So you’ve decided to homeschool this year, or you have begun to seriously think about it. You’ve likely begun to dig into the options out there to guide your learning. This is a wide and varied arena once you scratch the surface. Some of the terms and choices can sound like a language you’ve not yet mastered or sometimes even heard. Let me act as interpreter for a moment.
When looking at curricula your main options can be divided into three categories which are boxed sets, digital downloads, and online learning.
Boxed sets are a complete all in one program. They usually come with every piece you will use for a full school year. This includes, books, student workbooks, parent guides, and schedules. Some even include art supplies. When you order everything will be shipped to you. There is for sure an ease in knowing you have everything ready to go and now you simply need to work through it. This option is often quite expensive ranging from hundreds of dollars to thousands depending on the program you choose, the level of your learner and the continued support the company offers after purchase.
Online programs can take some of the weight off of the parents shoulders. There is either a program, recorded teacher, or live teacher leading your student. You can choose companies that offer individual classes or whole, full year learning options. Classes are offered in core academics as well as fun extras, we’ve even taken an online Caroling class during the holiday season and participated in an online Minecraft club. Note that some online programs marketed to homeschoolers are actually a “public school at home” option and not true homeschooling. This is not right or wrong just a note to make sure you understand what you are signing up for in advance.
Our last category is digital curriculum. When you purchase a digital curriculum you receive an email with an attached pdf file that you will then download to your computer, tablet or even smart phone. You can then take that file and have it printed and bound into booklets or simply reference through your device as you go. This sort of program purchase is less costly to begin with because no physical product is shipped to you.
Some curriculum companies can be a hybrid of the types I have mentioned here. You may have the choice to receive a digital download at a lower cost or pay more and receive physical copies. You may also have options to purchase the needed books direct from a company or receive a book list only and source the titles through your local library. You may do some learning with a teacher online and some parent guided along with that.
Printing of pdf files can be done at a store in your area like Office Max, UPS Store, or a locally owned printer. You can also print documents yourself on your home printer. While I stick to small print projects at home some seasoned homeschoolers buy their own spiral or disc binding machines and swear by instant ink subscriptions. You can also upload your files to an online printing company and have the finished product shipped to you. There are even a few of these companies that specialize in printing digital curricula for homeschooling families. Think about how you want your items printed, paper weight, type of binding, color quality, and type of cover are all things you’ll be asked when you go to print.
Some homeschool programs will have long lists of books to use, particularly those described as literature based. When looking at these programs you will see the term “spines” used. Spines are the books for a specific subject that will be used often and are a main base for your learning. In a program where you plan to source many of your needed books from the library the spines would be the titles you’d purchase instead. I equate spines to main text books that I had in my own traditional school experience.
You may hear someone say they love a particular program but needed to “supplement”. This means that either a particular subject isn’t covered in that program or they wish to add more learning in one or more areas and are adding an additional program to compliment what they are already using. Some programs will even tell you if they recommend a complimentary program in a particular area of study, another great reason to read through their websites thoroughly.
What level to choose? An important fact when looking at homeschool programs is that many if dare I say most do not necessarily match levels to traditional grade levels. What I mean here is that when you see “level one” that may not mean the same thing as “first grade”. Programs may be leveled with numbers, ages, or letters. Read carefully info on leveling, many authors will for example say “level one is appropriate for ages 6-8”. The level one science program I used listed itself as adaptable for grades 1-4. I am currently using pieces of a level k art and composure study with my 8 year old and its a great fit. This in no way means your student is behind or working below level it just means the program is flexible and adaptable. Letting go of matching the expected grade can be hard. It is also so necessary to embrace this idea to get the most out of your year of learning.
I highly suggest looking for first hand reviews on any program that interests you. Most curriculum companies have great websites, blogs, and dedicated facebook groups for families using and considering using their products. Read every part of the website, join all the groups, these will be great ways to get a feel for a program and if it will be a good fit for you and your learner. There are often sample pages or in some cases placement tests you can download as well. When I research I happen to love video reviews. I like to see the moving pieces in action. A quick look at Instagram tv and youtube have always turned up at least a video or two, or 200, on any company I've wanted to know more about.
I hope I've been able to make your travels in the land of homeschool a bit easier with this list of options, terms and suggestions. Have you run across any other terms when looking into homeschooling that made you pause and say “wait, what?”? Please list them in the comments here and we can chat about them.
As I continue along with this homeschooling series I’m going to talk about how to map out your day and find a schedule that works for you. How to best utilize homeschool groups on facebook. How to make the most of your local library and book sourcing. I am also going to dive into what programs I use, why I use them, and how our days flow. I hope you will join me. Happy homeschooling to you, Jessica.