How to Choose Curriculum
03/15/2021 14:13 Filed in: Curriculum
"What's the hardest thing about homeschooling?" It might not be what you think.
"What's the hardest thing about homeschooling?"
It's probably the question I'm asked most often.
Teaching Algebra?
Dissecting frogs?
Foreign Language?
Preparing for College?
Would you believe me if I told you that probably the hardest thing about homeschooling is deciding which curriculum to use?
There are so many options to choose from, so many varieties of curricula, publishers, and teaching methods. Curriculum shopping can be overwhelming and exhausting, even for those of us who have been homeschooling a while.
To me, shopping for curricula is a lot like shopping for clothes.
Have you ever bought an outfit, but once you got it home it never left your closet? Or maybe you have an outfit that you only wore once or twice?
There are lots of reasons for not wearing an outfit in your closet. Perhaps it looked different on you at home then it did under the flattering glow of the dressing room lights? Or maybe it just didn't fit right? Or maybe you didn't have anything to wear it with?
On the other hand, do you have outfits in your closet that you love wearing so much that they are literally falling apart?
It's the same with curriculum.
Here are 3 typical curriculum-buying scenarios:
If you're like me, you want Scenario 3: The Forever Curriculum.
Let's face it. No one wants to waste time and money buying curriculum (or clothing) we won't use.
But, how do you find the perfect Forever Curriculum?
As much as I'd like to tell you that a perfect curriculum exists, the truth is that the curriculum that is perfect for you today, or this year, or for a particular child, might not be the perfect curriculum tomorrow, or next year, or for your other children. All of this is complicated by the fact that, when it comes to curriculum recommendations, what works for one family might not be best for yours.
This is true for a number of reasons: students with different learning styles, special needs considerations, educators with different teaching styles, and availability of resources necessary to complete the curriculum, to name just a few.
Suffice it to say that while finding the perfect Forever Curriculum isn't always possible right out of the gate, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of purchasing a curriculum destined for the shelf by taking into consideration a few important things before making any curriculum purchase.
With so many curriculum publishers and online options, where do you start? How do you know which curriculum option is best?
Being able to perform an accurate situation analysis of these seven areas, will provide you with a better understanding of who you are as a teacher and how your children learn best so you can get the best bang for your buck and minimize what I call Shelf-Bound Purchases (SBPs, for those who like abbreviations).
1. Determine the style that is the best fit. Whether shopping for clothing or shopping for curricula, you have many different styles to choose, and not all curricula are made the same. There are four basic curriculum styles, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses, and pros and cons of each can go a long way toward helping you determine which curriculum best fits your children and family. To learn more about curricula styles click here
2. Start with the basics. It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out all the things you want your child to learn and how you're going to teach them. The best advice is to start with the basics. Wardrobe basics might include jeans, a white blouse, and a black skirt. The basics for homeschooling are simply your state requirements. Your first priority should be to make sure you have the basics nailed down. Once you know what the basic required subjects are, and have determined the curriculum you will use for those subject areas, then you can add in other subjects and extracurriculars. To learn more about how to start homeschooling click here.
3. Set a budget. Whether browsing curriculum at a bookfair, thumbing through a catalog, or clicking around a website, it's easy to get sucked into buying more than you need, or even the wrong things altogether. This is just as true for curriculum purchases as it is for buying clothes. There are so many interesting subjects like art and music appreciation, colorful flashcards and workbooks, manipulatives, science kits, microscopes, field guides. . . Everything looks so exciting, and if you aren't careful you can easily spend more than you were hoping on things you might not need. Before spending a penny, budget the amount you wish to spend on the curriculum and supplies you need. Then, do some comparison shopping, and make a list of the items you want to have, but don't necessarily need. Knowing in advance the amount you can spend and having an idea for how much things cost, will help you to steward your resources wisely and give you the confidence to not be tempted by the other things that will catch your eye. To learn more about how to homeschool on a budget, click here.
