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Choosing Curriculum
Q: Please advise me about how to
choose curriculum for my children. I’m just getting
started (the oldest is in kindergarten). I’ve heard
a lot about Saxon math and ABeka, and many other ones. Is
it best to choose just one publisher for all the subjects,
or should I pick and choose as many homeschoolers seem to
do? This seems like such a monumental decision, as though
I am planning their whole education plan for the next 12
years! Do most people choose one curriculum and stick with
it all the way, or is it o.k. to change from year to year?
I appreciate your thoughtful, conscientious approach toward
choosing curriculum as you start to homeschool. With your
oldest child in kindergarten, you will want any curriculum
you select to be fun to learn and fun to teach. Utilize
teachable moments, and try to keep structured learning periods
short, informal and loose. Hands on learning both indoors
and outdoors can be fun for each of your children.
When choosing any curriculum for your child in kindergarten,
select materials that will provide visual, auditory, and
kinesthetic learning experiences. As you work with your
child, determine which learning style is primary for him
or her, and choose future curriculum for him or her with
that style in mind.
As your younger children approach school age, remember
that the primary learning style for each of them may or
may not be the same one as for your oldest child. If you
discover that the preferred learning style of one or more
of your younger children differs from the learning style
of your oldest child, don't be afraid to change curriculum.
One of the wonderful advantages of homeschooling is that
curriculum can be chosen to "fit" each individual
child in a family. When curriculum is selected on the basis
of each individual child's learning style, you may or may
not have to change materials from year to year.
I am excited for you as you begin your homeschool journey.
Pray for the Lord's guidance each time you choose curriculum
and then relax and have fun teaching your children.
If you have a homeschooling question and
would like to “Ask The Veterans”, please put
it in writing to Board@OmahaHEN.org
or to: HEN Newsletter, 2610 Morrie Dr., Bellevue, NE 68147.
We will forward your question along to our veteran moms
who will respond for publishing in a future newsletter.
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or written, is intended as legal advice and should not take
the place of legal counsel from a qualified, informed attorney. |
