Finding the right homeschool curriculum package for your child can be daunting, especially if you are new to homeschooling. You may mistakenly believe that just because private and public schools use a formal curriculum, you should also do the same for your homeschooled child.
Families who are new to homeschooling often start by using a complete curriculum package. If you do this, you will quickly find out that the workload or structure can be overwhelming. To avoid burnout, you will have to experiment with different teaching methods and find out which method is best suited to your child's learning style. Keep in mind that as a homeschooling parent, you have many curriculum to choose from.
Curriculum packages contain everything you need to start schooling at home. Your package can contain books, study sheets, teacher guides, tests and activities. Report cards may also be included. Some homeschool programs require completed work to be mailed to an assigned teacher who will correct and grade your child's work. Accredited homeschool programs keep transcripts, and a diploma may be given when the program is completed.
There are many providers of homeschool curriculum packages, including A Beka Correspondence Program, Calvert School, Oak Meadow School, Sonlight Curriculum and Seton Home Study School. In general, they provide programs from kindergarten through grade 12. The curriculum package includes all materials needed for the school year. Prices range from $500 to about $2,000 world history curriculum .
Homeschool packages offer many advantages. A full curriculum package is very helpful for parents who are new to homeschooling. There are also packaged curricula with a Christian perspective. This kind of package is ideal for families who want to include religion in their children's education. A full curriculum package provides the structure, legal requirements as well as reporting requirements that you may be looking for in a homeschool program.
One major disadvantage with these packages is that they can be quite expensive. In addition, satisfaction levels vary. It is also possible that your child may resist the program's teaching method or structure. Additionally, homeschooling requires a lot of time and new homeschooling parents may be overwhelmed by the amount of work involved.