Upon what should you base your curriculum selections?
What resources are available to help you make your selections?
What are some inside tips on choosing curriculum?
What is "curriculum?"
"Curriculum" -- actually "Curricula" (the plural form!) is your educational program, set of courses, or resource materials.
Upon what should you base your curriculum selections?
Base your curriculum selections upon:
Your child's learning style
Your teaching style or approach
Your goals for your child
What resources are available to help you make your selections?
Cathy Duffy has produced three excellent resources to help you review curriculum.
Christian Home Educators' Curriculum Manual: Elementary
Christian Home Educators' Curriculum Manual: Junior/Senior High
100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
NICHE has also produced a Homeschool Resource Guide that can help you make your selections. This Resource Guide lists curricula sources, as well as homeschool catalog companies.
Look for curricula at our NICHE Conference Exhibit Hall, in our NICHE Member Classifieds, at bookstores and teacher supply stores, and even in the public library.
What are some inside tips on choosing curricula?
Place a high priority on the basics: reading, math, and language. Add extras as you become acclimated to the process.
Every home educator makes mistakes when buying curricula. Most of us buy too much!
Avoid curricula that requires more teacher preparation than you are willing to do.
Just because a curriculum resource works well for someone else, it might not necessarily work for you - or for your child.
If you don't like the material, or the way it is presented, you will probably not use it faithfully or effectively -- no matter how good it is.
Keep in mind that there is no "perfect" curricula.
Remember that curriculum resources are just tools -- they are often less important than other elements of your home school.
By the grace of God, with a bit of effort, creativity, and devotion, you can teach your child effectively -- with any curricula He provides! Seek wisdom from Him as you make your selections.
Serving Families Homeschooling in Iowa - Since 1992 Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators - Box 158, Dexter, IA, 50070 - (515) 830-1614 - (800) 723-0438 in Iowa
