There are so many curriculum choices available that it is easy to get overwhelmed. I think the first step to picking one, is to determine what kind of teaching method you will use. This post is titled How to Pick a Curriculum That Works For You on purpose. It should work for you….you don’t work for it. Likewise, you don’t have to be enslaved to a teaching method. Use what works for you, combine, explore! I will give a very brief overview of the four most commonly used methods of homeschooling:

Unit Studies: Information is presented by a common topic to teach each subject. An example of this method would be to use the topic of volcanoes. You would read books about volcanoes for reading, you would use volcano terms for spelling, you would find the locations of volcanoes on the map or globe for geography, you would read about the effects of volcanoes on people for history, learn how volcanoes are formed for science, write sentences about volcanoes for writing and grammar, and draw a picture of a volcano for art. When you’ve had your fill of volcanoes or after a week, you pick another topic. Many people who use the unit study method supplement with a “regular” math and grammar curriculum, however, you may certainly count lava rocks if you like!

Advantages: Topics can follow the child’s interests, can be studied in depth, and are generally retained. Works great for families with children of various ages.

Disadvantages: It takes a little more time to prepare materials…usually with trips to the library. It also may be a little difficult track and assess your students grade level.

Provider: KONOS, Rainbow Resource

Living Books: This is also called the Charlotte Mason approach. This method uses “living books” or “real books” vs. textbooks to teach subjects. There is also a large emphasis on students interacting with nature, art, and music. A living book approach would prefer to use a book written about Abraham Lincoln, or things written by Abraham Lincoln to learn about the Civil War (or The War Between The States if you prefer). These books may also include historical fiction.

Advantages: Books are more engaging than textbooks. It’s easier to track your student’s progress. Pre-packaged programs readily available.

Disadvantages: Reading intensive programs may not suit every learning style. It will require time for parents of kid’s who are reading well yet. Some pre-packaged programs only focus on American History.

Providers: Sonlight, Rainbow Resource

Classical: The Classical Method uses the Trivium Method of presenting material. The core material is centered around time periods in history and languages. The time periods are studied three times in the student’s education (trivium) each time with increasing depth. This method is suitable for schools or home. This method focuses heavily on reading good literature, writing well , history (chronologically) , and languages.

Advantages: Rigorous material, well rounded, can be implemented easily with other methods. Works well with children of different ages (I’m biased…I use this method)

Disadvantages: There is a tendency to make this “like regular school” because it is rigorous.

Providers: Veritas Press, Rainbow Resource, Love to Learn, The Well Trained Mind

Unschooling: This method presents everything as a learning experience. Children learn from just day to day living and doing things.

Advantages: You can follow the child’s interests and study things in-depth. Great for families with various age ranges.

Disadvantages: Requires you to be disciplined in giving the child new experiences frequently. Hard to keep track of what was taught.

Providers: YOU.

Textbook: This is the method used by most public schools.

Advantages: Works well with large groups.

Disadvantages: May not work as well with multiple ages.
Can turn into a public school type of setting if parents aren’t creative. Reading material tends to be less enjoyable.

Providers: Abeka, Seton

Once you know what kind of method you would like to use to teach, you may find it easier to pick a curriculum provider.