specific curriculum styles to help with learning.
  • Keep Records: As local homeschooling laws require, keep records of your child’s curriculum, attendance, progress, and achievements. Note that those in specific situations, such as divorce and custody arrangements, should maintain a student portfolio even if their state does not require it.

Tip: Record-keeping for high school students is generally based on state requirements, whether the child is college-bound or entering the workforce. Maintain documentation required by the college, vocational school, military, industry, or employer.

  • Stay Open to Change: If you find that the curriculum you initially chose isn’t working for your child, be willing to make adjustments or switch to a different one.

Remember that homeschooling is a personal journey, and what works best for one family may not be the best fit for another. Finding the ideal homeschool curriculum that suits your child’s learning style and meets your educational goals may take some trial and error. Be flexible and open to change as your child’s needs and interests evolve.

Fourth STep

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