The education industry is a billion dollar industry. There are 1000s of choices and it can be overwhelming. This is written for anyone shopping for curriculum for any age group.
Asking which curriculum is best is like asking which red lipstick is best. They might have slightly different shades, textures, prices and ingredients; however, they are all mostly the same. Also, the shade that works well for you might not work well for someone else. The same is true for curriculum. You can easily say that all math curriculum is similar. The "best" curriculum is whatever works best for your family.
There are so many choices for lipstick. There are also a lot of curriculum choices. We recommend attending a Homeschool convention. They have seminars, activities as well as a large curriculum show room. This is a good opportunity to see, touch and shop for curriculum in person.
One way to research curriculum is to watch creators review them on Youtube. They will show you photos of the inside of books and materials.
Research homeschool methods. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to teach based on your families needs and teaching style. Having an idea of your preferred teaching method will help you when shopping for materials. For example, if you don't like online learning, don't do it. If you don't want to use text books, there are plenty of other ways to homeschool without them. If you want a more "hands-on" learning opportunities, there are curriculum options for that as well.
You can find curriculum everywhere. I have found workbooks and supplies at Dollar Tree, Target, and Barnes and Noble.
Teacher discounts are often extended to homeschool families. You can use them in many stores like Michael's when buying supplies. Check the store for its policies. A HSLDA membership card is one way to provide proof of homeschooling.
One benefit of homeschooling is you can go at your own pace and meet your child where they are at while also challenging them. Grades are mostly arbitrary and generally do not exist in the homeschool world. We teach our children what they need to learn and stop when they've learned what they need to learn. When we introduce our children, we always say their ages and not their "grade" level. It is totally normal for a "5th grade" homeschooler to be reading at a 8th grade level, doing 6th grade spelling and 4th grade math.
You can buy a lot of materials used or free. There are used curriculum sales and people often sell items online on Ebay and FB marketplace. Teachers sell their inventory. Daycare closing sales are also great ways to buy supplies and curriculum. I have found documentaries, art supplies, books and other supplies at thrift stores. People also give away curriculum and supplies.
Teaching different grades is easier than you think. Many educational activities can be enjoyed and benefitted by different age groups. You would never say that the local history museum or zoo can only benefit children in 4th grade. That would be silly. This is true for other experiences like doing a science project, baking, studying a composer, and doing an obstacle course.
Online resources are available. Free printable worksheets, Youtube tutorials, websites and other resources are available. Many of them are free.
Many curriculum companies sell materials to homeschoolers and schools. If you wanted to use what your local school uses, that is an option. Also, be aware your order might be delayed or back- ordered during parts of the year because of this.
Boxed curriculum is a purchase of all the materials your child may need grouped together (math, spelling, science etc) "in one box". There are pros and cons of buying curriculum this way.
ECE (Early Childhood Education) is generally preschool and Kindergarten. Curriculum is available for you if you want it, however many veterans like us will tell you that If you are homeschooling children ages 5 and under, you generally do not need it. All you need is some good toys, sensory bins, books, and blocks. Here is our toy list.
Homeschooling is more than curriculum and books. It is board games, dance classes, fitness equipment, art supplies, "Trail Life", meeting up with friends for social interaction, extra curricular classes etc. Here is an article about how you might be "accidentally homeschooling" because it is composed of a lot of normal, every day activities that count as "school".
Ready to take the leap and homeschool? Here are some tips to get started.
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