Coding for Kids
Choosing the right homeschooling curriculum can feel like a monumental task. With so many different options, how do you find the one that’s the best fit for your child and family? You might feel overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By considering your child’s learning styles, your family’s needs, and a few tried-and-true steps, picking the best homeschooling curriculum will make it easy and natural to complete homeschooling.
Table Of Contents:
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Homeschooling Curriculum
- Popular Homeschool Curriculum Options
- Other Options and Homeschool Resources
- FAQs about Homeschool Curriculum
- Conclusion
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Homeschooling Curriculum
There are several vital factors to think about when selecting a homeschool curriculum. Every child learns differently, and a homeschool curriculum that works for one child might not be the perfect fit for another. Before you commit to a program, determine your child’s preferred learning style.
Learning Styles
Visual learners thrive with visual aids like diagrams and videos. Auditory learners learn best through listening, so audiobooks and lectures suit them well. Kinesthetic learners love hands-on activities and learn by doing, making experiments and projects the best tools. Your child’s unique learning style should heavily influence your homeschool curriculum choice.
Take some time to discover what kind of learner your child is, and then consider this while making curriculum decisions. Some homeschool programs offer a combination of different learning styles. If you have several children, finding one curriculum for everyone to simplify things might be tempting.
But consider that you’ll be able to cater to your children’s needs better when their education is more individualized. For instance, Time4Learning caters to various learning styles by blending digital learning with hands-on activities and practical examples. The Good and the Beautiful incorporates a Charlotte Mason-inspired philosophy, featuring nature studies, fine arts, and living books for a more holistic approach.
Family Dynamics and Lifestyle
Are you constantly moving, or do you have a more structured routine? Consider this because some programs have rigid structures, while others are designed for families with a busier lifestyle. Think about how a potential homeschool program will fit with your current lifestyle and whether you have the flexibility to make it work.
For example, My Father’s World has a unique Family Learning Cycle for multi-age learning that naturally flexes with a family’s needs. Programs like Acellus Academy are strictly online and grade-specific. Time4Learning is another online program with lots of flexibility that can be used as a primary homeschooling curriculum or as a supplemental program for a traditional school setting.
Remember, your family’s unique dynamics should play a significant role in choosing your homeschooling curriculum. Your own time commitments will factor in here, as some homeschool programs require extensive parental involvement while others allow for more independent study from children.
Educational Goals and Interests
What kind of goals do you have for your child’s education? Do you want to follow a specific religious approach or a more secular one? This means prioritizing core subjects, electives, or specialized learning experiences. Here’s a handy list of elective subjects to help spark your thinking as you plan.
Maybe you’re passionate about a Charlotte Mason approach that integrates subjects and fosters a love for literature. Knowing your desired educational outcomes helps make your homeschool curriculum search more focused and productive. Perhaps a more structured, traditional approach resonates better with your family.
Homeschooling Curriculum Cost and Value
Homeschool curriculum programs range from totally free resources to ones with a high price tag. The cost of a homeschooling curriculum varies based on factors like the learning materials provided, grade level, and whether it’s online or print-based. Make sure the curriculum fits your budget and aligns with your values.
Free homeschool programs offer affordability, though they often require more planning from you. Paid homeschool programs require more upfront investment but can save time with already prepared materials. Many factors contribute to this choice, and it’s worth taking time to consider your priorities. For example, if cost is a significant factor for your family, you may want to explore the benefits of a free curriculum.
Popular Homeschool Curriculum Options
So, where do you begin? The homeschool world has so many different types of programs. Let’s examine some popular homeschool curriculum options and discover their pros and cons to help you narrow it down. Remember that finding the right fit for your family might involve trying different programs or customizing existing ones.
Time4Learning
Time4Learning is a popular choice for homeschooling families that enjoy flexibility. Because it is entirely online, this program lets you personalize your schedule, pause anytime, and pick it up later if your schedule changes. You get access to a comprehensive suite of courses for students in Pre-K through 12th grade, as well as interactive activities, games, and assessments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible scheduling is great for various learning styles. It provides parent access for monitoring progress and generating reports. The system can be used for individual subjects if needed. It offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. | Since it’s online, internet connectivity is a must. It potentially lacks face-to-face interactions or discussions common with group settings, can potentially present distractions if you don’t closely supervise computer time, could cost more than print-based resources. |
Many new homeschooling families choose Time4Learning for its accessibility, and experienced families like how they offer exclusive discounts. As this program is widely used, you’ll find lots of support available from other homeschooling families through online forums and social media groups.
The Good and the Beautiful
The Good and the Beautiful emphasizes a beautiful, engaging curriculum that makes learning enjoyable for kids. Its program stands out because it offers several resources and free downloads. Their full-year Language Arts programs from Kindergarten through 8th grade are available as a free PDF download, and their free downloadable book list provides valuable options for every age range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on character development, nature, family values, literature, strong reading and math programs, aesthetically pleasing design of materials, and free trials available for many subjects. | Based on Christian principles, which might not resonate with every family, leans toward literature-based learning (meaning that families who want a science-heavy approach might not enjoy it), most activities necessitate hands-on parent involvement and are more expensive than many downloadable homeschooling curriculums. |
While it has some downsides, its emphasis on visual appeal, the quality of its materials, and its dedication to producing great books earn this curriculum praise from many homeschool families. You’ll even discover free trials for many of the subjects they offer. Families appreciate that the company continues to tweak its offerings to meet the needs of homeschooling families best.