4. Plan for the season. Just as you plan your wardrobe according to the seasons of the year, your choice of curriculum should also take into consideration the season in your life. Take into account your current situation and how it may affect your choice of curriculum. Are you expecting a baby? Moving to a new house? Or maybe you have another situation that could affect the way you homeschool. If so, you may have to make adjustments to your school schedule, scale things down to focus on the basics, slow down the pace, or just take some time off. Knowing the season you are in will help you to make the best decision about the curriculum you choose. To learn more about how to tailor curriculum to the season you are in, click here.
5. Suit the environment. You often choose clothing based on the location or environment you will be in. Our environment can also affect how you choose curriculum. Will you be homeschooling one child, or several? Do you have a job that will impact the amount of time you have for schooling? How many hours a day, or days of the week do you plan to school? What subjects will be taught on particular days? What learning tools are at your disposal? Your home school learning environment will affect the type of curriculum you choose. To learn more about how to make the most of your teaching environment, click here.
6. Get tips and advice from the experts. You can look to fashion experts for tips on what styles or colors are most flattering, or how to pair various clothing pieces for the best look. There are also experts to help give you tips and advice for how to teach your children for maximum effectiveness and retention. They can help answer questions such as: How does your child learn best? What is my child's learning style? What if my child has a special learning need? Consider the research that has been done in the areas of learning and retention, and how particular curriculum styles and teaching methods can maximize your child's potential. To learn about learning styles and how children learn best, click here.
7. Determine which specific features are most important. When shopping for clothes, we all know that there is no "one size fits all." In fact, there are certain features you look for before making a purchase. For clothing, it might include things like: Wrinkle-free. With pockets. Materials that don't shrink. Pieces that aren't "dry clean only." Curriculum shopping is very similar, as no two curricula are exactly the same. As you begin surveying curriculum, you will start to notice certain features that you like best or least about each. Make a prioritized list of the features you like best about each curricula, and use that list as a guide when evaluating curriculum. Knowing what features you care about the most can go a long way toward helping you decide the best curriculum for your family. To learn how to evaluate curriculum, click here.
Navigate the Maze
Do you feel a little more confident that you can navigate the maze of curriculum out there?
Let’s review the steps:
1. Start with the basics required subjects. (For example, math, reading, spelling, grammar, a course in good citizenship)
2. Then ask: What other subjects or extracurriculars do you wish to add?
3. What is your curriculum budget, and how will it affect the type of curriculum you choose?
4. Are you going through a season of unique challenges that may require you to adjust your school schedule, focus on the basics, slow down, or take some time off?
5. Where will you be homeschooling, and will it affect the curriculum you choose?
6. What is your child’s primary learning style, brain dominance, and are there any special learning challenges to overcome?
7. What specific features are you looking for in a curriculum?
Most of all, don't stress out or overthink things. Go with your gut, and keep in mind that if a curricula doesn't work out, it's okay to make changes midstream. If you discover that a curricula is not the best for your child or situation, it makes no sense to continue using it. Re-evaluate to find out what was wrong with that curricula and find a different one that better addresses your needs.
I hope that this helps you to sift through the many curriculum choices out there so that you can find the best fit for your family.
It's probably the question I'm asked most often.
Teaching Algebra?
Dissecting frogs?
Foreign Language?
Preparing for College?
Would you believe me if I told you that probably the hardest thing about homeschooling is deciding which curriculum to use?
There are so many options to choose from, so many varieties of curricula, publishers, and teaching methods. Curriculum shopping can be overwhelming and exhausting, even for those of us who have been homeschooling a while.
To me, shopping for curricula is a lot like shopping for clothes.
Have you ever bought an outfit, but once you got it home it never left your closet? Or maybe you have an outfit that you only wore once or twice?
There are lots of reasons for not wearing an outfit in your closet. Perhaps it looked different on you at home then it did under the flattering glow of the dressing room lights? Or maybe it just didn't fit right? Or maybe you didn't have anything to wear it with?
On the other hand, do you have outfits in your closet that you love wearing so much that they are literally falling apart?
It's the same with curriculum.
Here are 3 typical curriculum-buying scenarios:
Scenario 1: You find a curriculum that looks fantastic.
You get it home and put it on a shelf to look through later.
You never take it off the shelf. In fact, you completely forget you have it.
