Blog #1: Finding the right Curriculum

As someone who was homeschooled, I can attest to the importance of finding the right curriculum and structure for your child's unique learning needs. Every child is different, so it's crucial to understand whether they are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners and find materials that cater to those strengths.

When my parents were selecting our homeschool curriculum, they first determined our family's educational goals and values. This helped them identify the approach that best aligned with our needs and the universities we were aiming for. They researched various programs, looked at samples, read reviews, and considered factors like learning objectives, teaching methods, cost, and ease of use.

They also built in flexibility, knowing they could adjust or supplement the materials if something wasn't working well for us.

Of course, the core academic areas like math, English, science, and history were the foundation. But, my parents also incorporated electives, extracurriculars, and enrichment activities to provide a well-rounded education.

Looking back, I now understand why math and English were such an intense focus for us. Strong math skills, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, are essential for so many college majors. Excellent English proficiency in reading, writing, and communication is critical for success in any field.

My parents used rigorous, college-prep curricula for both math and English. We had tons of practice in problem-solving, critical analysis, and composition. They monitored our progress closely and provided additional support whenever we needed it. We were also exposed to a wide range of literary works and challenging math concepts.

Maintaining that structure and discipline was key since we didn't have the built-in routine of a normal school day. Our parents created a consistent daily schedule to provide stability. This helped us stay focused, avoid distractions, and manage our time effectively. We learned crucial habits like grooming, personal hygiene and organizing our rooms and workspace, completing timely assignments, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.

Looking back, I now see how those skills have benefited me tremendously as I've transitioned to college. The discipline and time management I developed through homeschooling have given me a distinct advantage. The reduced stress and anxiety from having clear expectations and consistent routines has been invaluable.

My parents were wonderful role models of discipline, and they involved us in creating our daily schedules. That collaborative approach was so important. The right homeschooling curriculum, combined with structure and discipline, can truly set children up for incredible success. I'm grateful my parents prioritized those elements in our education.

Ensuring compliance with local laws must also be a top priority. Make sure the curriculum meets all the educational requirements in your state or country. Certain countries like Germany, Greece, Turkey, and Iran do not recognize homeschooling as a legal form of education. Others like China and Argentina require approvals.