Finding Your Fit: A Parent's Guide to Homeschooling Curricula

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For every parent,​ choosing a homeschooling curriculum for the child is the most challenging and daunting task. With so many options, deciding on a homeschooling curriculum that suits the child's learning style can be quite challenging for every parent. I have created a simple and easy guide for parents who want to choose homeschooling for their child. Let's understand the main approach of the homeschooling curriculum.

  • Traditional School at Home Option
  • Charlottes Mansion
  • Distant Learning Option
  • Unit Study Option
  • Classical Education Option


Understanding Curriculum

The best curriculum is the one that fits your child's learning and your teaching style. Choosing a curriculum is a very important decision that impacts the child's learning throughout their life. We must follow some important points before choosing a curriculum:

Children's Learning Style: First, understand your child's learning style, whether he or she is a kinesthetic learner, a visual learner, or an auditory learner. Charlotte Mason or the Unit Study approach might suit a kinesthetic learner, while a traditional or distance learning course might work well for a student who thrives with structure.

The Budget: Curriculum range from completely free online options to all-inclusive boxed sets.

Teaching Time: If you are looking low-prep option, look at the Distance Learning or comprehensive Traditional programs that do the planning and grading for you. If you enjoy curating material and designing lessons, a unit Study or Classical approach is the better option.

Your State's Requirements: Always check your local homeschooling laws to ensure the chosen curriculum meets any specific requirements for subjects or hours.


Traditional School at Home Option

This approach most closely mimics a traditional classroom setting. It often uses textbooks, workbooks, and structured lesson plans that cover subjects on a fixed schedule. This option is the most popular choice for parents who prefer a clear, pre-planned learning experience.

An example from the guide includes Abeka, Alpha Omega's Switched on Schoolhouse, Bob Jones University, and Calvert School.


https://homeschool.today/education-methods/traditional-school-at-home/

Charlotte Manson Option

The Charlotte Mason Option considers children as born learners, and they should be educated with a wide variety of subjects using living books. This option emphasizes short lessons, nature study, narration, and copywork. 

Examples from the guide include Ambleside Online, Five in a Row, Sunlight, and Winter Promise.

https://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/curriculum-guide/?srsltid=AfmBOopiI-HVXQLTcHoKosK3uTOOxpiat53Osj84aX5yWQLXEVutz-lE


Distance Learning Options

Distance learning is an option that provides the structure of a formal school with the flexibility of home. This option provides a complete, accredited course, sometimes with online teachers, grading services, and full school support. Distance learning reduces the planning load on the parent significantly and provides structured learning.

Examples include Bob John University, distance learning. Alpha Omega's Switched on Schoolhouse, Calvert School, and K-12.


https://www.cambridgeonlineschool.co.uk/ouronlinesecondaryschool?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18123526232&gbraid=0AAAAAC3yyRqfWNSoAcLoobi1chRBvqF8r&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931WvJvMh4vhFRHwo3Q8SzY6oIqfhIQrUnwR3L2MnbdyKYR4DklJW1NMaAg7jEALw_wcB



Unity Study Option: In this option, it integrates all the subjects like history, science, and literature. In this option, instead of studying U.S history at one time and Botany at another, it incorporates both. Like (science/literature), (history/geography), or (literature/history). This can make learning more cohesive and engaging.

Examples include Weaver, Konos, Five in a Row, and Tapestry of Grace

https://learn.unity.com/pathways


Classical Education Options 

Classical Education  is divided into three parts, which are called the Trivium:

Grammar Stage: It's an elementary stage that focuses on memorizing facts and foundational knowledge.
Logic Stage: This stage is the middle stage that focuses on critical thinking and understanding cause/effect.
Rhetoric Stage: This stage is a high school level stage, which focuses on articulation and defending ideas effectively.

https://classicalconversations.com/blog/classical-education-curriculum/


These Method emphasizes the study of great books, history, and classical Languages to make an individual eloquent and thoughtful. Examples include Classical Conversation, My Father's World, Memoria Press, and Veritas Press.

Understanding these learning programmes before choosing homeschooling is very important, as the curriculum can evolve as the child develops skills.

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