Choosing the Curriculum That's Right for You!

Linda Maher, Exploring Approaches to Home Education Seminar, Adelaide 2008

Some of the more common homeschooling methods are:

• Pre-packaged Curricula
• Classical Education
• Charlotte Mason
• Montessori
• Unit Studies
• Natural Learning
• The Eclectic Homeschool

Determining Your Style

• Why are you homeschooling?
• What content knowledge, skills, and/or relationships should you cultivate in your children?
• What do you want your children to learn?
• What skills will they need to be ready to be on their own?
• Understand the differences in worldviews

To help decide on which methods to employ, it is helpful to consider:

• Your preferred teaching style
• Your children's learning styles
• Religious Beliefs
• Number of Children (texts, workbooks, etc.)
• Time available
• Cost / Budget
• Support Groups

Points to Remember:

• What works for you may not work for another homeschool mum
• If it's working, stick with it!
• Different children may require different approaches
• If it is not working, either keep it for future use with another child, or make use of the 2 nd -hand resources board, and sell it!

Curriculum is more than just Academics

• Good curriculum should also teach life skills and character-building
• Remember, your curriculum is your TOOL to help accomplish your homeschooling goals; you are in charge - never let the curriculum 'rule' you.

Trust in your choices

• Trust in your choices - you know your child better than anyone

• Talk to others - ask questions - read, read, read
• Remember - everyone is different, everyone, authors included, has their own opinion on how things 'should' be done.
• No right way or wrong way to homeschool.
• Many great products out there - respect them, but accept that some simply do not work with your family.
• While browsing, write things down - decide later if need be .

Before you purchase a resource, ask yourself:

• Does it suit my homeschool philosophy?
• Is this resource going to be time-consuming?
• Is it within my budget?
• How much structure does it offer (and does that suit me)?
• Does it comply with my values and religious beliefs?
• Is the resource a good "fit" for my child's learning style?

Homeschooling is a journey - we all learn as we go

Homeschooling is Diverse.

• Research the various methods and Learning Styles
• Take an in-depth look at those that interest you.
• Then, look at resources that fit within your educational philosophy
• Make a Plan - Set Your Goals
• Purchase a few selections
• Begin - and have fun!

The choice is YOURS!