Purchased Homeschool Curriculum
How to Find the Right Pre-packaged Curriculum for Your Child
Jan 11, 2008
The idea of homeschooling can often seem like a terrifying prospect at first blush. So how do you cope with the issue of curriculum as a homeschool parent? After all there are lessons to plan, materials to create and countless hours of preparation to do before you can even conceive of sitting down to hopefully provide your little Einstein with a good quality education
Okay relax, breathe and count to ten, choosing a curriculum is not nearly as scary a prospect as it may seem and there is help available when it comes to deciding on a curriculum appropriate for your child’s learning style, grade level, ability and interests.
Things to Remember When Choosing Pre-packaged Curriculum
- Does the curriculum teach values practical for a child this age?
- Are all of the subject areas covered in a style appropriate for my child?
- Does the curriculum focus on at least some 'self' or 'independent' learning?
- Does the curriculum progressively build on learned skills?
- Is regular competency testing included in the design of the curriculum?
- Does the cost fit into our homeschool budget?
Conventional Pre-packaged Curriculum
Some of the most popular pre-packaged curriculums available to homeschooling families incorporate all of these things very well. The LIFEPAC curriculum published by Alpha Omega publications is one such course of study. A Christian curriculum for grades K-12, this choice offers online academic support, a friendly layout, manageable lessons and many testing tools.
Online and Computer Based Homeschool Curriculum
For those of looking at online education, which is currently becoming a substantial resource particularly for parents who work or for some other reason are not capable of being with their child during the entire school day, there are serveral options available. Many of these programs are offered to homeschool families through their province or state Independent Learning Centers at a nominal registration fee plus the cost of textbooks.
No matter what curriculum you choose, the important thing to remember is to research all the options and in the end base your choice on what is best for your child and for you. Ultimately, you are now the one responsible for your child's entire education and it is you who must feel comfortable and know you have given her the best start possible in her educational careers. So don't hesitate to ask questions of any curriculum provider you are considering using and most importantly enjoy the process you will go through with your child!
