100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum

1. Choose curriculum based on philosophy, learning styles, and goals

To be goal oriented means working in almost a reverse fashion. You determine what your children need to learn. You decide what methods to use. And you set up your own schedule. Then you find curriculum that has the content and methodology that fits your agenda, and you use it on your own timetable.

Personalized approach. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor education to each child's unique needs, interests, and learning style. Rather than being driven by a pre-packaged curriculum, start by defining your educational philosophy, understanding your children's learning preferences, and establishing clear goals. This foundation will guide your curriculum choices and teaching methods.

Flexibility in implementation. Once you've selected curriculum materials, adapt them to fit your family's needs. You may choose to:

• Use only portions of a curriculum that align with your goals
• Supplement with additional resources
• Adjust the pace to match your child's readiness
• Combine elements from different approaches (e.g., traditional textbooks, unit studies, Charlotte Mason methods)

Remember that curriculum should serve as a tool to support your educational vision, not dictate it. Be willing to make changes if something isn't working as expected.

2. Tailor language arts to individual needs and interests

Many students at upper elementary and junior high level have learned the basics in grammar and need some help transferring grammatical knowledge into their writing.

Balanced approach. Effective language arts instruction combines systematic skill development with authentic reading and writing experiences. While foundational skills like phonics, grammar, and spelling are important, they should be taught in context of meaningful communication.

Key elements of a comprehensive language arts program:

• Phonics and reading instruction appropriate to the child's level
• Regular exposure to high-quality literature
• Opportunities for creative and expository writing
• Vocabulary development through wide reading and direct instruction
• Grammar instruction that emphasizes application in writing
• Speaking and listening skills practice

Adapt your approach based on your child's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. For example, a reluctant writer might benefit from more oral narration or dictation, while an avid reader may be ready for advanced literary analysis.

3. Explore history through real books and unit studies

I have had opportunities to ask groups of veteran homeschoolers what actually worked best for them. The unanimous response is always "real books."

Living books approach. Using engaging, well-written books brings history to life in a way that dry textbooks often fail to do. Historical fiction, biographies, and narrative non-fiction allow students to connect emotionally with historical figures and events, leading to deeper understanding and retention.

Benefits of using real books for history:

• Develops a love for historical study
• Provides cultural and social context for events
• Improves reading comprehension and vocabulary
• Encourages critical thinking about different perspectives

Complement real books with primary sources, timelines, maps, and hands-on activities to create rich unit studies. This integrated approach helps students make connections across subjects and develop a more holistic understanding of historical periods.

4. Make science engaging with hands-on experiments and topical studies

It is far better to respond to an area of interest by an immediate trip to the library or a field trip that gives them information they are personally seeking.

Inquiry-based learning. Foster scientific curiosity by allowing children to explore topics that genuinely interest them. Rather than rigidly following a textbook, build your science curriculum around engaging experiments, nature study, and in-depth exploration of specific topics.

Strategies for effective science instruction:

• Conduct regular hands-on experiments and observations
• Use field trips to provide real-world context
• Encourage children to ask questions and form hypotheses
• Integrate science across other subjects (e.g., nature journaling combines science and art)
• Utilize high-quality non-fiction books and documentaries to supplement learning

This approach not only makes science more enjoyable but also helps children develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

5. Adapt math instruction to learning styles and conceptual understanding

Manipulative blocks, Fraction Overlays, and Algebra and Decimal Inserts are used at different levels to teach concepts, primarily using the "rectangle building" principle. This basic idea, consistently used throughout the program—even through algebra—is one of the best ways to demonstrate math concepts.

Conceptual foundation. Prioritize deep understanding of mathematical concepts over rote memorization of procedures. Use manipulatives, visual models, and real-world applications to help students grasp the "why" behind mathematical operations.

Tailoring math instruction:

• For visual learners: Use graphs, charts, and diagrams
• For kinesthetic learners: Incorporate hands-on manipulatives and physical activities
• For auditory learners: Explain concepts verbally and use math songs or rhymes
• For logical learners: Focus on patterns and relationships between concepts

Spiral review and incremental learning can help reinforce concepts over time. However, be willing to slow down or provide extra practice when needed to ensure mastery before moving on to more advanced topics.

