Homeschooling 101

Lesson 2: Choosing your Curriculum

Finding Your Curriculum

Now that you have decided to homeschool, and even what homeschooling method you are going to use, you are ready to run out and jump head first (and spend big bucks) into buying your curriculum, right? Stop! Before you blow the family budget on books you will never use, take a few deep breaths and pull up a chair!

First, what is “Curriculum?” When most people think of curriculum, they think of a pre-packaged set of books and workbooks (commonly referred to a “school in a box.”) According to the dictionary, it is a course of academic studies. In my house, we look at is a plan of action. It is the plan we have decided is the best way to meet the academic goals we have met.

Keeping that in mind, you will soon find that “curriculum” is all around you. Take a look at your bookshelf. (Or the bookshelf of your neighbor.) I’ll bet you find at least one book that can be used in your homeschool. Look outside. There is a perfect nature study just waiting to happen! Once you decide what book or books you will need, there are a few options.

• You can get a homeschool supply catalog and order it direct from a supplier
• You can post a WTB (wanted to buy) ad on many of the homeschooling bulletin boards
• You can watch those same homeschooling message boards for someone to post it for sale
• Check out online auction sites. I know a few people who have bought all of the books they need for the year on Ebay for 1/10th the retail price

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a “school” book to find a place in your homeschool. We will be starting a one-year nature study at the end of this summer… from a “kids nature” book we got from the bargain bookshelf at our local bookstore.

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