One of the more frequent questions we get asked is about which curriculum to use. Indeed, a quick search on the internet shows a list of many varying curricula and it can be bewildering. While it is up to each family as to what curriculum they finally choose, here are some guidelines that will hopefully help you and your family narrow down you selection of what curriculum you will eventually use.
Please note that this is not a curriculum list. It is also not an endorsement of any of the curricula or sites that might be mentioned in this post.
Check the requirements of your home country regarding homeschooling
There are countries that have a specific set of curricula that they allow homeschoolers to use. Sometimes countries allow you to choose whatever curriculum that you want or even allow you to make up your own. However, there are countries have some sort of constraint on the curricula that you can use. That would form the starting point of your curriculum journey.
List your child(ren)’s strengths and weaknesses
List all the things your child likes and dislikes, what they are good at and what they are not so good at, the things that they learn quickly and easily and things that take more time. Does your child like to learn by touching things? Does your child prefer bookwork? Does your child learn better through song and activity? Does making things or using knowledge practically help your child retain information? Does your child do better when your tell your child information or when the information is written and read?
Understanding this will not only help decide on the curriculum that you use but will also help you to teach each of your children in a way that helps them learn, understand and retain the learning.
Which brings me to the next point.
Understanding your child(ren)’s learning styles
We, as learners, each have a preferred way of learning. Though there are thought to be 71 different learning styles, there are four broad categories into which each of us fall. To understand a little more, feel free to read this about the types of learning styles. Be aware though that while someone may have a preference for a particular learning style, most people usually have about 2-3 learning styles that they incorporate in their learning.
Understanding the responsible adult’s constraints
When I say responsible adult, I mean the adult (or adults) that will be primarily involved in the homeschooling of the child(ren). Sometimes it is one parent and sometimes both take equal responsibility.
Some parents prefer to be given a set schedule by their provider while others prefer to set up their own schedule. Some prefer to be able to use books to teach their children while others prefer to use an online school. Some prefer a mix of the two. Also, it depends on what the parents themselves are comfortable teaching. There are those that are reasonably comfortable doing the necessary preparation and reading in all subjects so as to teach those subjects reliably. However, some find it difficult to teach math or science or languages or art.
Knowing the constraints of the responsible adult along with the strengths and weaknesses of the children will allow you to reasonably narrow down the chosen curriculum.
The homeschooling provider
Some providers offer complete online solutions, some offer a mix of books and online and some offer only books as homeschooling resources. Some providers also allow you to choose the subjects for which you wish to engage their services or products. Fees and cost would also be a consideration as would the board and certificate that the provider will give you.
We recommend that families do their due diligence when selecting a provider by either opting for samples or a trial period from your intended provider as well as getting reviews from trusted sources. This will increase the chances of choosing a provider that is a good fit and ensures that you finally invest in what works for you and your child(ren).
Supplementary resources
I touched upon learning styles before and mentioned that you can still cater to your child(ren)’s learning styles if the provider does not completely meet your requirements. There are online sites like KhanAcademy.org and Math-Aids.com that provide free resources, teaching videos and even tests while sites like Twinkl.com, ReadingEggs.com and Education.com that offer either a mix of free and paid resources or a subscription. These can be used to supplement your child(ren)’s learning.
Armed with this list, hopefully it helps in your quest for selecting a curriculum. All the best!
Doha Home Educators 