If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time, you probably have accumulated quite a collection of curricula. I recently took a trip to Half Priced Books with two huge Rubbermaid bins filled with memories of bygone homeschool years. Even though I walked away with empty Rubbermaid containers, a smile on my face, and money in my pocket, I still have oodles of books sitting on my shelves! How is that even possible?
Choosing homeschool curriculum can feel like standing at Graeter’s trying to decide whether you feel caramely, chocolatey, or fruity today. (Is there really a wrong choice when it comes to Graeter’s ice cream?) Ice cream is one thing, but when it comes to curriculum the task can feel much more daunting because the stakes, for good reason, seem higher. I’ve twice attended the National Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, OH. Some people find the convention inspirational but the first time I walked into the vast convention center I found myself completely overwhelmed. Every textbook looked interesting. Every method seemed appealing. Every booth housed veteran homeschool parents voicing opinions about their favorite programs. The options seemed endless. And they all seemed fantastic! Which should I choose? What if I made the wrong choice?
I’ve now homeschooled for nearly 20 years, and I’d like to share with you some general guidelines that I’ve learned along the way concerning choosing homeschool curriculum.
Tip #1: Investigate
Homeschool moms love sharing what has worked for them, and their experience provides valuable intel! Ask for the pros and cons of the curriculum they have used. Dig a little to find out about the learning styles and personalities of their kids to better determine whether their favorite curriculum might work for your child. Read curriculum reviews because they tend to include helpful, practical details. In my experience it’s nearly impossible to accurately evaluate curriculum through a few pages of an online preview so try to get your hands on the books, whether that be from a friend’s bookshelf or an online company with a generous return policy.
Tip #2: Sometimes the best curriculum is free!
If you have a preschool or kindergarten aged child, please do not run out and purchase the latest-and-greatest reading and math curriculum. You don’t need it! Cherish these early years, taking time to explore God’s world with your child. There are plenty of years to jump into spelling lists and times tables. Let your curriculum be trips to the park, library, and pet store. Take advantage of discount days at the zoo, arboretum, and art museum. Memorize scripture together. Let your child dictate and then illustrate a silly story. (Trust me, Grandma will love it!) Let your math lessons be trips to the grocery store. Read aloud. Read books of all sorts. Read. Read. Read! Those early years are precious and the time you spend one-on-one with your child will never be wasted. Best. Curriculum. Ever.
Tip #3: Lay a solid foundation.
This next point might seem to contradict what I’ve just said. Bear with me. Although the elementary years should be enjoyable and somewhat relaxed, this does not mean you should downplay the importance of laying a solid foundation. Despite what modern education “experts” might claim, your elementary-age student should be memorizing math facts and learning phonics. Don’t neglect English grammar, including the basic rules of spelling and punctuation. Look for a quality writing program that will teach your student how to compose a well-structured, stylistically appealing paragraph. Remember, the three R’s (Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic) truly ARE the basic building blocks for every subject. A solid investment in these foundational skills will reap exponential dividends!
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to alter course.
Particularly during the elementary years, I found it not at all uncommon to start with a curriculum and then switch after a few months of trying it out. Sometimes you just don’t know whether a curriculum will click until you give it a try, and the beauty of homeschooling is that even with all the backtracking, redoes, and make-up days, your kids will still learn what they need to learn. Don’t get me wrong. I am a planner, and it never set well with me when I felt like I had “wasted” days on an “unsuccessful” curriculum. Looking back, though, I realize that time spent learning with my kids, whatever the curriculum, was never wasted time. And remember, you always have the summer to play catch up!
Tip #5: Know your child.
Every child learns differently. The curriculum that works for one of your children might not work for the next. Be flexible with this! Do not “force” your child into a curriculum that isn’t conducive to his or her learning style. For example, some kids need to see and touch things for concepts to really sink in. Others may do very well with memorizing to music. Still others learn best while being physically active (like doing jumping jacks while practicing spelling words). When choosing curriculum, look for supplementals and suggested activities that seem to resonate with your student’s learning style.
Tip #6: Know you.
It may seem obvious that you should chose a curriculum that suits your child’s learning style, but did you know you should factor yourself into the equation as well? To effectively teach a subject, the material needs to not only make sense to you but also suit your teaching style. I’ve found that in my weaker subjects I need a more scripted curriculum but in my stronger subjects scripting absolutely drives me crazy. Some curriculum moves more slowly, cycling through and recycling concepts. Others move through concepts quickly. It's ok, and I would say necessary, to include your preferences in the equation when choosing curriculum. If a particular curriculum style drives you crazy, DO NOT try to use it with your child because your frustrations will bleed through.
Tip #7: Don’t believe lies.
Homeschool parent mind games can be vicious! Don’t believe the lie that you are going to mess up your child by failing to choose the right curriculum. Don’t think of yourself as a loser because the top-rated curriculum that came highly recommended by your veteran homeschool friend didn’t work for your child. Every child is unique. Every homeschool parent is unique. Could this perhaps be the reason there are so many curriculum choices out there?? You will make mistakes (every homeschool parent does) but those mistakes are redeemable! When you get three months into a curriculum and it’s just not working don’t keep pushing through because, “We aren’t quitters! I paid for this book, by golly I’m going to finish it!” (Confessions of this homeschool mom.) If it’s not working, change gears. A frustrated homeschool parent makes a frustrated student. The cost just isn’t worth it.
Tip #8: Reach out for help!
As you approach those middle school years, the task of homeschooling and choosing the “right” curriculum becomes more daunting because it feels like there’s more at stake. As my older two kids entered middle school, I realized that I needed help not only with teaching the material but also with accountability. I tried several options, from online classes to co-ops, and then landed on Providence Extension Program. PEP has been a great fit for my kids because it has equipped them not only with college-prep academics, but also the accountability and spiritual discipleship that’s so critical during these adolescent years. When we first joined the PEP community, I struggled not only with adjusting to the program but also with grieving bygone days of zoo trips and afternoons at the park. I struggled with feeling as though I had somehow failed as a homeschool mom because I was entrusting most of their teaching to a source outside my home. Those emotions were real, but the lie that I had somehow failed them was just that– a bold faced lie! If you find yourself needing a program like PEP, don’t listen to lies! By endeavoring to homeschool you are accepting a high calling. There is no shame in reaching out for help!
If you’ve read this far looking for specific curriculum recommendations, sorry to disappoint. Don’t get me wrong, I have strong opinions on the subject. (What a novelty! A homeschool mom with strong opinions!) The thing is, after all these years of working through numerous curriculum options, I realize it’s not really the curriculum that’s going to make the difference in your child’s home education. It’s you. So, do your homework, try different options, don’t be afraid to reach out for help, most of all pray that the Lord would equip you to be the homeschool parent he’s called you to be, whatever choices you end up making. You can do this!
MaryEllen's PEP journey began in 2015 when she enrolled her boys in the program and accepted a tutor position in the Comp & Lit department. Over the years, she has witnessed the unique, life-changing benefits of PEP's academically rigorous, Christ-centered program. As PEP Dayton's Administrator, she desires to come alongside parents in raising a generation of Kingdom builders for Christ.
PEP utilizes a classically inspired approach to education to prepare students for their next step in life, be it college or career. Ultimately, we desire to impact both the mind and heart of each PEP student. By encouraging character development, fostering critical thinking, and inspiring a strong work ethic, we aspire to train a generation of disciples to further the Kingdom of Christ.