How to Find New-to-You Curriculum

 

 

For most of us, we are well past half way on the journey to finishing another school year. The end is coming soon, and though it may be a bit early to start planning for next year, it is never too early to collect ideas. Below are ten ways I have used, and still use, to find new-to-me curriculum. Perhaps one or more may help you as well.



10 Ways to Find Good New-to-You Curriculum

1. Read Reviews On Line - The Old Schoolhouse Reviews, Homeschool Curriculum Explorer, The Curriculum Choice, and Cathy Duffy Reviews are great places to find numerous reviews.
2. Read Blogs - How grateful I am to other homeschooling mommas who mention what curriculum they use, how they use it, and if it works! Often they are quite considerate and include links to the curriculum, too.
3. Read Books like Cathy Duffy's 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.
4. Ask Your Homeschooling Friends - Our family has been homeschooling for a long time now, but last night I sought out a veteran homeschooling mom to ask her opinion on a high school math curriculum I was researching.
5. Post a Question on a network, support group, or facebook group. Many helpful comments and suggestions can be found by just asking a question.
6. Check Out Publisher's Pages - Homeschool World has a virtual mall with links to many publishers' sites.
7. Browse Catalogs - Perhaps a bit old school, but still a place to find new-to-you curriculum. Rainbow Resource puts out a catalog that makes the phone book look like a light weight.
8. Look Into Traditional, Public, and Private Schools Curriculum. It may not always be a good fit for homeschooling, but some can be adapted for a home setting. Often, private schools will list the curriculum they use right on their websites. Pearson and Evan-Moor are names of two traditional textbook or workbook companies. If you know what you want, but can't find it for purchase this used textbook site may have it for purchase or rent.
9. Consider Nontraditional Methods, Lessons, and Books - Maybe a textbook or set curriculum is not right for your family, child, or a particular subject. Unschooling or Relaxed Homeschooling may be an option for you. Another consideration is online courses or lessons. There may not be any curriculum or books to purchase as the information is all available for reading and interaction on line.
10. Make Your Own - A resource like Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School, by Rebecca Rupp would be a terrific help when making your own curriculum.