We are all on the hunt for the perfect curriculum. Does it exist? Is it out there? Does everyone know about it and are keeping it a secret from you?



There are literally hundreds of different curriculums to choose from. But how do you know what is best for you and your family?



When I started out (a whole whopping 3 years ago) the first thing I did was order a curriculum kit. I wanted to make sure I covered every subject at my son’s grade level. After all, what if I had to put him back in public school? The last thing I wanted was for anybody to be able to say he fell behind while I was home schooling him! Luckily, an experienced home school mom told me to cancel that order! It was all workbooks. Some thing she advised boys weren’t very keen on. Also, there was very little hands on activities in that particular brand name. So, it wasn’t very well suited for us. That doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect curriculum for some one else though!



What I’m going the long way around to say is that in order to know what curriculum is best for your family you need to know both your teaching style and your children’s learning style. Each of your children may learn completely differently from each other.



If you are unsure of your child’s learning styles you might want to use something like this chart on learning styles to aid you. Chart on Learning Styles:



http://www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm.


The following is a brief run down of the main Teaching Styles:



Charlotte Mason Method - The Charlotte Mason Method a unique approach to education focusing on literature and nature. You can find more information about this method at:


http://www.charlottemason.com/



http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/methods/CharlotteMason.htm



Classical Education Method - You can find more about this style at the following links:



http://www.classicalhomeschooling.org/


http://www.welltrainedmind.com/


http://www.gbt.org/clasced.html




Distance Learning or Umbrella Schools- These are courses your child can take through the internet or via mail. There are many different such schools. These schools provide all your curriculum and often do all the recording keeping for you.



Montessori Method - This method introduced by Dr. Montessori, is based on the idea that learning is a natural, self-directed process which follows certain fundamental laws of nature. You can find out more about this method of education at:



http://www.montessori.edu/method.html


Traditional homeschooling - This form of homeschooling is set up basically like public schools with a complete curriculum, traditional grading system, and record keeping.





Unit Studies Approach - The Unit Studies approach handles all subjects together into one theme or topic. They are usually very hands on. To learn more about unit studies try:



http://www.geocities.com/Athens/8259/unitstud.html



http://www.konos.com/



Unschooling Method - Unschooling or child-led learning is well child led. You take the opportunity to educate your child as they show interest in things. To learn more about unschooling check out:

http://home-educate.com/unschooling/



http://www.unschooling.com/



Eclectic Home schooling Method - An eclectic homeschooler uses bits and pieces of the all the methods to fit their needs. In the end I think this is the method most end up with. This is what I personally prefer.

Remember, to think about your special skills and your short comings.



I have a friend that just simply didn’t believe she could teach. So, she uses ABEKA with the disks that play on the computer each day. Her children go to a virtual classroom and she grades their papers.



We like to read books for our history because we find history text books boring! Also, I’m good at crafty stuff and use that in our lessons, but I know I’m too lazy for the Unit Study approach.

Take all these things into consideration when choosing you curriculum and you might just have a chance. However, sometimes you’ll think you’ve chosen the perfect curriculum and then a few weeks into it you’ll discover it just doesn’t work for you. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hundred times. Don’t use it if it doesn’t work! Toss it aside and find something that does.



To end on a bright note....



I think it’s only fair to warn you that in my humble opinion most of picking a curriculum is really trial and error.



So, what do you use?