In this post, I consider the value of homeschool curriculum in terms of financial cost. I also review learning styles, to help you find curricula that is a good fit. Resources are provided for information gathering. These include my favorite how-to-homeschool book and my favorite websites. They offer an abundance of descriptions, reviews, and purchasing options. Tame the task of finding the right curriculum! With some prayerful consideration, you can crack open the new books with eager anticipation!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will earn a commission (at no extra cost for you!). Read my full disclosure here.
Getting Started
I still remember adding the word “curriculum” to my vocabulary. We were new to homeschooling. Until then, there had never been a reason for me to consider curriculum. I began looking at options and boy-oh-boy, I was overwhelmed!
In my post, Curriculum Considerations: What’s the Goal, I contemplate why the choice of curriculum is important. I would recommend reading that post as well. It will help you consider the value of curricula in terms of spiritual impact. Then you are ready to consider the value of curricula in terms of dollars and cents.
The Value of Homeschool Curriculum in Dollars and Cents
A well-written curriculum is a worthy investment. A reputable program will have a “scope and sequence” outlining the concepts it covers. The Saxon Math Scope and Sequence for kindergarten through fourth grade is comprehensive. It gives evidence to the research and effort required to produce an orderly and complete curriculum.
Personally, I have no desire to reinvent the wheel trying to piece something together. A hodge-podge of random lessons (while inexpensive) will leave holes in a child’s education. Curriculum companies spend years honing their craft. Their expertise is valuable. If your budget is slim, be assured that good, used curriculum is often readily available. Just be on the lookout (more on this below!).
Because my husband and I are preparing our children for college, we are preparing them for entrance exams (such as the ACT or SAT). So we need a curriculum that builds on itself, systematically, from year to year. It needs to teach concepts covered in these exams. This is particularly important for a subject such as math. We all want our homeschooling days to be time well-spent. I have spent more than a decade teaching our children. Curriculum is a tool we use to help us reach our family’s educational objectives. Consider the value of those goals, as you consider the financial cost of the curriculum.
Suitability: Considering an All-in-One Homeschool Curriculum Package
Homeschool curriculum publishers follow a variety of educational philosophies. They might adhere to a classical, Charlotte Mason, unit study, traditional, or other methodology. You may favor a certain method but you will likely use a combination. You’ll find that some types of curriculum are more appealing than others. Eventually, you will realize you’re more of a “classical homeschooler,” or a “Charlotte Mason homeschooler.” (Homeschooling has a vocabulary all its own—you’ll pick it up as go!)
You might also wonder how to pull together all the curriculum you need—for all the subjects—in a school year. Companies such as My Fathers World offer complete, or nearly complete packages. (This curriculum has components of Charlotte Mason, unit studies, and classical methodologies, with a Biblical emphasis.) If a grade level doesn’t include materials for every subject, consider their recommendations to complete your package. Just add them to your shopping cart! In my circle of friends, this seems to be a popular choice for moms with little ones. Having all your subject curriculum put together for you takes away the guesswork. (And it makes it far easier to get started with homeschooling!) Abeka is another company that offers a convenient, full kit with every subject you need for the year.
Considering a Tailor-made Homeschool Curriculum Package
If you use an all-in-one package, you may find there are parts you don’t like. Maybe the math piece is a big hit, but no one enjoys science. That’s when it’s time for more research—so you can find what best suits you and your child.
Or maybe the all-in-one package hasn’t ever appealed to you. You would rather research and buy single-subject curriculum. That is how I started. I looked at a multitude of options using the resources noted below. Then I selected a curriculum for each subject. It’s more work (for sure!). But I liked researching to find the best fit for each of my kids. The information below will help you narrow things down – for an all-in-one package or a tailor-made package!
Suitability: Considering Your Teaching Style
If you haven’t considered your “teaching style,” that’s okay. You will instinctively teach in a way that gravitates toward your learning preferences. Do you prefer rigorous study led by objectives, or more relaxed, self-directed inquiry? Would you delve into a topic by creating a project, reading about it, or watching a video? Would you rather be given a list of resources to gather, or instead, do your own investigating?
