Finding the Right Homeschool Curriculum: A Guide for New Families

Discover how to choose the right homeschool curriculum for your family.

Learn practical tips and insights to ease the pressure on new homeschoolers.

Understanding Your Homeschool Needs

Some kids need to see it, some need to hear it, and some need to do it—but most kids need a little bit of all three

1. Visual Learners (See it)

Visual learners understand best through what they can see.

They prefer:

• Pictures, charts, diagrams
• Videos
• Color-coded notes
• Demonstrations

In your homeschool:

• Use illustrated curriculum
• Watch educational videos
• Draw things out (timelines, diagrams, maps)

These are the kids who say: “Can you show me?”

Auditory Learners (Hear it)

Auditory learners absorb information best through listening and talking.

They prefer:

• Read-alouds
• Discussions
• Audiobooks
• Verbal instructions

In your homeschool:

• Read lessons out loud
• Let them narrate back what they learned
• Use songs or memory rhymes

These are the kids who say: “Can you explain it to me?”

Kinesthetic Learners (Do it)

Kinesthetic learners need to move, touch, and experience to understand.

They prefer:

• Hands-on activities
• Building, experimenting
• Movement while learning
• Real-life application

In your homeschool:

• Use crafts, experiments, and farm life tasks
• Act things out
• Take learning outside

These are the kids who say: “Can I try it?”

Choosing a curriculum can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Here’s how to start the process.

• Assess Learning Styles – Every child learns differently. Consider whether your child is a visual learner, auditory learner, or a kinesthetic learner. This will help you narrow your options!
• Identify Your Family’s Rhythym – Think about your family’s daily life. What routines do you have? How much time can you realistically dedicate to homeschooling?

Why Learning Styles Matter

Understanding your child’s learning style is CRUCIAL. For instance, if your child learns bester through hands-on activities, a curriculum focused on experimental learning might be ideal. On the other hand, visual learners may benefit from more structured, visually rich materials.

I noticed pretty quick with my children that they learn differently from each other. My oldest (son) likes to read and watch movies, documentaries, etc. but he also likes to build things like legos. He loves to look at lego creation books and try to copy what they do and then add on to it. That showed me that he is more than likely a visual learner and kinesthetic learner. As time is going on though, he is starting to show signs of becoming an auditory learner as well. He enjoys music and a good audiobook. He also loves to share what he is learning from his audiobooks daily. So your kids may start out having one or more of these learning styles but as they get older, things may change and you may need to adjust.

My daughter on the other hand, she is ALL hands-on. She is definitely a kinesthetic learner through and through. She learns best by games, acting out and playing. She wants and needs all that fluff in her curriculum or workbooks. It has to be beautiful and colorful or she is just not interested. This taught me really quick that the curriculum I was using for my son, was not going to work for my daughter. We have to teach to our kids learning styles in order for them to comprehend and understand. That’s why figuring out your child’s learning style first is super important.

The Pressure of Choosing a Curriculum

Many new homeschoolers feel the pressure of choosing the right curriculum. I think most of the pressure is because there is SOOOO many different ones. Curriculums are not a one-size-fits-all unfortunately. Again, this is why it is so important to figure out your child’s learning style first. Learning that first will help get rid of a lot of options and point you in the right direction. Now, I absolutely LOVE YouTube when it comes to looking at curriculums. The reason I say that is because there are so many homeschool moms out there showing you what they curriculums look like page to page, explain who they work best for, and also some pros and cons. This was a saving grace when I was trying to find the right curriculum for that season that my kids are in.

Things to think about when choosing a curriculum:

• Avoid Comparison – It’s easy to look at what others are doing and feel inadequate. Remember, every family is different, and what works best for others may not work for you.
• Take it slow – You don’t have to make a choice immediately. Explore different options, and take your time to find what resonates with you family.

Embracing Flexibility

Flexibility is key in homeschooling. If a curriculum isn’t working, it’s ok to switch. Remember, this is a tool to facilitate learning, not a commitment. You are not married to your curriculum.

Practical Tips for Choosing Curriculum

Here are some actionable steps you can take:

• Research Options – Utilize online resources and social media to explore different curriculums. YouTube can be especially helpful to see how materials work in practice.
• Start Small – Don’t overbuy. Begin with a few subjects and expand as you find your rhythm.
• Evaluate and Adjust – Be open to making changes. If something isn’t working, it’s ok to pivot and try a different approach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When selecting a curriculum, new homeschoolers often make these mistakes.

• Overcomplicating – Don’t feel like you need a perfect setup. Start with what you have or find free resources like your library and teachers pay teachers.
• Ignoring Your Child’s Input – Involve your child in the decision-making process. Their preferences matter and can lead to a more enjoyable learning experience.

Choosing the right homeschool curriculum doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your child’s learning style, embracing flexibility, and taking your time, you can find a curriculum that works for your family.

Try a Free Learning Style Quiz with your kiddos (scroll towards bottom of their website for quiz)

Frequently Asked Questions?

How do I know if I’m choosing the right curriculum?

Start by considering your child’s learning style and your family’s lifestyle. Take your time to evaluate different options and don’t hesitate to adjust if something isn’t working.

What if I choose the wrong curriculum?

It’s completely fine to switch curriculums. Learning is a journey, and it’s important to find materials that fit your child’s needs.

How can I simplify my homeschool approach?

Focus on the starting small, involving your child in decisions, and being flexible with your plans. Simplifying your approach can lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Need a free curriculum decision guide? Click Here

And alongside this blog, I host the podcast It’s a Beautiful Day to Homeschool, where we go even deeper into the real-life side of homeschooling. 

For more information on starting homeschooling, please check out “The Beautiful Beginning” A Starter Guide for New Homeschool Moms. Available on amazon as a kindle ebook and physical copy or buy off my website for your digital download.

Don’t forget to check out my favorite curriculum!

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