6. Integrate worldview education across subjects

Personally, I think one of the most important components of homeschooling is worldview education. This is where we address the most important life questions: Is there a God? Who is man in relation to God? What is the purpose of our life on earth? Is there life after death?

Holistic perspective. Worldview education helps children develop a coherent framework for understanding the world and their place in it. Rather than treating it as a separate subject, weave worldview discussions into all areas of study.

Opportunities for worldview integration:

• History: Analyze historical events and figures through different philosophical lenses
• Literature: Discuss the worldviews reflected in characters' actions and motivations
• Science: Explore the relationship between faith and scientific inquiry
• Art and music: Examine how artists' beliefs influence their creative expressions
• Current events: Evaluate news stories from various worldview perspectives

Encourage critical thinking by exposing children to different viewpoints while helping them develop and articulate their own beliefs. This approach prepares them to engage thoughtfully with diverse ideas in the wider world.

7. Customize curriculum to family values and priorities

Even if you are willing to abandon the textbook approach, many parents feel insecure at determining what level their children should be working on a science topic. Does making a model of the body systems equally satisfy learning needs of both a seven-year-old and a twelve-year-old? Probably not.

Intentional selection. Choose curriculum materials and learning experiences that align with your family's values, beliefs, and educational priorities. This may involve adapting secular materials, selecting faith-based resources, or creating your own curriculum to address specific topics.

Considerations for curriculum customization:

• Religious or philosophical perspectives
• Cultural heritage and diversity
• Ethical and moral development
• Practical life skills and character education
• Special interests or talents of family members

Be prepared to supplement or modify curriculum as needed to ensure it meets your family's needs. This may require more effort initially but results in a more meaningful and personalized education for your children.

8. Balance structure and flexibility in homeschool planning

If you are looking ahead, you might want to go ahead and purchase a TI-83 Plus graphing calculator since it can be used with all courses.

Structured flexibility. Create a framework for your homeschool that provides consistency and accountability while allowing room for spontaneity and individual interests. This balance helps children develop good study habits while preserving the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace.

Elements of a balanced homeschool plan:

• Core daily routines for essential subjects
• Weekly or monthly goals for content coverage
• Designated time for independent study and projects
• Flexibility to pursue unexpected learning opportunities
• Regular evaluation and adjustment of plans

Invest in versatile resources that can grow with your children over time, such as reference books, educational software, and quality manipulatives. This approach provides a stable foundation while allowing for adaptability as your homeschool evolves.

9. Utilize multisensory approaches for effective learning

While Competent Carls generally prefer independent work, group learning situations help them develop social skills. You might do a family unit study where everyone is together for foundational reading or discussion. Carl would then pursue the same topic as your other children by doing more independent research, reading, and writing while you continue with group activities with the rest of your children.

Diverse learning experiences. Incorporate a variety of teaching methods and materials to engage different learning styles and strengthen neural connections. Multisensory approaches help children process and retain information more effectively.

Examples of multisensory learning activities:

• Visual: Diagrams, charts, videos, color-coding
• Auditory: Discussions, audiobooks, music, oral presentations
• Kinesthetic: Hands-on experiments, role-playing, building models
• Tactile: Texture-based activities, writing in sand or shaving cream

Combine individual work with group activities to provide a range of learning experiences. This approach not only caters to different learning preferences but also helps children develop well-rounded skills and adaptability.

10. Foster independent learning skills as children mature

Even more important than the actual vocabulary words they learn is the skill children develop in analyzing new words they encounter and being able to figure out their meaning.

Gradual responsibility. As children grow older, systematically increase their autonomy in learning. This process develops critical thinking, time management, and self-motivation skills essential for lifelong learning and future academic success.

Strategies to promote independent learning:

• Teach research and study skills explicitly
• Provide choices in learning activities and assignments
• Encourage self-evaluation and goal-setting
• Gradually increase expectations for independent work
• Offer guidance in breaking down large projects into manageable steps

Balance independence with appropriate support and accountability. Regular check-ins and discussions about learning progress help children stay on track while developing self-directed learning habits.

Last updated: December 18, 2024