Months or years later, it is still in the wrapper, in perfect condition.
(Kind of like that sweater you bought last year that you got on sale and thought was so cute, but it's still hanging in your closet with the price tag attached.)
Scenario 2: You find a curriculum that looks fantastic.
You get it home, look through it, and like what you see.
You use it with one child and put it on your shelf to use again in a few years with your second child.
You have good intentions to use it again.
You keep telling yourself you will use it.
But, you find a different curriculum that is a better fit for your younger child.
The curriculum is still sitting on the shelf.
It's such a great curriculum, you hate to get rid of it.
But, there it is. Staring at you as it takes up prime real estate.
(Like the bridesmaid dress you wore for a friend's wedding that you keep in the back of your closet, thinking you'd have other opportunities to wear it. Yet, It's still there taking up space.
Scenario 3: You find a curriculum that looks fantastic.
You get it home, look through it, and like what you see.
You use it for a year.
You love it so much you use it another year, and another, until the spine is splitting and you had to tape the cover to keep it from completely falling apart.
(Like your favorite pair of jeans that you have literally worn until it has holes.)
You get it home and put it on a shelf to look through later.
You never take it off the shelf. In fact, you completely forget you have it.
Months or years later, it is still in the wrapper, in perfect condition.
(Kind of like that sweater you bought last year that you got on sale and thought was so cute, but it's still hanging in your closet with the price tag attached.)
Scenario 2: You find a curriculum that looks fantastic.
You get it home, look through it, and like what you see.
You use it with one child and put it on your shelf to use again in a few years with your second child.
You have good intentions to use it again.
You keep telling yourself you will use it.
But, you find a different curriculum that is a better fit for your younger child.
The curriculum is still sitting on the shelf.
It's such a great curriculum, you hate to get rid of it.
But, there it is. Staring at you as it takes up prime real estate.
(Like the bridesmaid dress you wore for a friend's wedding that you keep in the back of your closet, thinking you'd have other opportunities to wear it. Yet, It's still there taking up space.
Scenario 3: You find a curriculum that looks fantastic.
You get it home, look through it, and like what you see.
You use it for a year.
You love it so much you use it another year, and another, until the spine is splitting and you had to tape the cover to keep it from completely falling apart.
(Like your favorite pair of jeans that you have literally worn until it has holes.)
If you're like me, you want Scenario 3: The Forever Curriculum.
Let's face it. No one wants to waste time and money buying curriculum (or clothing) we won't use.
But, how do you find the perfect Forever Curriculum?
As much as I'd like to tell you that a perfect curriculum exists, the truth is that the curriculum that is perfect for you today, or this year, or for a particular child, might not be the perfect curriculum tomorrow, or next year, or for your other children. All of this is complicated by the fact that, when it comes to curriculum recommendations, what works for one family might not be best for yours.
This is true for a number of reasons: students with different learning styles, special needs considerations, educators with different teaching styles, and availability of resources necessary to complete the curriculum, to name just a few.
Suffice it to say that while finding the perfect Forever Curriculum isn't always possible right out of the gate, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of purchasing a curriculum destined for the shelf by taking into consideration a few important things before making any curriculum purchase.
With so many curriculum publishers and online options, where do you start? How do you know which curriculum option is best?
Being able to perform an accurate situation analysis of these seven areas, will provide you with a better understanding of who you are as a teacher and how your children learn best so you can get the best bang for your buck and minimize what I call Shelf-Bound Purchases (SBPs, for those who like abbreviations).
7 Things to Consider Before Purchasing Curricula:
1. Determine the style that is the best fit. Whether shopping for clothing or shopping for curricula, you have many different styles to choose, and not all curricula are made the same. There are four basic curriculum styles, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses, and pros and cons of each can go a long way toward helping you determine which curriculum best fits your children and family. To learn more about curricula styles click here
2. Start with the basics. It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out all the things you want your child to learn and how you're going to teach them. The best advice is to start with the basics. Wardrobe basics might include jeans, a white blouse, and a black skirt. The basics for homeschooling are simply your state requirements. Your first priority should be to make sure you have the basics nailed down. Once you know what the basic required subjects are, and have determined the curriculum you will use for those subject areas, then you can add in other subjects and extracurriculars. To learn more about how to start homeschooling click here.
