Home Schooling – Curriculum Makes All the Difference

Home Schooling – Curriculum Makes All the Difference

Article by Shelly Brayzer

So you have made a decision to have your kid’s home schooled. Excellent for you! There is quite a bit of proof that children who are educated at home gain higher test scores, higher grades and do better in college and in the work force. Families that home school are more bonded than those that don’t. Leaving your reasons for homeschooling aside, do you know what kind of curriculum you want to use? Have you begun researching the various choices and approaches that are available? Picking out a curriculum for homeschooling doesn’t have to be an overly complex task. With some analysis you can make up a curriculum that is effective for you and your kids. Here are some things you should take into consideration.

A favorite of many is the curriculum referred to as unschooling which tends to be more relaxed and various. This curriculum allows your kids to teach themselves in a manner that focuses on their natural instincts and interests while building their own curriculum. Technically speaking, unschooling is not actually homeschooling since that, by definition, follows a set lesson plan and curriculum. This method gives your kids the independence to learn how, when and what they want. The best part is that you as the parent get to take a hands off approach to your children’s learning. While some parents have had a lot of success with this method, it isn’t always well received when it comes time to apply for scholarships, college admissions or taking the SATs. You have probably heard of Montessori or Waldorf schools before. These are typically schools that embrace an advanced learning style. Some people joke about them being “schools for geniuses.” You can now find Montessori and Waldorf type curriculum in a home school platform! Working and learning actively is the focus in this curriculum. The originators of this type of education would probably be quite displeased with the thought of a child learning from a tv or computer. If you are not largely into TV and computer lessons you too may like this plan best.

Of course, you are not always limited to one particular style of home schooling curriculum. Some home schooling parents have found great success through the blending of different teaching styles and learning methods. Remember: children are versatile creatures: what works for one subject might not work for another. Many parents worry that they wont be able to keep their kids interested. Curricula which is varied offer you and your kids the opportunity to explore and learn together. many kids learn better with a lot of variety.

The decision to home school your kids can be made for several reasons.

It could be that you don’t like your local public school for whatever reason. Perhaps private school tuition is too expensive. Perhaps you were persuaded to try home schooling by the studies showing how home schooled kids perform better later on in life. But whatever your reasons, it’s important to choose a good home school curriculum for you and your kids. The importance of the curriculum you choose cannot be stressed enough. You will be better able to pick the best home school curriculum for your kids when you understand the different types available.

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