Focusing on the Family: Choosing the Perfect Homeschool Curriculum

When researching schooling options for their children, many parents find that home schooling looks like a great option. Especially when the parent is concerned and wants to be more involved in their child’s education.

But then comes the overwhelming realization when they learn they have to research curricula and the excess of home schooling resources available.

But there is no need to be intimated.

All it takes is finding what will fit perfectly for you and your family.

And that means finding the best curriculum that aligns with your family’s values and addresses the initial reason for choosing the home schooling route.

Academic Mission Statement

One of the best ways to address this is to write down an academic mission statement before starting, so you can always address your initial purpose.

Writing it down will be easier than you think. Explain why you made the decision and the first place and what you want to get out of it and accomplish.

Your outcome should be what a successful home school program looks like to you. For example, a curriculum that focuses on Christian life through God-honoring speech and actions, class devotions, and prayer.

Also, make sure to include quantifiable metrics for success. A measurable goal is important when it comes time to evaluate your curriculum materials.

Considering Your Family

The next step is starting to find a curriculum that will meet the needs of your child and accomplish your goals. Think on these four questions and research as much as you before getting started:

1. How much time will you spend working one-on-one?

Create a complete list with the estimated hours and regular times you will meet with your child. This will help you realize just how much of a role you can realistically and help define expectations for your child. A home school program can also help alleviate some of the pressures of becoming a full-time teacher.

2. How motivated are you and your child?

This will require you to be critical about yourself and your family. Also, consider buying more interactive curricula for subjects you and your child are highly motivated in. In areas where you lack interest, consider resources that are more self-teaching.

3. How much curriculum will you purchase?

Georgia requires a minimum of 180 instructional days per year, which equates to about 36 weeks of curricula. Create a budget for how much you can afford to buy and make sure to purchase material that will meet your mission statement’s goals.

4. How can you determine what each curriculum is really like?

A first-hand review of curricula is important. Home school programs offer a great solution because it connects you to a community of like-minded parents and educators that can recommend or deter from certain curricula.

Takeaway: All students have different needs and different learning styles.

At Living Science, we offer an assortment based approach to our curriculum. Because our program is built on science, each student must be enrolled in science class. Parents are free, however, to add any other classes appropriate for their students.

We offer all required academic classes from fourth grade through high school. In addition, we offer a number of electives.

Some students are visual learners, some auditory, some kinesthetic; others have a combination of learning styles. We try to provide instruction using each of these learning styles so that all students can do their best.