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool has long been a free curriculum darling in the homeschool community. Many homeschooling families use it during the summer to give their kids some extra review; others use it for the whole school year because it’s so effective.
Although Easy Peasy leans on the Christian worldview, many secular families still use it because it does such a good job of covering the subjects kids need. This homeschool program can work well for independent learners by allowing them to direct their learning to an extent. Parents appreciate that Easy Peasy will enable them to focus their time elsewhere.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective and accessible with its free program for levels K through 12, covers core subjects effectively, caters to self-directed learning, minimal prep time for parents, and helpful resources readily available on the website. | Heavy on reading and worksheet-based activities, not as visually stimulating or exciting as other homeschooling curriculum options, requires students to self-motivate which doesn’t always work for everyone, tech-related issues possible since everything is accessed online. |
Families looking for a low-cost solution appreciate how this all-in-one curriculum makes homeschooling more affordable. However, a lack of excitement and visual appeal might turn some children off. You may want to include supplements to make the experience more enticing for some children.
Abeka
Abeka can use a traditional school model approach to provide that structure for a Christian homeschool curriculum. Many Christian and private schools across America use the Abeka curriculum to provide a consistent and strong academic foundation. This program has precise schedules and provides materials that prepare your student to advance from one grade to the next.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A thorough curriculum that aligns with traditional educational methods, a strong focus on phonics and foundational learning, includes both online and traditional learning options, detailed schedules and resources for teachers and parents, an accredited online program option for a more formal school approach, and offers opportunities for dual enrollment in high school. | Based on Christian principles, the higher cost of the printed curriculum than other homeschooling options can be inflexible for those who enjoy unschooling, and it is more challenging to customize lessons. |
This curriculum delivers thorough instruction. Just remember that it will potentially cost more, it adheres strictly to traditional Christian principles, and you might need to consider supplements for science courses to ensure they adequately prepare students for their high school careers.
BJU Press
BJU Press (Bob Jones University Press) provides a biblically integrated curriculum to homeschool families, allowing them to make several flexible choices. Many churches will have schools that utilize this program for families seeking a Christian education. Still, parents enjoy that they also offer options for using BJU materials as a homeschool program. You can choose a completely online program, DVDs, textbook-only instruction, or a combination of resources that works best for your child. BJU has levels pre-K through high school and advanced and honors programs are available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integrates faith-based principles, online and offline options, rigorous coursework prepares kids for a college-level educational experience, easy-to-integrate electives, and provides a structure for homeschooling days. | Potential higher cost for some families with printed or online programs, potentially limiting adherence to traditional biblical principles and Christian worldview, less opportunity for self-directed learning, may require lots of teacher preparation, textbooks potentially dense or challenging for some students to comprehend. |
This homeschool program gives several good choices for those looking for a program with a firm grounding in the Bible. Families seeking flexibility may want to steer clear because the textbooks tend to require traditional instruction.
Other Options and Homeschool Resources
It’s critical to note that a complete, comprehensive curriculum is not always necessary for homeschooling. The flexibility of taking responsibility for a child’s education gives parents choices about individual courses they can integrate. Many homeschoolers use unit studies to supplement specific courses they already use or dive into subject areas they’re most interested in, making learning fun for everyone.
Many programs focus on individual subjects, allowing homeschooling families to round out their chosen curriculum and customize their teaching approach. For instance, if your homeschool curriculum chooses a different math approach, you can add Singapore math for more depth.
You might also enjoy Tynker for STEM/Coding and Dash Into Learning’s handwriting or phonics program for those subject areas. Many programs focus exclusively on early learning. The Gentle and Classical Press program is one example that incorporates several delightful Charlotte Mason-inspired principles. The Good and the Beautiful program also offers a 31-lesson program for kids just starting their journey.
FAQs about Homeschool Curriculum
Which curriculum is best for homeschooling?
No one homeschool curriculum is the best because every family’s needs will be different. Consider the various factors this article addresses as you choose, and know that trying out different homeschool programs is ok. Some families start with one program for one year and switch the following year. Many families change course midyear to a different curriculum option that feels more appropriate for their student’s needs.
What is a curriculum for homeschool?
Homeschool curriculums help guide parents to meet their state’s requirements. They teach kids various core subjects like English Language Arts, math, history, science, and electives. Some also integrate Bible instruction or family values, while others stick with strictly academic material.
How do I plan my homeschool curriculum?
Consider first that the legal requirements to homeschool vary from state to state. In Virginia, the HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia) gives homeschool families legal help, legislative updates, curriculum resources, information for families, and even testing support. After familiarizing yourself with your state’s regulations, determine which homeschool style resonates most with your approach to education. This may include eclectic, Charlotte Mason, Classical, literature-based, traditional, unit studies, unschooling, or a combination of approaches.
How to make a homeschooling curriculum?
While most families select a premade curriculum, some prefer creating their program. Once you know your state’s legal requirements for educating your children, this may involve choosing individual subjects and supplemental resources, creating a detailed daily schedule for instruction, gathering supplies, and finding additional programs for art, music, foreign languages, or even physical education. Don’t feel overwhelmed because milestones exist to guide you in this journey.
Conclusion
Selecting the right homeschool curriculum can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Take heart and remember this: It’s a personal journey, and there is no one right answer for every family.
Whether you choose to go the route of secular, religious, classical, or unschooling homeschool curriculum, this choice depends on several factors discussed in this post. Ultimately, prioritize programs that resonate most with your educational philosophies, cater to your child’s needs, and complement your family’s dynamics to embark on an exciting educational adventure together.
