Choosing Curriculum
One of the greatest joys of homeschooling is the ability to customize your experience for you and your child.
Sometimes the sheer number of available resources can leave even the most experienced homeschooling parent overwhelmed.
Let us help you figure out what you need to make your year successful.
What is your child’s style of learning? What is your style of teaching?
You need to consider both of these questions to ensure a successful school year.
Below are some of the most common educational styles.
- Traditional
- Charlotte Mason
- Classical
- Unit Study
- Unschooling
- Eclectic
Here is a website that explains each style.
This article from HSLDA discusses additional styles, and it includes a quiz you can take to discover what style may fit you best.
How do I figure out which curriculum will meet our needs?
There are many ways to learn more about curriculum choices:
- Attend a local homeschool conference and explore the vendor hall.
- Attend a used curriculum sale and peruse materials other homeschoolers have used.
- Talk to homeschool friends to find out what curriculum they use. Remember each family is unique. What works for one may not work for another.
- Join RIGHT and Contact a Chapter Representative with questions.
- Participate in our private Member Facebook group. There is always someone who can answer your questions or help you find the answer.
- Check out the helpful reviews on Cathy Duffy’s website.
What happens when the curriculum I chose isn’t working?
Many homeschooling parents ask this question at some point.
Remember, you are the EXPERT on your child’s needs.
Keep in mind your goals and needs as a family. Sometimes a small change is all that is needed. Sometimes a change in routine can help. Other times you may need to fully revisit your curriculum decisions. This is the beauty of homeschooling. You have the flexibility to make these changes to customize your child’s education.
Here’s a site that might guide you further if you are contemplating a switch.
Below we have listed curriculum by general category to jump-start your research.
(list is NOT exhaustive)
All-in-One Options
- ABEKA
- Bob Jones University Press
- Christian Liberty Press
- Christian Light Education
- Good and the Beautiful
- Alpha Omega
- Master Books
- Timberdoodle
Literature Based Programs
Classically Based Homeschooling
Unit Study Based Programs
- Moving Beyond the Page
- Five in a Row
- Amanda Bennett Unit Studies
- A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks
- Homeschool in the Woods
- Trail Guide to Learning
Math
- Saxon Math
- Math-U-See
- Horizons
- Math Mammoth
- Right Start Math
- Teaching Textbooks
- Thinkwell
- Denison Algebra
- CTC Math
Grammar
- First Language Lessons
- Shurley Grammar
- Language Lessons for a Living Education
- Easy Grammar
- Wintson Grammar
Writing
Penmanship
Reading
- All About Reading
- Logic of English
- Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
- The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading
- BOB Books
Spelling
Literature
- Essentials in Literature
- Lightning Literature
- Excellence in Literature
- Center for Lit
- Learning Language Arts through Literature
Vocaulary
History
Science
Bible
- Cat and Dog Theology
- Bible Study Guide for All Ages
- Grapevine Studies
- Discover 4 Yourself
- What We Believe
Logic
- Critical Thinking Company
- Prufrock Press
- The Art of Argument
- Traditional Logic
- Introduction to Logic from Master Books
Online Options
(The links provided are intended to be resources for you. RIGHT has not explored each website in detail and is not endorsing everything found on these sites.)