How to Choose A Homeschool Curriculum That Actually Fits Your Child

It's back-to-school season, and you picked the curriculum everyone seems to love.

The reviews were great. Other homeschool parents swear by it. You bought it, made your plans, and got started.

But it isn't working for MY child.

Maybe it's too easy in one subject and overwhelming in another. Maybe your independent learner suddenly needs you by their side for every lesson. Or maybe your child simply dreads opening it every morning.

Before you buy something new, ask a better question:

What does my child actually need?

Here are five things to consider.

1

Pay Attention to How Your Child Learns

What helps things click?

Do they need demonstrations? Conversation? Repetition? Hands-on practice? More time? 

You don't need to put your child into a “learning style” box. Pay attention to what helps them understand and what consistently causes frustration.

2

Look at Each Subject Separately

Your child doesn't have to be at the same level in everything.

They may fly through reading but need more support in math. They may love science but struggle with writing.

Instead of asking, “What grade is my child in?” ask, “What does my child need in this subject?”

3

Be Realistic About Independence

Some students can open their assignments and get to work. Others need help getting started, regular check-ins, explanations, accountability, or encouragement.

Choose for the child you have today, not the independent learner you're hoping they'll become six months from now.

4

Make Sure It Fits Your Family, Too

How much parent involvement does the curriculum require?

Can you realistically provide that while working, homeschooling siblings, managing appointments, and living your actual life?

5

Make Sure There's Room to Adjust

Can your child slow down? Move ahead? Get extra practice? Change levels? Receive help when they're stuck?

Your curriculum should work for you, not trap you into finishing something simply because you bought it.

And changing direction doesn't mean you failed.

Sometimes you can't know what your child needs until you watch them learn.

Finding the Right Fit

Sometimes a curriculum isn't working because your child needs a different level, more support, a different approach, or simply more flexibility.

At FunCation Academy, our programs are designed to give homeschool families that flexibility. Depending on the program, students have access to curriculum that meets different academic needs, along with teacher support, tutoring, enrichment, community, and college and career resources.

The goal isn't to find the most talked-about curriculum. 

It's to find an educational experience that works for your child, your family, and the way you actually homeschool.

So if something isn't working, don't be afraid to ask:

“What does my child need that they're not getting right now?”

That question can tell you a lot more than another list of the “best homeschool curriculums.”