Questions To Ask When Choosing A Homeschool Program
Planning a curriculum for your child can be overwhelming! To make things simpler, it’s essential to ask questions when choosing a homeschool program, the right questions.
With a quick search on Google, you’ll be inundated with countless options, and as a new homeschooler, it can be daunting to figure out how homeschooling works.
To simplify the process, I use a straightforward, practical, step-by-step approach to make it easier for myself.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing seven crucial questions that I ask myself when deciding on the curriculum to use for the upcoming year. These questions help me save time, money, and ensure that the curriculum will work for both my child and my family.
This brings me a sense of comfort knowing that I’m making the best decisions for our homeschool program.
When choosing a homeschool program for your family, it’s essential to remember the process. Even before considering the following seven questions, it’s important to ensure that your curriculum aligns with the needs of you, your child, your family, and your homeschool.
By doing this, you’ll be able to free yourself from any external expectations and focus on what’s truly best for your homeschool. This is a crucial first step in choosing a homeschool program that will meet your needs and lead to a successful homeschooling experience.
So, always keep in mind the importance of aligning your curriculum with your unique homeschooling situation when choosing a homeschool program.
What Is The Importance Of Choosing A Homeschool Program?
Planning provides the framework and gives our homeschool the structure and flexibility we all crave as working moms. Without planning, we end up drowning in decision fatigue, and the mom guilt kicks in as we wonder if we are really doing the right thing.
You no longer have to wonder what you’re going to teach your child that week, which books you need, or what art supplies to gather. Everything is already in the plan. Plus, if the plan isn’t working, you have the power to change it.
Curriculum planning empowers you to take control of your homeschool program and ensures that you can create an effective and personalized learning experience for your child.
What Is Curriculum?
When choosing a homeschool program, it’s important to understand what “curriculum” actually means.
At its core, curriculum refers to the materials and resources that we use to teach our children. This can include books, online programs, and other collections of materials that are organized by grade level or topic.
Traditionally, curriculum has been viewed as seat work or structured learning activities, such as workbooks, textbooks, and online programs. These resources are often aimed at teaching core subjects such as math, history, writing, and more.
However, the definition of curriculum has expanded in recent years to include a wide range of resources and tools that can be used to facilitate learning, including games, videos, podcasts, and other interactive materials.
So, when choosing a homeschool program, it’s important to keep in mind that curriculum can come in many different forms, and to choose the resources that work best for your unique homeschooling situation.
8 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Homeschool Program
As a homeschooling mom, choosing the right curriculum can be overwhelming, so here are 8 questions to help you make the best decision for your family.
- What is vital to keep in mind when choosing curriculum as a working mom?
- Will this curriculum fulfill all the legal requirements needed for a full course of study?
- What is my child’s learning style?
- Will it fit my schedule?
- How much assistance from me will be needed for them to use this curriculum?
- How much does this curriculum cost?
- Does the company ship to where I live? Or is there a way for me to obtain it locally?
- Is this part of a series I have started in the previous years?
Choosing a curriculum or homeschool program should not be overwhelming but like a fun treasure hunt.
Moving forward, we will be diving into each of these 8 essential questions to consider when choosing a homeschool program, giving you a better understanding of how to make the best decision for your family.
Free Download: Workbook
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In this guide, you will find:
- Examples
- Worksheets
- Videos
- and more!
1.Choosing Curriculum as a Working Mom: Key Considerations
The first thing to remember is that as a working homeschool mom, you have a unique set of challenges. It’s easy to feel discouraged when scrolling through social media and seeing all these idyllic homeschool moments, but it’s important to keep in mind that those moments may not reflect reality.
When choosing a homeschool program or curriculum, it’s crucial to have a pre-filter that takes into account the time and energy you have available, as well as your child’s ability to work independently.
Here are some pre-filter questions to keep in mind:
- How much time will I need to devote to planning, preparing, teaching, and correcting the work?
- Can I fit this curriculum in with my work schedule, or will we be stretched too thin?
- Do I want a more minimal curriculum?
- Do I want a curriculum that allows my child to work independently?
