Choosing the Right Curriculum for Your Homeschool

I've been in homeschooling groups for quite some time now, and I often see inquiries about 'How to find the right/best curriculum.' Choosing the right curriculum can be one of the most overwhelming parts of homeschooling, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best fit for your family:

Step 1: Consider Your Homeschooling Style
Do you (the parent) prefer a very structured approach to learning, or would you rather take a more relaxed approach with plenty of room for spontaneity? Some families love curriculum with pre-made plans, while others prefer to customize lessons based on their child’s interests and needs. Personally, my favorite is a hybrid approach: to get the pre-made plans and then adapt them to our needs (I call our approach an Ultra Block Schedule; you can learn more about it on my YouTube channel).

Step 2: Consider Your Lifestyle
How much time can you realistically dedicate to homeschooling each day? Choose a curriculum that fits within your time frame and family lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to mix and match resources—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution! When we started homeschooling, I was also working full-time, so video curriculum was essential for us to make homeschooling possible. As the years have gone on, we have mixed up the use of videos; we still use them some but do not rely on them nearly as heavily as we did in the beginning.

Step 3: Consider Your Child’s Learning Style
Each child learns differently. Some are visual learners, while others are more auditory or kinesthetic. Considering your child’s learning style is helpful as you choose a curriculum or supplemental materials that will keep them engaged and help them succeed.

With all of that said, take heart! Choosing curriculum does not have to be overwhelming! In fact, when we started homeschooling (somewhat on a whim, with very little planning), we chose the 2nd curriculum we looked at! That’s right. We only considered two options. We felt great about one, and guess what? 12 years later, we’ve never changed curriculum! We just graduated our oldest after having used the same curriculum from the time she was 4 until graduation.

To hear why I’ve never changed curriculum in 12 years, check out my video here. Don’t forget: Your curriculum is supposed to work for you, not the other way around!

As you start on this new journey, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Our Homeschool Crash Course provides all the step-by-step guidance you need to create a personalized plan, find the right curriculum, and navigate any obstacles along the way.

Because our kids deserve better,

Amy