Do you enjoy reading out loud? Would you rather communicate directions through written form, verbal instructions, or an example? Do you enjoy giving lots of guidance as your child works, or do you prefer having an independent learner? If the lessons need to be taught in a way that doesn’t fit your teaching style, the curriculum might not be a good choice. As you contemplate the options, take into consideration your teaching preferences. You may need to be flexible, as you’ll also consider your child’s learning style.
Suitability: Considering Your Child’s Learning Style
Again: if “learning style” hasn’t been in your vocabulary, that’s okay. You probably know more about your child’s learning preferences than you think. As parents, we naturally accommodate them. When our child struggles to learn something, we try teaching the concept in a different way.
Here is a brief overview of three learning style preferences:
Visual Learners
“Visual learners” appreciate studying maps or diagrams and using highlighters to organize notes. They prefer written instructions. They learn best from teachers who demonstrate how something should be done. These students like to take notes or make flashcards. They may not enjoy class discussions. My oldest daughter gravitates toward this learning style. She has always been an avid note-taker. As a college student, she still takes copious handwritten notes. She recently got Rocketbook Beacons so she can upload notes from her whiteboards—to the Cloud (who knew!?).
Auditory Learners
“Auditory learners” will easily soak up and repeat back information they hear. These students relish class discussion time. They can quickly memorize songs and articulate oral summaries. My son leans toward this type of learning. He is known for his long conversations (which started at age two!).
Kinesthetic Learners
A “kinesthetic learner” will learn best from a tactile experience, such as working with manipulatives. They might love doing science experiments. However, they may not bother with reading the instructions first. Role-playing is a fun learning activity for these kids. One of our children is more of a kinesthetic learner. She loves creating things. She also treasured her time acting on stage as part of a theatre group.
Choosing Curriculum with Preferences in Mind
How can we adapt to our child’s learning style when homeschooling? To soak up an historical account, a visual learner will enjoy taking notes or working on an activity sheet. An auditory learner, however, might benefit most from sharing his thoughts through discussion. A kinesthetic learner could gleefully act out a scene related to the lesson. We can tailor to our child’s learning style with the right curriculum.
The History Revealed series by Diana Waring has ample opportunities for learning in different ways. A lesson example from one of her activity books (grades K-4) offers reading, discussing, watching a video, completing a word scramble, making crafts, mapping, drawing, singing, and playing charades! My kids loved these activity books.
Being Flexible
On a personal note, however, that curriculum sometimes made teaching a burden. It didn’t work well with my teaching style (which is more open-and-go). When we used the History Revealed curriculum, it was too much work to wade through all the options. (All those choices might energize others!) I did enjoy some other aspects of the curriculum. I appreciated Mrs. Waring’s enthusiasm, her Biblical focus, and her audio recordings. And the lessons catered to the different learning styles of my children. So we stuck with it – for three years!
Don’t be concerned if learning style isn’t at the forefront of your mind. With a struggling student, it is certainly an area for further examination. If your school days are ho-hum, consider activities that accommodate your child’s learning preferences. But give yourself kudos for being informed. Remember that much of homeschooling is trial and error. You will intuitively sense your child’s learning style. You will figure out how he learns best, as you work together.
Also remember, if your student someday attends college, he will have to adapt to how the material is presented. This is true in the workplace as well. Our students need to be flexible about learning in a variety of ways. As teachers, we need to be flexible about teaching in a variety of ways. But using a curriculum you both appreciate can make the school day more profitable.
Choosing Curriculum with Long-term Goals in Mind
As you consider all the options, be cognizant of long-term goals. If you’re preparing your child for college, you’ll want to choose a more rigorous curriculum. College admission departments look for evidence that homeschoolers are prepared for advanced coursework. If your student seems to have an aptitude for math, a challenging curriculum will prepare him for courses such as calculus. This will look great on his high school transcript. It will also benefit him if he pursues a math major or a related field of study in college.
Maybe your child struggles with math but is linguistically gifted. Consider using math curriculum that just meets the entrance requirements for college. Then relax your efforts with that subject. But go all-out pursuing four years of in-depth language study. (Think BIG – international travel is a great way to supplement a foreign language class.)
