Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum


What is your favorite first grade homeschool curriculum? What makes it your favorite? Does it meet your child’s learning style? Is it easy to follow, totally scripted, and quick to implement?

Finding the perfect homeschool curriculum is almost impossible. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Mos of the time you will not find a ‘perfect’ curriculum, but several really good ones. A curriculum that claims to be the ‘end all’ sends red flags up for me.

When I’m looking for a good first grade science curriculum, for example, some of the things I look for are lots of hands-on activities with textbook or online learning. I like something that is laid out very well, but that I can stray from when I choose. I check demos or excerpts of the lessons to see first hand the quality of what I will be getting. I want to know if it is aligned to state and national standards. I want to know if the cost includes everything I need, or will I need to purchase extra items. I want to know if the company I purchase from has some type of warranty or refund policy.

You will have some of the same requirements I’ve listed and many more. Just keep in mind that even when you think you have thoroughly checked out a potential curriculum, once you get it home, it just might not be what you need or want. That’s what homeschool swap boards are for.

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