Why I don’t buy Homeschool Curriculum

When we first decided to homeschool almost 4 years ago, I was overwhelmed by the amount of choices I had regarding curriculum. IXL, K-12, Time4Learning; I see the ads but how do I choose? And Who is Charlotte Mason?? What is Montessori?? (Scratches head) More importantly how do I know which one would work for my children?! The fact is I didn’t know. And I didn’t want to spend money on curriculum only to realize it didn’t serve my kids. I dare say purchasing a curriculum is more for the security of the parent than the actual educating of the child. At least at first. Let’s face it, embarking on a homeschooling journey is scary for most. All we know is we want what’s best for our children and the traditional way of schooling doesn’t seem to be that. Having never homeschooled before it makes sense to want a road map or curriculum to follow to guide you along with your child(ren). But because I had no clue, I decided not to purchase a curriculum at all.

So what did I do? I purchased a computer, educational game software, notebooks, school supplies (markers, pencils etc.), learning tools (math blocks), and my favorite, workbooks from the $1 section at Target. Oh, and I used Education.com which you can use for free but I subscribed so I could track each child’s progress. Also it was very affordable for my 3 learners at that time ($60 for the year on special. Typically $99). Then insert field trips as often as possible and we had ourselves a homeschool!! (Blasts confetti).

My approach was to watch and learn. I’d introduce various things and reevaluate if they weren’t serving my children. Just paying attention and talking to them helped me understand what worked and what didn’t. For instance, I noticed that my son had some sensory sensitivities. Bright or Fluorescent light gave him headaches. Whoa! Because environment affects learning too. He got distracted by numbered math problems (ex: 1. 2+2 vs 2+2), and switching from one order of operations to another. As a result, he worked in softer light and I printed worksheets that weren’t numbered. I’m not a genius, I’m just a parent. I thank The Most High for the ability to do all He has given me to do. And with that said I believe I’ve also been equipped with what I need to carry this journey out and so are you.

Today our homeschool looks quite different than it did then. We use workbooks less, a lot less. The kids use their tablets for research and math mostly. We have more conversations and this year, they are being introduced to online classes with other students that align with each of their interests. Homeschool evolves, it changes as they change. So my approach is to adapt and give them what they need as they grow. If at some point there is a curriculum that makes sense to purchase based on what I’ve learned about them then I’ll purchase it, but until then…😊

Please let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions. Be blessed and Shalom💕