It’s important, to be honest with yourself when answering these questions. Remember, our goal is to use our limited resources to best serve our children’s education.
Your work schedule will also impact the curriculum you choose. If your work hours are fixed, you may need a curriculum that allows your child to work independently. If your work hours are flexible, you may have more leeway to choose a curriculum that fits your child’s needs.
2. Planning Curriculum: Legal Requirements
To homeschool effectively, one of the first steps is to understand your local homeschool requirements. It’s important to note that each state and province has their own set of legal requirements for homeschooling. It’s also worth mentioning that what’s mandated for public school may not necessarily apply to homeschooled children.
Before choosing a homeschool program, ensure that it meets your local homeschool requirements. For instance, some areas may require a minimum of 180 days of study. Check if the program you’re considering adheres to these guidelines. Programs like Easy Peasy have already been designed to cover the 180-day requirement.
To find your local homeschool requirements, I have an article about homeschool requirements and what they mean. Please note, however, that I am not a legal adviser, so be sure to double-check with your state/province for current requirements.
Additionally, for more information on homeschooling requirements, please visit HSLDA websites in Canada and the USA. For other countries, please contact your local department of education.
If you’re unsure about the meaning of some of the terms used in your homeschool requirements, I suggest reading this article.
One question that often arises is, what is a “credit”? While opinions on this vary, Let’s Homeschool High School suggests that 120-180 hours of work equal one full credit, and 60-90 hours of work equate to a half credit. For more information on high school credits, please check their website.
Here’s a quick reference:
- 1 full credit = 180 days or 180 hours of work
- 1/2 credit = 90 days or 90 hours of work
3. Identifying Your Child’s Learning Style
When choosing a homeschool program, the first question to consider is whether it works well with your child’s learning style. It’s important to identify the way your child processes information as there are different types of learners. Here are the three basic types:
Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- Auditory Learner: This type of learner benefits greatly from things read to them and instructions given orally. They learn through what they hear and may enjoy read-alouds. Examples of suitable resources for auditory learners include Story of the World Audio CDs, Stories from Around the World, and dictation exercises.
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Vol. 3: Early Modern Times, 2nd Edition (9 CDs)
Story of the World Audiobook Collection, Volumes 1-4 Books on CDThe Story of the World Activity Book Three: Early Modern TimesStory of the World, Vol. 3 Activity Book, Revised Edition: History for the Classical Child: Early Modern Times (Story of the World, 14)
Here are some homeschool resources for auditory learners:
- Time4Learning online PreK-12 curriculum
- Leap Frog DVD sets for preschool – early readers
- Night Zookeeper – an online learning program for ages 6-12 that helps with reading and writing
- CTCMath – an online math program for all grade levels
- Magic School Bus DVDs– Science for grades 1 – 4
- Kinesthetic Learner: This type of learner prefers hands-on learning and needs to be moving. They don’t like sitting for long periods of time and want to “try” what they are learning. For younger children, Science kits like Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab can be a great option, while older children may benefit from Science Expeditions.
Here are some homeschool resources for kinesthetic learners:
- Easy Peasy All In One Homeschool – all grade levels, includes a lot of projects and resources. They also have a website for High School.
- Schoolhouse Rock – Elementary and middle school. You can also find them on Youtube.
- Handwriting Without Tears – pre-k – 5th grade, interactive activities
- CTCMath – All ages, printable and online options, and games
- History Revealed series- all ages, includes activities, living books, and hands-on activities.
Schoolhouse Rock!: The Updated Official GuideHandwriting without Tears Manuscript Beginner Kit with Slate, Chalk, Pencils, Flip Crayons, Sponge Cubes and Eraser HWOT Supplies Kit (Starter Kit Manuscript)Handwriting Without Tears Pre-Writing Roll-A-Dough Letters and Numbers Set, 4 X 6 in, Plastic
- Visual Learner: This type of learner prefers to see what they are being taught and benefits from pictures, demonstrations, flashcards, and videos. For example, Math Operations Flash Cards can help them recall information and “see” the question.