Keeping Doors Open
I know this is obvious, but I think it is worth emphasizing. Students will not learn how to factor binomials or translate Latin on their own. A solid math and grammar education in the early years will prepare them for algebra and foreign language study in the later years. Plan accordingly (for all subjects) if college is in the future.
We chose to educate our children in a way that kept doors open. At some point on the homeschool trek, it might seem like college isn’t in your child’s future. And I know it isn’t the best choice for everyone, so that may need to be weighed. But for us, we wanted to prepare our children for as many opportunities as possible. We didn’t want any regrets over pursuits that were hindered by a lack of education in our homeschool years.
Fulfilling that goal is hard. The days are long. Our kids will be uncooperative at times. Our self-discipline will wane. But it’s our responsibility to keep long-term goals in perspective. We must remember that curriculum is a tool for meeting those goals. It helps us prepare our children for what lies beyond the homeschool years.
Gathering Information on Homeschool Curriculum
From a Friend
Looking at curricula with an experienced homeschool parent is a great opportunity. Getting your hands on the actual material is a big help. A friend can offer valuable insight into what they liked or didn’t like. Having all the curriculum components laid out in front of you can also help you understand how it’s used. The Saxon “meeting book” makes more sense when you see it alongside the math manipulatives and the teacher’s guide.
Do keep in mind that what works for one family might not work for the next. When I was looking for a new history curriculum, I asked a friend what she was using. She enthusiastically told me everything she loved about the History Revealed curriculum. Based on that, I made a (quite costly) purchase. It met many of the requirements on my checklist, and it was doable. But it wasn’t my favorite because it didn’t fit my teaching style. (I’m sure it’s a favorite for others—it does have a lot to offer!) But I didn’t spend enough time considering if it was a good fit for our family.
If you’re just learning about all the homeschool curriculum options, ask a friend to show you what they’ve used. This can be an awesome opportunity to get familiar with some possibilities. Then give yourself time to research and consider options.
In a Favorite Book
The Well-Trained Mind has been my go-to homeschool handbook for years. Along with prayer, this book gave me the courage to start mapping out our homeschool journey. A little fair warning: it is information-overload for homeschool newbies. After checking it out from the library, I purchased a copy (the 2009 edition). Then I could highlight, dog-ear, and note pages as needed. Seven years later, I also bought the 2016 edition. As a penny-pinching mom, I rarely purchase reading material for myself. But in our early years of homeschooling, I took this book with me on summer vacations!
The authors (Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise) offer a roadmap from preschool to high school. It is based on the philosophy of a classical education using the pattern of the trivium. (I was only vaguely familiar with this concept). This educational method isn’t a good fit for every family, but it has worked for us as we have loosely followed it. The book helped me to think outside the box of conventional methods of education in America.
It also addresses topics such as learning difficulties, socialization, schedules, record keeping, and preparing for college. Additionally, details are provided for their recommended curriculum. This includes an overview of the material, how to use it, possible drawbacks, estimated costs, and ordering information.
(But Do What Works!)
I have found the theory, suggestions, and curriculum references to be exceedingly helpful. That said, I tried to implement the book’s history and science recommendations. . . It was a long and painful pursuit for me (ugh!). Later in our homeschooling trek, I switched to history and science curricula that’s not even mentioned in the book. The suggested methods of history and science study required too much effort from this tired momma. More importantly, I felt we were missing the critical Christian worldview needed for these subjects. (I have written more about that in the post Curriculum Considerations: What’s the Goal?) But I still reference The Well-Trained Mind, even after a decade of teaching my kids. It is an empowering instruction guide for homeschoolers!
At a Homeschool Conference
Another way to invest in your school year is by attending a homeschool conference! The motivational speakers and the fellowship with other homeschoolers always encourages me. There is opportunity to mull over curriculum for hours on end! Experts are eager to answer your questions. Vendors often showcase their products in free workshops. (Just be aware that you may be listening to a sales pitch.) Conferences are a fantastic way to find resources and get your questions answered.
In my early years of homeschooling, I took a long list of “probable purchases” to the annual conference. And I truly tried to stick to it. Who knew curriculum could be so shiny and sparkly! If I purchased books impulsively, they often ended up in my “sell” pile a few months later. I would recommend doing as much research as possible ahead of time. Then use the conference as an opportunity to crack books open.
