Curriculum Help
Oh boy! The list of curriculums is most certainly overwhelming. The sheer volume of options is enough to make any new homeschooling family think twice about their decision. But don't fret! We are here to help however we can!
Below are recommendations for families along with brief descriptions as to what type of learners they work best with. The most helpful tip I can give a new homeschooling family, is don't be discouraged if your first curriculum doesn't seem to work well with your child. As homeschoolers we have the ability to find curriculums that suit our child's learning needs almost to a T, so don't give up and ask for help when you need it!
My Favorite Christian Based Curriculum
Gather Round
-Sarah Clemenson (NCCHG Founder)
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*Please note, I am NOT paid to write this review*
If you are a homeschool family looking for an interactive curriculum that you can use for ALL of your children, we would highly recommend looking into Gather Round. I say this as someone who uses this curriculum and went from my kids dreading school to them telling me "Mom I actually like school now!". If you are a local homeschooler and are interested but would like to look at the hard copies first, lets get together!
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Curriculum Perks:
-Lessons include ALL SUBJECTS aside from Math
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-You can teach all of your children at once, the same lesson regardless of age/grade!
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-Very interactive and encourages reasoning/critical thinking skills
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-Teachers Manuals for each unit will last through high school
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-Promotes family discussions and research thus helping build relationships with one another
Math
Language Arts
Social Studies
Science
Reading
Supplemental Material
Regrets and Tips
Below is a post from Mistyoakandarrows' Instagram account. It was such a good one I felt called to add it to this section of the website. This post is for anyone struggling with curriculum and homeschooling.
"This is our 9th year homeschooling, and I’m still learning. I’ve made many mistakes, some minor, while others were more impactful. Praise God for second chances, new days, hindsight, and the ability to course correct as needed.
These are my homeschooling regrets:
📌 Prioritizing curriculum over connection. The relationships we cultivate with our children matters deeply. Instead of white-knuckling through curriculum that clearly isn’t working and putting a strain on the relationship with your child, choose instead to pivot. Take a step back and evaluate your heart. Spend time healing what has been broken, and consider a new approach.
📌Caring what others think of our decision to homeschool. Once upon a time, I was deeply invested in the opinions of others. I needed them to understand our unconventional decision and approve of it. I’ve come to accept that God has given me and my husband stewardship of our children — and to nobody else. The decision to homeschool should be made between you, your spouse, and The One who knows your children best.
📌Comparing our homeschool to stranger’s Instagram posts. Comparison is the thief of joy; stacking our worst moments against the highlight reel of other’s homeschool is cruel and will make you miserable. Do not fall into the comparison trap.
📌Trying to recreate a public school classroom. Forever ago, in a different lifetime, I taught Preschool and Kindergarten and my training carried over into our homeschool. It was miserable. Homeschool is not meant to replicate public school, so — I say this kindly— stop trying! Strict schedules, rigid lesson plans, and filling every moment of your day with busy work will leave you frazzled and frustrated.
📌 Lacking flexibility. I’ve learned, specifically, that it is possible to follow Miss Mason’s principles without becoming entangled in legalism. Make adjustments in your curriculum as needed. Curriculum is a guide, not your master.
What are your homeschool regrets?"
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-Written by Mistyoaksandarrows on Instagram 2024
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