Choosing the right homeschool curriculum

One of the beauties of homeschooling is the freedom it avails to its participants. Whether you're just beginning to timidly consider homeschooling, scouting out the new terrains of middle or high school learning, or simply craving a new direction or change of pace, you have undoubtedly found that you have an overwhelming abundance of a very important freedom—the freedom to choose. And, though we rightly prize and value this freedom, it presents to us some challenges. Sometimes there are just too many choices. I considered alluding to the commonly used analogy of a “kid in a candy store,” but found it a little off-target. Though the many tempting confections of a candy store might indeed parallel the many promising options in curricula, the importance of the choice is incomparable.

Regardless of our reasons for homeschooling, we all want what is best for our children. Because there are many different schools of thought and ideologies concerning education, our desire to choose what is best can easily begin to weigh somewhat oppressively on our shoulders. The good news is this—there is no one right approach to homeschooling.

When choosing the method of teaching and the curriculum you will employ there are many factors which can help you choose rightly. You will want to take into account your child's learning style, your teaching style, your time constraints, number of children, ages of children, your budget, and the amount of planning to which you can realistically commit. Be certain to also consider unconventional ideas that you instinctively know will impact your child(ren). You've had the front-row seat to their growth and development and you may very well have some new ideas that will be the best vehicles through which to impart to your young learner(s).

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten." --B. F. Skinner

If you're scouring the internet or curriculum catalogs for your best curriculum fit here are some hints to help guide your search. Many of the available curricula will fall into one or more of the following categories:

Textbook or Traditional – This method of teaching focuses an working through textbooks and/or workbooks and is very structured. Pros- requires little advanced planning, many books are reusable, goal-oriented, sound and logical presentation, allows child to do many lessons independently. Cons- often repetitive, can be rigid, sometimes boring to children and/or parents. Reputable examples- A Beka Book, BJU Press.
Unit Studies – This method uses one central topic or theme at a time and focuses several subjects around it. These can be created by the parent, found online, or purchased as a pre-written curriculum. Pros- can be used to teach multiple grades together, can be inexpensive or nearly free, allows for following child's interests, many learning styles can be incorporated. Cons- requires large amounts of parental planning, lessons often require greater teacher involvement. Reputable examples- Weaver, Konos.
Self-paced – In this method the children usually work through series of workbooks (or online lessons) in different subjects. Rather than having specific lessons to be completed each day, the child spends a certain amount of time per subject, per day, going as far as he/she can in that time period. Pros- children learn at their own pace, mastery of units before moving on, largely independent learning Cons- very spiral (repetitive), can be boring, consumable (must be re-purchased for younger children). Reputable examples- Alpha Omega Lifepacs, PACE.
Classical – This approach teaches through classical languages, critical thinking skills and western civilizations and involves teaching based on the three stages of learning: the Grammar stage, the Logic stage, and the Rhetoric stage. You can find more info on this method at The Home School Mom.
Un-schooling – This approach surrounds the child with opportunities to learn in an unstructured environment. This can also be thought of as interest-initiated learning. With this method, your child will learn from real life experience. Children are encouraged to pursue their personal interests and glean learning opportunities from that. Pros- children develop a love of and desire for learning. Cons- without close attention and guidance children may miss out on important learning. You can find more info on this method at Joyfully Rejoicing.
Charlotte Mason – This method focuses on teaching through “living books” as opposed to textbooks. A “living book” is considered to be one that brings the topic to life using a narrative style. There is an emphasis an teaching in a way that is both gentle and flexible and on experiencing and recording things learned from nature. Pros- narratives read are exciting and enjoyable, story contexts make facts more memorable, puts children at-ease with learning. Cons- may require more parental planning, narratives for some subjects may be difficult to find. Reputable examples- Beautiful Feet, Apologia. You can find more info on the Charlotte Mason method at Simply Charlotte Mason.
Eclectic – This approach picks and chooses from all the other approaches. As homeschooling parents become more comfortable and confident they are more likely to ease into a combination of methods that best fits their children's learning styles, their own teaching style, and their particular family needs. While a parent may choose one method for one subject with one of their children, they may go an entirely different direction with another child because they intimately understand how to best get through to that child. Pros- It is here that the homeschooling experience begins to become truly individual and tailored.

Regardless of which method(s) you choose to employ, remember to be flexible and to learn as you grow. Your years homeschooling your children should be enjoyable and provide you and your children with countless memories to treasure.