Getting It Right - How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum

How do homeschooling parents know what to teach their children?
(i.e. what curriculum to follow for the specific grade level, etc.)

RIGHT!  
Good question!!!

Before you purchase curriculum, do some homework! There is a lot of curriculum available to homeschoolers and it can be overwhelming and expensive if you don’t do a little research first.

What does your state recommend?  Look at the homeschool laws in your state using the Homeschool Legal Defense Association at this link: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

At that website you will find so much information, you might just want to spend an evening reading on that site!

After that, think about why you want to homeschool.  Are you concerned that your child is “behind”, “ahead”, “lost”, not getting enough, getting too much, or the many other reasons that a parent might begin looking into homeschool. Think of those reasons. Materials are available for the struggling learner as well as for the motivated learner.

• Do you have a scope in mind? An array of materials that you feel are the right materials or subjects at this time?
• Do you want materials that will tell you what to say?  Materials that are designed to walk you, the parent, through the lesson, and give you the words you need to explain clearly?
• Do you want to proceed with “outside of the box” or non-mainstream ideas?
• Do you want to work on lessons for hours each day?
• Is your child ready for independent work?
• Does your child prefer “hands on” materials, doing it themselves, being read to, lectures, reading independently?

All of these questions and more are a good place to start as you begin your search for your own style of homeschooling.  Some parents feel free to pick and choose materials from across the spectrum; some parents choose a “boxed” curriculum; some parents do not purchase specific materials at all.

You Don’t Have To Make This Decision Today.

I give you permission to take all of the time you need to look at the various lines of materials out there.  

• Take as much time as you need to familiarize yourself with styles of learning.  
• Take the time to work with and talk to your children and figure out together what WORKS with them and what direction would they like to go.  
• Furthermore, get out there and make every effort to meet other homeschoolers, learn from them, talk to them, and ask every one of your questions!

Let go of the fear this moment. Go read with your child. And allow yourself all of the time you and your child need before purchasing or acquiring any materials at all!

Relax.

How to homeschool parents know what to teach their children?

By taking the time to listen and to learn.