Homeschool Curriculum

What is a homeschool curriculum? A curriculum is the content of a course of study. Countries and states have their own government-approved curriculum, as homeschoolers we may be compelled to follow this standard state school curriculum, or we may be allowed to write our curriculum tailored to our individual child’s needs. In some cases, our home-produced curriculum may have to be approved by a government-run homeschooling body (for instance some states in Australia). In some countries (for instance the UK) no such approval is required, no set curriculum is required.

Homeschool Curriculum

As a homeschooling parent, you have the unique opportunity to tailor your child’s education to their specific needs and interests. The homeschool curriculum you choose, or don’t choose, plays a crucial role in their learning journey.

A curriculum is not solely about the subjects they’ll study, but also the teaching methods, activities, resources, and overall structure. Your curriculum may include reading materials, worksheets, field trips, experiments, online elements and workbooks, plus a multitude of other daily activities.

Every child has a unique learning style. Some are visual learners, while others grasp concepts better through auditory or kinesthetic means. Before you start exploring curriculum options, it’s a good idea to try to identify your child’s learning style or just get to know how, when and where they focus and engage best. This will help you select materials and resources that align with their strengths, making the learning process more engaging and effective.

The easiest way to figure out what should be in your homeschool curriculum is to find your state or country’s standard school curriculum online and read it. I find it useful to compare that with the curriculum from other countries. You can get a lot of information this way and cherry-pick what you’d like to be on your child’s curriculum.

What are your educational goals for your child? Do you want to focus on a well-rounded education and standard exam passes or emphasize specific subjects and activities? Will your homeschooled child be sitting exams? It’s not usually compulsory, but you may want to keep that option open to them.

Are you looking for a curriculum that promotes critical thinking or one that follows a more traditional approach? Maybe you have strong views on secular vs religious curricula?

By clarifying your priorities, you can narrow down your choices and find a curriculum that aligns with your vision for your child’s education and your family’s beliefs.

Different curricula are based on different teaching methods and educational philosophies. Some follow a structured, teacher-led approach, while others encourage independent, student-driven learning.

There are also curricula that incorporate hands-on activities and real-life applications. Understanding your preferred teaching method can help you select a curriculum that complements your instructional style.

With the abundance of homeschool curriculum available, it’s crucial to do your research if you plan to buy a “boxed curriculum”. Read reviews, talk to other homeschooling parents, and attend curriculum fairs or conferences. Look for curricula that have a track record of success and positive feedback. Additionally, many publishers offer sample materials or trial periods, allowing you to assess the curriculum’s suitability before making a final decision.

While the educational aspects are essential, practical factors shouldn’t be overlooked. Consider your budget, the time commitment required, and the availability of support or teacher resources. Some curricula come with comprehensive lesson plans and teaching guides, while others may require more preparation on your part. Assessing these practical factors can help you choose a curriculum that fits your lifestyle and resources.

Remember, a curriculum is a tool, not a rigid framework. As a homeschooling parent, you have the flexibility to adapt and customize the curriculum to suit your child’s needs. If a particular resource isn’t working, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives or create your own materials. The goal is to provide an enriching and personalized learning experience for your child.

Choosing a homeschool curriculum is an exciting and empowering process. It’s the first step in your child’s educational journey, and with the right curriculum, you’re setting them up for success. Remember, it’s not just about the curriculum itself, but also the love for learning and the supportive environment you create. So, take your time, explore your options, and embark on the adventure of homeschooling!

Curriculum or curricula?

Curriculum is the singular of the noun. Curricula is plural, curriculums may also be used. For instance “We chose elements of many curricula in our homeschooling journey.” Or, “The seven wonders of the world in on the curriculum.”

Curricular is an adjective. Other words for curriculum include “learning programme’ or “syllabus” (dictionary source)

“Boxed Curriculum”

In homeschooling, a “boxed curriculum” is a pre-bought curriculum, covering all subjects, or just one subject, for a whole year, term, or school lifetime. Homeschoolers are not usually required to buy a boxed curriculum, but some find it easier to do so. These boxed curricula are normally used in a “school at home” scenario.

School at home is not the usual way to homeschool, you must read up on homeschooling vs unschooling vs worldschooling or even wildschooling and farmschooling.

There are many ways to homeschool! In my 20+ years in homeschooling, I’ve only met 1 family that bought boxed curriculum or followed a homeschooling program. We chose to eveolve our curriculum over the years to suit each child’s needs. We used online courses, tutors (find turors here) and workbooks, plus travel, tours, museums and guides, before finally sitting internationally recognised exams. Good luck finding the homeschool curriculum to suit you.