When Jessica Turner from Spotsylvania County started homeschooling her two children in August 2023, she found herself navigating a wealth of information. From multiple curricula to diverse homeschooling methods, Turner experienced a challenge many new homeschool parents face: which curriculum is the right fit for us?

Selecting the right curriculum can feel daunting and overwhelming for any new homeschool parent, leaving families tempted to quickly dive in. With so much information at our fingertips, it’s hard to know where to even begin. 

Sarah Blunkosky, founder and integrative learning coach at Learning Heroine LLC (Kinattain) in Fredericksburg, specializes in helping families build a roadmap for home education and understands this challenge well. Her advice? Don’t rush into purchasing a curriculum.

“There are so many good math curricula, so many good writing programs. You can freeze with choice,” says Blunkosky. “The challenge is a lot of families rush in and drop a lot of money on a program…I think something to remember is that you don’t have to buy brand new just because you’re new at something.”

A homeschool parent herself, Blunkosky further suggests parents first consider their child’s learning style as well as their parenting methods when first choosing a curriculum. 

"One kid’s capacity to sit still is another kid’s torture. So that’s something to think about,” she explains. “Checking in with what’s going on sensory-wise, like whether your child is getting enough movement? Is your child able to soothe themselves?…that's the beauty of homeschooling, as you can cater to each child's individual needs.”

The Turner family embraced this approach as the mother of two carefully selected educational materials that aligned not only with her family’s educational goals but also with their personal and family values.

"I wanted a biblical-based curriculum," Turner explains. "Also, I'm not a teacher by trade, so I wanted something that was open and go, and self-explanatory. This way, there wasn’t much lesson planning on my part since I also work part-time."

However, the transition to homeschooling wasn't without its challenges. While Turner’s daughter, Charlotte, 10, was a textbook student, her son, Levi, 8, struggled to adapt to the new educational method. She says he thrived in a more interactive and dynamic setting, and struggled with the change in routine and expectations.

“Getting him to take it seriously even though we're home was a challenge,” says Turner. “It was kind of just about me establishing those boundaries at first.”

However, Turner says she remained open to adjusting her approach based on her children's needs and responses. For instance, she considered switching their language arts curriculum when she noticed her children weren't as engaged as she hoped.

 "Just because you start with one curriculum doesn't mean you have to stick with it forever…They were doing the work, checking the box, but I felt like I was losing them in the process and that they weren’t actually retaining it.” Turner says.

What works for one family might not work for another, but no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey, Blunkosky reminds parents to be patient and to take the time to adapt to their new educational approach. 

"Homeschooling can feel overwhelming…It took me three years to feel at ease with homeschooling. So, give yourself a couple of years to adapt and get used to this very new thing,” Blunkosky says.

Even with the challenges homeschooling can bring, one of the key advantages is the ability to create a flexible learning environment both inside and outside of the home. The Turner family initially set up a dedicated schoolroom but soon found that the children preferred doing their work in more casual settings, like on the floor or at the kitchen table. Homeschooling also allows them to incorporate travel and real-world experiences into their education, and she encourages other families to do the same. 

"[Homeschooling] is not going to look like traditional school, so stop trying to put that pressure on yourself,” says Turner. “The beauty of homeschooling is that you can do it wherever and whenever it suits your family. Take advantage of the opportunity to travel and have those experiences with your kids that you might not otherwise have because you're bound to a normal school schedule." 

Despite some bumps along the way, Turner found that homeschooling brought her family closer together.

"There's so much more to gain from homeschooling than just the academic part,” says Turner. “My kids and I have grown closer through it, and we’re closer as a family just from having so much more time together.All in all, I’m really grateful for these times with them.”

For parents considering homeschooling, Turner offers these encouraging words:

"I always said I couldn’t do it, and here we are, going into our second year,” she says. “You don’t have to be a teacher to take it on. We’re all learning together."

 

SIDE BAR:

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Curriculum for Your Child

1. Understand Your Child’s Learning Style

Take time to observe how your child learns best. Do they prefer hands-on projects, visual aids, or listening to stories? Understanding your child's learning style will help you choose the right curriculum and teaching methods.

 

2. Match Your Homeschool Style with Your Parenting Style

Your homeschool approach should complement your parenting style. Whether you prefer a structured schedule or a more relaxed approach, align your homeschooling methods with your natural parenting style for a harmonious and effective learning environment.

3. Do Your Research

Start your research at the library, a valuable, free resource for homeschooling families. Most reference librarians can help you find books, resources, materials, and even curricula that match your child’s interests.

4. Be Flexible and Don’t Be Afraid to Switch It Up

Flexibility is one of the main advantages of homeschooling. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it. Whether it’s the curriculum, the teaching method, or the daily schedule, find what works best for your family.

5. Give Yourself Time

Homeschooling is a significant change, and it takes time to adjust. Don’t expect everything to fall into place immediately. Give yourself and your child time and space to adapt to this new way of learning.