3. Set a budget. Whether browsing curriculum at a bookfair, thumbing through a catalog, or clicking around a website, it's easy to get sucked into buying more than you need, or even the wrong things altogether. This is just as true for curriculum purchases as it is for buying clothes. There are so many interesting subjects like art and music appreciation, colorful flashcards and workbooks, manipulatives, science kits, microscopes, field guides. . . Everything looks so exciting, and if you aren't careful you can easily spend more than you were hoping on things you might not need. Before spending a penny, budget the amount you wish to spend on the curriculum and supplies you need. Then, do some comparison shopping, and make a list of the items you want to have, but don't necessarily need. Knowing in advance the amount you can spend and having an idea for how much things cost, will help you to steward your resources wisely and give you the confidence to not be tempted by the other things that will catch your eye. To learn more about how to homeschool on a budget, click here.
4. Plan for the season. Just as you plan your wardrobe according to the seasons of the year, your choice of curriculum should also take into consideration the season in your life. Take into account your current situation and how it may affect your choice of curriculum. Are you expecting a baby? Moving to a new house? Or maybe you have another situation that could affect the way you homeschool. If so, you may have to make adjustments to your school schedule, scale things down to focus on the basics, slow down the pace, or just take some time off. Knowing the season you are in will help you to make the best decision about the curriculum you choose. To learn more about how to tailor curriculum to the season you are in, click here.
5. Suit the environment. You often choose clothing based on the location or environment you will be in. Our environment can also affect how you choose curriculum. Will you be homeschooling one child, or several? Do you have a job that will impact the amount of time you have for schooling? How many hours a day, or days of the week do you plan to school? What subjects will be taught on particular days? What learning tools are at your disposal? Your home school learning environment will affect the type of curriculum you choose. To learn more about how to make the most of your teaching environment, click here.
6. Get tips and advice from the experts. You can look to fashion experts for tips on what styles or colors are most flattering, or how to pair various clothing pieces for the best look. There are also experts to help give you tips and advice for how to teach your children for maximum effectiveness and retention. They can help answer questions such as: How does your child learn best? What is my child's learning style? What if my child has a special learning need? Consider the research that has been done in the areas of learning and retention, and how particular curriculum styles and teaching methods can maximize your child's potential. To learn about learning styles and how children learn best, click here.
7. Determine which specific features are most important. When shopping for clothes, we all know that there is no "one size fits all." In fact, there are certain features you look for before making a purchase. For clothing, it might include things like: Wrinkle-free. With pockets. Materials that don't shrink. Pieces that aren't "dry clean only." Curriculum shopping is very similar, as no two curricula are exactly the same. As you begin surveying curriculum, you will start to notice certain features that you like best or least about each. Make a prioritized list of the features you like best about each curricula, and use that list as a guide when evaluating curriculum. Knowing what features you care about the most can go a long way toward helping you decide the best curriculum for your family. To learn how to evaluate curriculum, click here.
Navigate the Maze
Do you feel a little more confident that you can navigate the maze of curriculum out there?
Let’s review the steps:
1. Start with the basics required subjects. (For example, math, reading, spelling, grammar, a course in good citizenship)
2. Then ask: What other subjects or extracurriculars do you wish to add?
3. What is your curriculum budget, and how will it affect the type of curriculum you choose?
4. Are you going through a season of unique challenges that may require you to adjust your school schedule, focus on the basics, slow down, or take some time off?
5. Where will you be homeschooling, and will it affect the curriculum you choose?
6. What is your child’s primary learning style, brain dominance, and are there any special learning challenges to overcome?
7. What specific features are you looking for in a curriculum?
Most of all, don't stress out or overthink things. Go with your gut, and keep in mind that if a curricula doesn't work out, it's okay to make changes midstream. If you discover that a curricula is not the best for your child or situation, it makes no sense to continue using it. Re-evaluate to find out what was wrong with that curricula and find a different one that better addresses your needs.
I hope that this helps you to sift through the many curriculum choices out there so that you can find the best fit for your family.