Choosing a Home Education Curriculum that's Right for your Family

Whenever parents first begin thinking of homeschooling their children, they're probably overwhelmed by questions and concerns. After you've decided that your child's education can best be handled by you and your family, the next step is figuring out a curriculum that works for your child, for you, and for your family. Personally, my parents chose the home education curriculum established by the Calvert School in Baltimore, simply because my father comes from a long line of homeschoolers who were taught by this specific curriculum. There was something inspiring about the fact that we had a legacy of
learning what my father and what his grandfather learned before him. Still, choosing a curriculum can be tough. Here's how you go about it:

1. What regulations does your specific state have regarding homeschool curriculum?

Some states have specific regulations when it comes to home education curriculum. While no one state, to my knowledge, requires that a family follow a specific, state-mandated curriculum, your state may require that your child take specific tests in order to determine whether your child has met minimum educational requirements. Some states also require that children receive education in a variety of outlined school subjects. Find out more about your state's requirements regarding home education here.

2. What values do you want your children to learn?

Many homeschool curriculum packages offer courses and course materials that are taught in a particular tradition. For example, if you want your child to learn in the Catholic tradition, you may want to consider Seton Home Study School curriculum, which is based in Catholic teachings. On the other hand, if you want your child to receive a secular education, you may want to consider programs like Oak Meadow School.

3. Don't limit yourself to one curriculum package.

Curriculum packages tend to be expensive and can be limiting. It's best to use parts of a curriculum package that you like, and mix up the rest. The greatest blessing of teaching your own child is that you can decide what you would like to teach your child, and no one else. Of course, if you're new to home education, and you don't have previous experience teaching, home education curriculum packages are a great way to start out. But once you get a feel for your child's strengths and weaknesses, and once you get used to the process yourself, don't follow all the lesson plans to a tee. Make the home education experience your own.

4. Be creative!

Creativity is by far the most important part of a comprehensive home education. Lack of creativity in the classroom is a big reason why parents choose to forego traditional education. Make the world your classroom. Teach concepts and apply them to the outside world. Though we did have classroom-type classes every day, some days my mother would take us to the zoo, to the museum, or even to political campaign speeches so we could get a sense of how the world works beyond the paper curriculum.

At the end of the day, curriculum choice is totally up to you. If something doesn't work, try something else. Take advantage of the fact that you can fashion your child's education any way that you see fit. Good luck!
Susan is a freelance blogger who enjoys writing about automotive and health news, technology, lifestyle, education, parenting, and personal finance. She often researches and writes about automobile, property and health insurance, providing consumers with access to a trustworthy insurance quote guide and unbiased advice on purchasing. Susan welcomes comments.

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Source: http://nfahm.blogspot.com/2012/09/choosing-home-education-curriculum.html

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