Here are some homeschool resources for visual learners:
- Explode the Code – grades 1 – 3 comes in print and online
- Literary Adventures For Kids – all ages, includes multiple formats
- Times Tales – grades 3-4, story-based and visual
- Dover Coloring Books– all ages up to adult, covers multiple subjects
- Homeschool In The Woods – History for elementary – high school
Essential Math Flash Cards Set – Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division (4 pack set)Explode the Code 4 Books SET: Book 5, 6, 7 and 8 (Essential Lessons for Phonics Mastery)Times Tales Deluxe + Pet Math – Memorize The Times Tables / Multiplication Facts Fast! Updated Ed.Wild Animals Coloring Book (Dover Animal Coloring Books)
To determine your child’s learning style, observe how they teach themselves something. They will naturally teach themselves in the way they learn best. Ensure that the program/curriculum you choose aligns with your child’s learning style.
If your learning style is different from your child’s, it may be challenging to teach them, but recognizing this need for change is crucial. You can also take a quiz to find out what type of homeschooler you are.
4. Scheduling and Choosing a Homeschool Program
When it comes to choosing a homeschool program, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s homeschooling and work-life balance looks different. Figuring out how to incorporate a program into your daily routine can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.
First, take advantage of reviews written by working moms. They often provide insights into the amount of prep work, the level of support required for the kids, and grading expectations, among other things.
Additionally, ask in forums or groups that include working moms, like our Coffee Club Community, to get an idea of what their work schedules are like and how they make it work.
Another great way to test a program before committing is to take advantage of free or low-cost trial periods. Don’t be afraid to try out a curriculum that requires your involvement, but be sure to schedule it on a day or time that works for you to avoid frustration for both you and your child.
When planning curriculum, ask yourself the following five questions:
- How does it fit with your current schedule?
- How many days a week will be needed?
- How many hours per day will be needed?
- Will you feel rushed if you do not complete it on time?
- Are there any reviews from working moms that you can read to get a better idea of what to expect?
If possible, borrow the curriculum from friends or take advantage of free samples or cheap rates to test out a program before committing.
3 Homeschool Curriculum Trials:
- Notebooking Pages – Pack of over 600 Sample Pages to test them out.
- Homer Early Learning Program
- Literary Adventures For Kids – free courses before you buy
Keep in mind that schedules change often, even within your own family, so double-check your plans, and don’t be alarmed if you need to make changes throughout the year.
I always use the first month of school as a trial period to quickly identify any flaws in my planning
5. Parental Involvement
How much assistance will your child need to complete the homeschool program? Is it self-paced or reliant on parental assistance? These are important questions to consider when choosing a homeschool program.
Knowing your child’s learning style and your goals for them is crucial in selecting a homeschool program. Reading product reviews can also help you determine how much parental involvement is required.
If you are trying to encourage independent learning, choose a curriculum designed for self-paced study. These programs typically have clearer instructions written for the child, not the instructor.
For beginners, it’s best to introduce one or two subjects for independent learning first to avoid overwhelming your child.
Knowing how much of your assistance is needed also helps in scheduling. For instance, if a course has an instructor’s manual and student workbook that requires your availability, ensure to schedule it on a day or time when you are available.
Our experience with Writing with Skill highlights the importance of scheduling. This program took more time than other programs we used, and attempting to do it while I was at work resulted in frustration for both me and my children. Since I wasn’t available to correct mistakes or reteach lessons from different perspectives, it ended up taking more hours than it should have.
Set aside time each month to evaluate if the curriculum program you are using still works with your schedule. If not, take the necessary steps to make it work for you.
6. Planning Curriculum: Counting the Cost!
Everything has a cost – time, energy, and money. When it comes to choosing a homeschool program, budget matters. Homeschooling can be done for free, but it may take up more of your time as you search for resources, print materials, and gather supplies. On the other hand, homeschooling can be pricey, but it may save you time. Ultimately, only you know what is worth it to you and your family.
We use a mix of programs, but it took me a long time to figure out what worked and what didn’t. Some programs, like Story of the World, can be used year after year and may be more affordable in the long run.
