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.
Designing a homeschooling curriculum can feel overwhelming, especially with the endless resources and options available. Whether you’re just starting or refining your current plan, this list will help you organize your approach, cover essential subjects, and build a balanced, effective curriculum tailored to your child’s needs. (See article, “How to Plan Your Homeschooled High School Student’s Four-Year Curriculum“)
Cover the Core Subjects
Language Arts
Every curriculum should include a strong foundation in language arts. Key components include:
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Reading and literature
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Phonics and decoding (for younger students)
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Spelling and vocabulary
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Grammar and sentence structure
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Writing (narratives, essays, journaling)
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Handwriting (print and/or cursive)
Mathematics
Math should build logical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. Be sure to include:
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Arithmetic and number sense
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Operations and word problems
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Geometry, measurement, fractions, and algebra (as age-appropriate)
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Math fact fluency
Science
Science encourages exploration and curiosity. Include:
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Life science (plants, animals, biology)
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Earth and space science (weather, geology, astronomy)
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Physical science (chemistry, physics concepts)
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Experiments and hands-on activities
Social Studies
This subject fosters understanding of the world and communities:
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World and U.S. history
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Geography and map skills
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Civics and government
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Cultures and current events
Ready to Begin Your Homeschooling Journey?
Download our 32-page Getting Started with Homeschooling Guide and Checklists—a comprehensive resource packed with tips, tools, and step-by-step checklists to help you feel confident and organized from day one. Whether you're exploring homeschooling for the first time or looking to refresh your current approach, this guide is your go-to starting point.
Add Enrichment Subjects
Beyond the basics, enrich your child’s learning with additional subjects:
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Art – Creative expression, techniques, and art history
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Music – Singing, instruments, music theory, or appreciation
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Physical Education – Movement, exercise, games, or organized sports
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Health – Nutrition, safety, hygiene, and wellness
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Foreign Language – Spanish, French, ASL, or others
Include Life Skills and Electives
Homeschooling is an excellent opportunity to prepare kids for real life. Consider:
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Financial literacy (budgeting, saving, money math)
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Home economics (cooking, cleaning, laundry)
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Career exploration or apprenticeships
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Digital literacy (typing, coding, safe internet use)
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Social-emotional development
Organize and Assess
To keep things running smoothly, use planning tools and track progress:
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Create a daily or weekly schedule.
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Prepare lesson plans or use a planner.
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Gather necessary books, tools, and supplies.
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Use assessments, such as quizzes, projects, or portfolios, to measure growth.
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Maintain records of attendance, grades, and samples of student work.
A well-rounded homeschool curriculum meets legal requirements, supports your child’s learning style, and allows for flexibility. Remember, homeschooling is a journey, not a race. It’s okay to adapt and evolve your child’s curriculum as they grow. With thoughtful planning, patience, and creativity, you can build a learning environment that enables your child to thrive.