Consider each curriculum in light of your teaching style and your child’s learning style. How long are the reading assignments? How difficult is the vocabulary? What kind of learning activities does the author suggest? Do the assignments require too much writing? Too little? How appealing is it visually? Is it interesting? Even compelling? Does it fit within your educational goals? Does it include a Christian worldview? Is it rigorous enough? You will be looking at your chosen material for many months. Be sure it meets your needs!
Finding Reputable Reviews and Purchasing Curriculum
Cathy Duffy is a well-known resource for curriculum reviews. Her website is exhaustive. Her reviews are meaty and well-researched. She also offers links for ordering from reputable suppliers. Cathy is a much-appreciated homeschool review guru!
Christianbook.com is a great place for ordering homeschool curriculum. Their website seems to collect a good number of reviews. Additionally, they offer helpful links to free resources, such as Saxon math placement exams.
For over a decade, I have ordered the majority of my curriculum from Rainbow Resource Center (rainbowresource.com). Their website offers thorough descriptions. They also specify other books or supplies needed for implementing a curriculum. You don’t want to start your first day of school only to realize you’re missing something! The details on this website can help you to avoid that disappointment. They sometimes offer video descriptions, such as this Apologia Science Series video. This extra information is super helpful when you’re trying to wrap your brain around all the options! A free consultation is also available if you’re struggling to make a decision!
Curriculum can also be purchased directly from publishers. But the ordering process may be cumbersome if it’s not tailored to individual users. I’ve found it easiest to order everything in one fell swoop, through rainbowresource.com or Christianbook.com. It’s a delightful day when that box is delivered to your doorstep!
Buying Used Homeschool Curriculum
I have frequently purchased used curriculum from a friend, on Facebook marketplace, or at a used book sale. This has certainly saved us money. It is easier to go this route when you know precisely what you’re looking for. It’s a little trickier for a new homeschooler who’s still learning the ropes. Be sure to do your research and find all the needed materials. Check and double-check.
The Saxon math curriculum for first grade includes a teacher’s book, student workbooks, a meeting book, and manipulatives. You may be able to find a used teacher’s book and the (many) manipulatives. But the student workbooks and the meeting book are consumable, so you will likely need to buy them new. Buying everything new can make this process much easier and less time-consuming (albeit more expensive!). Online suppliers will often put everything together in a convenient kit, such as the Saxon Math Grade 1 Home Study Kit.
A Side Note: Our #1 Homeschool Must-Have
A necessity at our house has been dry erase boards (usually under $5 each). We have used them almost every day, for all the years we’ve homeschooled. We have purchased the larger 11×16 size as well as smaller ones. We’ve always used the blank, unlined boards. They have a hardboard back that makes them sturdy and keeps them relatively dent-free. They also clean up well. In a pinch I have purchased other whiteboards, but the ones from Rainbow Resource have held up best. For some reason, doing math on a shiny dry-erase board is much more fun than doing it out on paper!
Curriculum Considerations: Part of Your Prayerful Adventure
As with everything, ask God to bless your efforts! There is often significant time and money spent on researching and purchasing homeschool curricula. We want to honor God not only as we educate our children, but also as we use our limited resources.
I also encourage you to give yourself grace. Homeschooling is much like parenting in general. Just when you start to get things figured out for a particular stage of life, your kids grow and change. You’re on to new things! It’s part of the adventure—embrace it!
It’s wise to consider the value of a thorough curriculum, as well as its suitability for you and your student. It won’t serve you well if it isn’t a good fit. As you research, you will gravitate toward the curriculum that fits your preferences.
Online suppliers can help find reputable curriculum descriptions, reviews, and informational videos. Resources are plentiful—take advantage of them! Be sure you’ve purchased all the materials needed for your chosen curriculum. Eventually—hopefully—you will realize you’ve found something great. It will be a tool to help you meet your goals. You’ve found a favorite curriculum (yay)!
Opening up new curriculum might be a little reminiscent of that fresh box of crayons on the first day of kindergarten. I hope you joyfully anticipate using the right homeschool curriculum! I would love to hear how things are going on your homeschool trek. Let me know below, or reach out!
