How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum

Choosing a homeschool curriculum can feel like one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a home educator. The options seem endless, and the pressure to get it right is real. The good news is that there is no single “best” curriculum; there is only the best curriculum for your child and your family right now.

First, What Is a Curriculum?

At its heart, a curriculum is simply a plan for what your child will learn over a period of time. It provides a framework for instruction, usually organized by subject and grade level. This can range from a massive, all-inclusive box of books and materials to a simple list of topics you plan to cover using resources from your local library.

Most curricula focus on core academic subjects: language arts (reading, writing, spelling, grammar), mathematics, science, and social studies or history. Many also include art, music, health, and other subjects. The goal is to provide a structured path to help your child meet their learning goals.

Boxed Curriculum vs. Eclectic Approach

Most homeschool curriculum philosophies fall into two main categories: a complete, boxed curriculum or a more flexible, eclectic approach. Many families find themselves somewhere in the middle.

The All-in-One Boxed Curriculum

A boxed curriculum is a comprehensive, grade-level package from a single publisher. It typically includes all the textbooks, workbooks, teacher's manuals, and sometimes even science kits or art supplies you'll need for an entire school year.

• Pros: The biggest advantage is convenience. All the planning is done for you, which saves a tremendous amount of time and can be a lifeline for new homeschoolers or busy parents. The lessons are laid out sequentially, so you can just open the book and go.
• Cons: These kits can be a significant financial investment, often costing several hundred to over a thousand dollars. A one-size-fits-all approach may also not be the perfect fit for your child in every subject. For example, the math might be great, but the language arts could be a struggle.

The Eclectic or DIY Approach

An eclectic approach means you are the curriculum designer. You mix and match resources from various publishers and sources to create a custom plan for your child. You might choose a math program from one company, a literature-based history program from another, and use online resources for science.

• Pros: This method is incredibly flexible. You can tailor each subject to your child's specific interests, strengths, and learning style. It can also be more budget-friendly, as you can incorporate free library books, online materials, and used resources.
• Cons: The freedom of the eclectic approach comes at the cost of your time. It requires significant research, planning, and organization to ensure you are covering all necessary topics and avoiding educational gaps.

Consider Your Child's Learning Style

Understanding how your child best absorbs information is key to choosing materials that will resonate with them. While you don't need to become an expert in educational psychology, simply observing what engages your child can guide your choices.

• Visual learners often benefit from curricula with strong visual elements, like colorful illustrations, charts, diagrams, and video components.
• Auditory learners thrive with read-alouds, discussions, audiobooks, and lessons that incorporate music or rhymes.
• Kinesthetic or hands-on learners need to move and do. Look for programs that include experiments, building projects, active games, and frequent opportunities to manipulate objects.
• Reading and writing learners are often comfortable with traditional formats like textbooks, writing assignments, and taking notes.

Most children are a blend of these styles. A good curriculum will often incorporate multiple approaches, but if you know your child strongly prefers one method, you can seek out resources that lean into it.

Think About Your Teaching Style and Schedule

The curriculum has to work for you, the teacher, as well. Be honest with yourself about your own personality, schedule, and energy levels.

How much preparation time can you realistically commit each day or week? A boxed curriculum with a scripted teacher's manual is very low-prep. An eclectic plan built from scratch is high-prep. Do you feel more comfortable following a detailed guide, or do you prefer the freedom to be more spontaneous?

Also, consider your family's circumstances. Are you teaching multiple children of different ages? Some curricula are designed for family-style learning, where children of various ages can learn together for subjects like history and science. For subjects like math, you'll likely need separate, level-specific materials.

Setting a Realistic Budget

The cost of homeschooling can vary dramatically. You can provide a rich education for very little money, or you can spend thousands of dollars per child each year. It's important to decide on a budget before you start shopping.

Boxed curricula generally represent the highest upfront cost, ranging from about $500 to $2,000 for a full year. An eclectic approach can be much cheaper if you make use of the library and free online resources, or it can be just as expensive if you are buying premium programs for every subject.

Don't forget to budget for supplies beyond the books. This includes paper, notebooks, writing utensils, art supplies, and materials for science experiments. Buying used curriculum from other homeschool families is a great way to save money.

How to Research and Choose

Once you have a general idea of your approach, budget, and your child's needs, it's time to start researching specific options.

1. Check Local Requirements: Before you buy anything, make sure you understand your local homeschool laws. Some states or provinces have specific subject requirements. You should always check the official department of education website for the most current information.
2. Look at Samples: Nearly every curriculum publisher provides free samples on their website. Download and review them. Read through a few lesson plans. Does the tone seem like a good fit? Is the layout clear and easy to follow? Does it look engaging for your child?
3. Read Reviews: Look for reviews from other homeschool parents. Video reviews can be especially helpful for getting a feel for all the components. Try to find reviews from families who have a similar teaching style or children with similar learning needs.
4. Attend a Curriculum Fair: If there is a homeschool convention or curriculum fair in your area, it can be a great opportunity to see and touch the materials in person before you buy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you navigate this process, try to steer clear of a few common pitfalls.

• Overbuying: In the excitement of starting, it's easy to buy too many resources. Begin with your core subjects (math and language arts) and add others in as you find your rhythm.
• Forcing a Bad Fit: If a curriculum is leading to daily tears and frustration (for you or your child), it's okay to stop. Give it a fair trial, perhaps six to eight weeks, but don't feel you have to finish the entire book if it's clearly not working. The money is already spent; your relationship and your child's love of learning are more valuable.
• Comparison: Avoid the temptation to compare your curriculum choices or your child's progress to what you see other families doing online. Every family's homeschool journey is unique. Focus on what works for you.

It’s a Tool, Not a Master

Remember that a curriculum is a tool to help you teach your child. You are in charge, not the teacher's manual. Feel free to adapt it, skip parts, or supplement with field trips, games, and documentaries that spark your child's interest.

The goal is not just to get through a book, but to foster a lifelong love of learning. Once you've chosen your materials, a planner can help you organize the school year. If you're mapping out the year ahead, Doodlepad can help you build a plan around your curriculum.