When it comes to curriculum choices, everyone has different things in mind for their child. All children learn differently, and at different paces, so it's an important decision. And isn't that a big reason why we all homeschool in the first place!? :) Some parents choose to purchase a curriculum that is already completely spelled out for them so they know exactly what to do and when. Some parents choose between a few different curriculums based on interest of the child, or how they learn; they like the flexibility in the choices. Some parents choose not to use a curriculum, but instead think up their own ideas and piece together whatever they want. All of these ways of using curriculum is just fine! Whatever meets the needs of you and your child is going to be the best choice.
For those parents out there who, for whatever reason, choose to come up with their own curriculum, try using the steps that I take and see if they help! I've been writing lesson plans and overview curriculums for myself and others for my public school classes as well as private lessons for 8 years. It does take a long time, but you'll get the hang of it and love the flexibility of being able to plan what you want around your child and their needs. Feel free to contact me for extra or specific help with your planning!
Steps: *Make sure to set aside at least 1-2 hours at a time for each step. I usually make each step a separate day so I don't get burned out quickly and I can keep fresh...and because that's about all the time I have with 3 kids ;)
1. SCHEDULE IT:
Write up a schedule for your year. Decide when you are going to begin and end the school year and where your breaks will be. Decide on vacation times and holidays off. Then narrow that down to how your days will look. Decide what time to start and end your day and what subjects you want to teach certain days and for how long. Add in any outside classes your child may be going to and extracurricular activities that would go on during the day.
2. GATHER TOPICS
Make a list of the topics in each subject area that you want your child to learn for the year. They can be things you personally want them to learn, or you can look up standard topics you learn in a certain grade. I make a list for Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science/Health, Social Studies, Bible, and Art/Music.
3. ORGANIZE
Separate the topics in each subject into the different months of the school year so you have an idea ahead of time of what you plan to teach. It will also give you a good idea about how to space the topics to be sure that everything is covered and see if you have time for review and reteaching.
4. BREAK IT DOWN
Once you have each month filled with a few topics from each subject, break that down into four weeks a month. Determine what you will teach each week of that month based on the items from your list. Pay attention to the topics that you think may need more than just one week and go ahead and plan for two (or more) for that month.
5. NITTY GRITTY
Close in on the details. This is where it can get hairy and you'll have to take some time. I do this step only a month at a time because it can change so quickly and easily depending on how your previous month has gone and how much or little your child could grasp. You will need to figure out the ways to teach what you want your child to learn. Find the activities you want to do, decide on field trips that might go with the curriculum, gather the worksheets you will use, look up educational websites with videos and games to enhance learning, check out books from the library that will go with the lessons, etc.
Remember, please stay flexible! Your plans can and will change after you write them down :) However, it is much better to take the time to write it all out and have a good idea of what you are doing; it takes a lot of stress out of your job later! If it takes your child an extra week to learn something, then you move things around, you cut and paste, you remove, you advance. Don't let it hinder you though...it's supposed to happen, your child is learning. Learning takes time and understanding. Have a schedule and a plan, but have fun and enjoy teaching and learning with your child. Stay loose ;)
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