If you’re considering homeschooling your child, you’ve probably already realized that you must make many decisions, primarily with your kids’ interests at the center of them. One of the critical decisions is choosing the right curriculum, especially when it comes to math. Math is a foundational subject essential for success in many areas of life, so you should choose a curriculum that will provide your child with a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.
When choosing a homeschool math curriculum, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most important considerations and provide tips for finding the best math curriculum for your child.
Consider Homeschooling
Before we dive into the specifics of choosing a math curriculum, let’s take a step back and consider why you’re homeschooling in the first place. Homeschooling offers many benefits, including tailoring your child’s education to their individual needs and interests.
However, homeschooling also requires significant time, energy, and resources. Therefore, you must be clear about your reasons for homeschooling and have a solid plan before you begin.
How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum
Once you’ve decided to homeschool your child, the next step is to choose a curriculum. Many options are available, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Here are some key factors to consider:
Prioritize Your Child’s Learning Style
Every child is unique, and different learning styles may work better for some children than for others. For example, some kids learn best through hands-on activities, while others prefer reading and writing. In addition, some children are visual learners, while others are auditory learners.
Before you choose a math curriculum, consider your child’s learning style and choose a curriculum that is well-suited to their needs. For example, there’s no need for a curriculum that relies on math courses for 1-8 grades if your child is in preschool. Similarly, don’t choose a popular curriculum if it won’t work well with your child’s learning style; that would be a waste of time and resources and may even make your youngster less interested in studying math.
Consider Your Teaching Style
In addition to your child’s learning style, you should consider your own teaching style. Ask pertinent questions like, “am I comfortable with a curriculum requiring much teacher involvement or prefer a more independent approach?” You can also consider why you want your child to homeschool in the first place.
Some math curricula are designed to be taught by a parent, while others are more self-directed. So, consider your strengths and preferences when choosing a curriculum.
Have a Realistic Budget
Homeschooling can be expensive, and curriculum costs can quickly add up. Before you choose a math curriculum, set a budget and consider homeschooling costs of each option. Some math curricula are more expensive than others, but remember that the most expensive option may not necessarily be the best fit for your child. And don’t start investing in a curriculum if you don’t have the financial capacity to get the additional materials and resources to make the curriculum effective.
Ensure the Curriculum Has Accreditation
If your child plans to attend a college or university, choosing an accredited math curriculum is a must. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets specific standards and will be recognized by higher education institutions. Check the accreditation status of any math curriculum you’re considering to introduce to your child to ensure they get the necessary education for traditional academic progression.
Read Reviews and Recommendations
One of the best ways to evaluate a math curriculum is to read reviews and recommendations from other homeschooling families. Look for reviews on homeschooling websites and forums and ask for recommendations from other homeschooling parents. These steps can give you valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different curricula.
Check State or Local Homeschool Regulations
Before choosing a curriculum, research the homeschool regulations in your state or local area. Some states have specific requirements for homeschool curricula, while others allow more flexibility. Make sure the curriculum you choose meets any applicable regulations.
Research the Curriculum’s Content and Philosophy
Consider the content and philosophy of a curriculum before choosing it for your homeschool. Some curricula may have a specific focus, such as Christian or secular, while others may have a particular educational philosophy, such as Montessori or classical. Consider whether the curriculum’s content and philosophy align with your child’s values and educational goals.
Confirm the Availability of Support and Resources
Finally, consider the availability of support and resources when choosing a homeschool curriculum. Some curricula offer online support or access to a community of other homeschooling parents, while others may offer training or materials for a parent-teacher. Consider whether your chosen curriculum provides the resources and support you need to teach your child effectively.
Make Flexibility and Adaptability Core Criteria of Your Curriculum
It’s essential to consider the flexibility and adaptability of a curriculum when choosing it for your homeschool. Some curricula may be rigid and inflexible, while others may allow for more customization and adaptation. For instance, some curricula require strict adherence to a schedule or pace, while others are more flexible and can be adapted to fit your child’s learning needs and your family’s schedule. So, consider whether the curriculum allows you to tailor the learning experience to your child’s needs and abilities and whether it allows for modifications if your child struggles or excels in certain areas.
Consider the Required Time Commitment
Consider the time commitment required for the curriculum. For example, some math curricula require daily lessons, while others may only require a few weekly lessons. Ensure that you and your child can realistically commit to the minimum time the curriculum requires for a holistic learning experience.
Some factors that can affect the time commitment include the complexity of the material, the number of lessons, and the format of the curriculum. Understanding and comparing these elements to your child’s resistance level to learning fatigue and your own availability will make assessing the time commitment required for a math curriculum easier. You should also review the curriculum’s time estimates and choose the one that allows your child to balance other subjects and activities.
The Top-rated Math Curriculum for 1-8 Grades
Numerous math curricula are available for homeschoolers, but the one below has become increasingly popular and highly recommended as the best math curriculum.
The Common Core Math Curriculum
The Common Core State Standards for mathematics (CCSS-M) is a set of guidelines that define what students should know and be able to do in math at each grade level from kindergarten through high school. The CCSS-M emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and real-world problem-solving.
Students are expected to develop fluency in arithmetic operations, understand the properties of numbers and operations, and apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems. The curriculum builds on prior knowledge and skills, focusing on deeper understanding rather than memorizing formulas or procedures.
The CCSS-M aims to prepare students for college and career by providing a solid foundation in mathematics. While implementing the CCSS-M has been controversial, many educators and experts like Brighterly believe it provides a more rigorous and coherent approach to math education.
In summary
Choosing a math curriculum for your homeschool can be a daunting task. Still, you can find the best math curriculum for your child by considering your child’s learning style, your own teaching style, budget, accreditation status, and reviews from other homeschooling families. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling, and what works for one family may not work for another. Be open to trying different approaches and adjusting them to ensure your child receives the best possible education.
