When You Want The Best Start Here: Finding the Perfect Homeschool Curriculum
Recently, I was asked, “What is the best homeschool curriculum?” and I’m here to tell you—I’ve cracked the code! Stay tuned, because I’m excited to share the secret to finding the best homeschool curriculum for your family.
Welcome back to Making Everyday Magic! My name is Shanna, and if you’re new here, we are a homeschooling family of four, entering our eighth year of homeschooling. We have a seventh grader and a third grader for the 2024-2025 school year. So, let’s dive in!
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Why We Seek the Best
As parents, especially homeschool parents, we want nothing but the best for our children. Choosing the right curriculum is a significant responsibility. We all want to ensure our children have the best start in life, so naturally, we search for the perfect homeschool curriculum.
But here’s the secret I’m eager to share: There is no single “best” curriculum. What works for one family might not work for another. Let’s break this down.
The Secret: There is No One-Size-Fits-All Best
If there was one perfect curriculum, don’t you think public schools would have adopted it by now? The truth is, educational methods are diverse because every child is unique. Let’s explore why there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
5 Essential Steps to Find Your Best Homeschool Curriculum
While there is no definitive best, I’ve developed a five-step formula to help you find the curriculum that suits your family. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Learning Style
What learning style does your child thrive on? Is it video-based, literature-based, hands-on, or play-based? For example, my kids love video-based learning with interactive questions. Determine what style fits your family best.
2. Ease of Use
Consider the curriculum’s ease of use. If it requires extensive planning, preparation, and setup, and that’s not your jam, it’s not the right fit. I prefer open-and-go curriculums that don’t require much prep work.
3. Cost
Let’s be real: Cost matters. A curriculum isn’t the best if you can’t afford it. Look for options that fit your budget without sacrificing quality.
4. Fun Factor
While not every subject will be fun, the curriculum should have a certain level of engagement. Your kids shouldn’t dread their lessons. Find something that balances educational value with enjoyment.
5. Value Alignment
Align the curriculum with your values. For example, I prefer secular curriculums. If religious content is important to you, seek out programs that align with your beliefs.
How to Find the Best Curriculum for You
Here’s how to apply these five factors:
– Four to Five Criteria: Aim for four to five of these factors to be a match. If you get all five, you’ve found a gem. It’s rare, but not impossible!
– Three Out of Five: If you score three out of five, keep searching. It might be good, but there could be something better out there.
– Two Out of Five: If you’re at two out of five, use the Pivot or Quit It formula. Can you pinpoint a change to make it better? If not, it’s time to let it go.
– One Out of Five: If you’re at one out of five, run! It’s not the right fit for you.
Pivot or Quit It Formula
– Pivot: If you can identify specific changes that could improve the curriculum, make those adjustments. For example, with Math-U-See, you could adjust the workload based on your child’s progress.
– Quit It: If you can’t find a way to improve it, let it go. It’s not worth the struggle.
Conclusion
Finding the best homeschool curriculum is about understanding what works for you and your family. It’s not about following a set formula but about finding what aligns with your values, budget, and teaching style.
I hope this guide helps you on your journey. Please share in the comments or on Instagram @makingeverydaymagic. What’s your system for choosing a curriculum? Are you willing to adjust your values or spend a bit more to get what you need?
Be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be an insider and to follow along with our days over on Instagram @makingeverydaymagic.
Let’s work together to find the best homeschool curriculum for all of us!
