Time4Learning Compared to Other Curricula
Shopping for homeschool curricula can be an exciting experience. Whether you’re looking for a core curriculum, a supplemental learning product, or summer learning options, you’ll have an opportunity to select and customize a program to enrich your child’s learning.
There are several types of homeschool curricula options and resources such as online books, worksheets, videos, unit studies, and interactive programs. Some families even use a combination of different resources and homeschool partners to create the richness they need from their homeschool program.
Here is an in-depth comparison of popular curricula options available:
If you’re not sure how to evaluate these different products, read on to learn about the different options and important factors to consider.
Different Types of Homeschool Curricula and Resources
Depending on your child’s preferred learning styles and the teaching methods that motivate them the most, you may find a few products that will match your needs. These include:
- Online programs: Many online tools offer independent learning at the students desired pace. Perks include automated grading and reporting systems that help parents keep organized and maintain homeschool portfolios, 24/7 access, core subjects along with a diverse roster of electives, interactive courses, videos and printable worksheets.
- Texts and workbooks: Children use traditional textbooks that include the classics, historical novels, science-based reading and more. They generally use a more traditional approach to learning and include teacher’s guides to help parents understand the curriculum.
- Unit studies: This method takes one theme and incorporates many subjects to teach that theme. For instance, a parent can choose a particular topic and blend history, science, math and creative writing to teach that topic. Unit studies also include many hands-on activities.
- Subject-centered: Subjects are isolated and taught on their own without the blending of other subjects. Heavy memorization and repetition is practiced in this curriculum style. Teachers use oral presentations, lectures and Q/A sessions as a way of teaching each subject.
- Eclectic: Parents pick and choose from various curricula to form their own curriculum, which best suits their children’s learning styles and needs. For instance, you may choose textbooks for one subject, a unit study and an online learning program for a few other subjects. It all depends on how you configure your choices.
- Homeschool co-ops: Homeschool co-ops give parents the opportunity to meet and work together to teach their children. Parents are expected to participate in some manner, and there are usually dues associated with co-ops.
You may not find one perfect curriculum type that meets all your needs. That happens with many homeschooling families. It’s normal. You should focus on finding the curriculum options that work for you and your family.
Evaluating a Homeschool Curriculum
When choosing a curriculum to build your ideal homeschool program you should consider a few important questions such as:
- What are my child’s educational needs and goals?
- What is the ideal format and presentation for my child?
- Is this product affordable for my family? Is there a money back guarantee I can turn to?
- Does this product offer parent resources such as planning and grading tools?
- Is this curriculum flexible and sustainable for my family’s lifestyle?
If you’re still looking to learn more, here is a homeschool curriculum comparison checklist to make your job much easier.