However, be wary of homeschool experts who claim that one high-ticket item can be used for all your children. What works for one child may not work for the next, and finding the right program that fits your needs can be worth every penny.
Considering the cost of a curriculum is an important factor to keep in mind. Homeschooling doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, but it does take time and planning to find deals and discounts.
Pro Tips For Saving Money:
- Search for sales, second-hand and/or gently used will help.
- Reuse if you have numerous children, can they all use it?
- I like to keep an eye on Amazon.ca/Amazon.com for free shipping deals and/or used curriculum. (Learn how I create lists to help me save money on Amazon)
- Check-in for sales in bookstores, yard sales, and gently used sales
However, some curricula may be worth spending money on because they work well for your family.
As someone who is passionate about making my dollar stretch as far as it can, I understand the importance of being mindful of the cost of a curriculum.
7. Shipping and Availability Considerations
As someone who primarily researches online, I tend to buy my curriculum online as well, as it is convenient and saves me time and money. However, I have encountered many instances where the “perfect” resource I found is not available for shipping to Canada, which can be frustrating.
It is important to ensure that the books or resources you choose are available for shipping to your location, especially if your school board needs to approve your curriculum beforehand. Additionally, if the item is coming across a border, you may need to pay fees.
To save on shipping and border fees, consider ordering from Christian Book, Amazon.com (or Amazon.ca), or directly from companies you trust.
Alternatively, check with local bookstores, libraries, or even university and college campuses for bookstores. You may find great deals in the “gently used” sections or through homeschool groups’ used curriculum boards/sales.
To stay organized, keep a list of your subjects and required books/resources on hand. This will allow you to not only check for sales and availability but also ensure that your curriculum choices are approved and obtainable in your area.
I created specific printable lists for this purpose and included them in my Homeschool Planner.
8. Programs That Continue
Choosing the right homeschool program can be challenging, especially when you are trying to build on what you have previously used.
When selecting a curriculum, it’s important to consider whether it is part of a series that you have previously used. If it is, you should ask yourself if you will continue to use it. You need to ensure that it still fits your child’s learning style and meets your family’s needs.
Every year, assess your child’s learning style and any life changes that may have occurred. Evaluate whether the program is still a good fit for your family. Although it may be challenging to switch to a new curriculum that you are not familiar with, it may be necessary.
For example, a favorite math program may no longer work due to personal or job changes in your life. It can be difficult to switch from a program that you love, but it can pay off when the new program clicks and brings joy back into your homeschool.
When choosing a homeschool program, make sure that the curriculum still fits your child and family’s needs, even if you have used it for years. Look for programs that are designed to start at the beginning and work progressively.
Consider reading reviews, looking at sample pages, doing placement tests, and using videos to teach new concepts. Don’t be afraid to switch to a new curriculum if it is no longer working for your family.
Homeschool Curriculum Help:
- Homeschooling Resources You Need to Know About!
- Simple Ways to Save Money on Homeschool Curriculum
- How to Choose The Best Curriculum
Choosing A Homeschool Program
In conclusion, choosing a homeschool program can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and research, it can become an enjoyable experience. As a working mom, finding the right curriculum can be challenging, but it is essential to keep in mind that the goal is to provide a quality education for your child.
By first identifying your child’s learning style and educational goals, you can narrow down your choices to programs that will be the best fit. It is also important to consider your personal needs, such as flexibility and time management, when selecting a program.
Additionally, seeking out resources such as reviews, sample pages, and placement tests can be helpful in making an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make changes when necessary to ensure that the program continues to meet your child’s needs.
Remember that choosing a homeschool program is not a one-time decision, as your child’s needs and learning style may change over time. As a working mom, it is important to stay organized and keep a list of needed resources and availability in your area to make the process smoother.
Overall, with careful consideration and flexibility, choosing a homeschool program can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding experience for both you and your child.
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Hi, I’m Jen. I help working moms juggle their career and homeschool their kids by providing support, systems and tools. You are warmly invited to Join the Online Community Here!
