Five Steps To Choose Homeschool Curriculum

There is an amazing selection of terrific supplies for homeschooling families. The internet brings this to our fingertips. Are you looking into curriculum for next year, or considering homeschooling for the first time? Here are a few ideas to make curriculum shopping less intimidating:

1) Create a budget.

What is the ideal amount you would like to spend? What can your family afford above/below that amount? Do you have money set aside to pay all at once, or will you be trying to take advantage of a payment plan (many companies offer these)? Nailing this down first will help you make tough decisions as you go, rather than getting your heart set on something only to realize you can't make it happen after all.

2) Create a master list.

Begin with considering which method (or methods!) of schooling best fit with your family. Think about what your mission is a homeschooling parent and what your goals are - as a family and for each particular child. Then list any requirements in your state for the ages of your children. Once you have these parameters in place, you can list the subjects you will be covering, leaving space to fill in which materials you will use as you find them.

3) Research your options.

The internet is the best shopping tool on the planet, hands down. Not only can you look over samples and lists at homeschool curriculum companies, you can also read the reviews of other parents who have used those materials and connect with other homeschooling parents to glean their perspectives on different items. Talk with the other homeschooling families in your area; ask what they are using, what they have used, and what their thoughts are concerning your curriculum quest.

4) Attend used curriculum sales and homeschool conventions.

Wether or not you purchase anything at these gatherings, you will benefit from the time you spend. It is one thing to look at an advertised book or system on your computer screen, but it is quite another to hold it in your hands, flip through all the pages and speak with the parent (and sometimes student) who used it. First-hand accounts like this and the option to read over the material helps a great deal in the decision-making process.

5) Fill in the blanks.

Once you get this far, you will have most of the items on your list filled. I usually don't make any purchases online (though I may have a saved 'shopping cart' waiting to click 'check out') until I've been to the events in step four. Then, if I have a few things I didn't find or still need, I can take advantage of bulk rates or discounted shipping when I add to my order. I may beg or borrow materials from a friend or put together lessons from a free resource online.

What have you found to be your best resource for researching curriculum?

Attending a Homeschool Convention

Having attended many homeschool conventions, I sometimes forget what it is like for a first time attendee. Then, this year, my husband decided to attend a spring homeschool convention with me. It will be his first. As we discussed all that we could do at the convention, he started to get a glazed over, too much information, sensory overload look. I realized what I now consider typical homeschool convention information was way too much for a first time attendee. Taking a few steps back, I started over and explained it all again.   

Are you considering attending a homeschool convention or conference this year? In an effort to better explain homeschool conventions, I have broken down the information into a question and answer format. It is my hope that this information will be beneficial to you.

What is a homeschool conference or convention?
These organized meetings for homeschoolers occur in a variety of locations around the country each year. Most are scheduled in the spring and early summer months. Organized lectures, workshops, curriculum fairs, and encouraging seminars may be some of the events planned. Primarily, each conference or convention has several purposes, but one main purpose: to encourage you to start or keep homeschooling. To find a homeschool convention near you: search here.

Who should attend?
Anyone interested in homeschooling or actively homeschooling should consider attending, if possible. Also, grandparents of children homeschooled or supportive friends/family members who are interested in learning more about homeschooling might consider attending a conference or convention.

How does one prepare?
If you have already decided to attend a conference or convention, then perhaps you are wondering how best to prepare for it. Several suggestions follow.

• Read through the speaker/workshop/break out session schedule. Decide which sessions you definitely want to attend, would be nice to attend, and could skip. Rank the sessions if needed. Also, if there is more than one session at a given time, and you'd like to attend both, then consider purchasing the audio for one of the sessions after the conference. By deciding which sessions you must attend, you can then devise a plan or schedule for your day(s).
• Obtain a map of the convention center. This will help you learn the set up and plan your travels through the curriculum hall. (Maps are essential for large conventions.) I have found it helpful to highlight the rooms or booths I want to visit during the convention.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Most people will recommend sneakers. This is a great choice. However, I have a pair of sandals that are actually more comfortable and more accommodating for a full day on my feet. So, wear something you are comfortable walking and standing in all day long.
• Wear light layers. Convention halls can vary in temperatures. Large halls may be cool, but as they fill with people temperatures may increase.
• Consider your accessories. If you are going to be purchasing books bring something light, compact, and on wheels that you can roll behind you. It is much easier on your shoulders than a heavy back pack. Also, it can be carted across long distances, like to your parked car, easily. However, if you aren't purchasing books a large shoulder bag or backpack may be ideal for carrying your notebook or clipboard and pen for note taking.

What is the one essential thing to remember when you are there?
Remember your plan. When you get to a convention, especially for first time attendees, it can be, well, overwhelming. The homeschool conventions I have attended have crowds of people, lots of curriculum booths, ample speakers, and multiple sessions each hour. It can be sensory overload. Having a plan in place can make the convention easier to navigate. While you are at the convention, remember what you want to do and see. You are attending the conference for a reason. Be sure to fulfill your reason by completing your list of priorities outlined in your plan.

What about after the conference?
After the conference, you can sort through your notes from the lectures, workshops, and seminars. Pulling out the information that is vital to your homeschool and attempting to implement any changes. Also, remember that after the conference you can sometimes purchase audio feed to any sessions you missed.

If you can't attend a homeschool conference or convention, then perhaps you might consider an online option. Many workshops or seminars are now offered online. A few places to consider: Ultimate Homeschool Expo; Heart of the Matter Conference; and HSLDA @home E-vents.