Homeschooling is a journey of constant discovery, and finding the right curriculum can feel like navigating a complex maze. Homeschool curriculum reviews are very important for me as I search for curriculums that fit my family. As a Muslim homeschool mom, I’ve learned that what works for one family might completely miss the mark for another. Today, I’m sharing my personal experience with three curriculums that simply didn’t work in our homeschool, hoping to help other parents avoid similar frustrations.
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Key Takeaways
• Not every curriculum fits every child’s learning style
• Flexibility is crucial in homeschooling success
• Trust your instincts when something isn’t working
Homeschool Curriculum Reviews #1: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons
This popular reading program promises to transform non readers into confident readers, but for my visual and kinesthetic learner, it was a complete miss. The black and white format felt mind-numbingly boring. My child craved color, interactive elements, and engaging visuals that this curriculum simply didn’t provide.
Why It Didn’t Work
• Monotonous presentation
• Lack of visual stimulation
• No interactive learning elements
The reading curriculum that worked for us is All about Reading. We have loved this curriculum to learn how to read.
Homeschool Curriculum Review #2: The Good and Beautiful Kindergarten
Kindergarten curriculums can be tricky, and my experience with this program reinforced that truth. Five-year-olds are bundles of energy, not sitting still machines. So, I do not use any curriculums at the preschool and kindergarten age. It’s hard to get them to sit still and focus. This curriculum created more fights and frustration than actual learning. Instead, I discovered that reading books, playing, and having conversations work much better for young learners.
Alternative Approach
Children this age learn best through:
• Reading aloud
• Playing
• Natural conversations
• Habit building activities
Homeschool Curriculum Review #3: Math with Confidence
This curriculum wasn’t a total failure, but timing is everything in homeschooling. With a toddler running around and multiple children at different learning stages, this parent intensive program became overwhelming. The manipulatives and games were fantastic, but the constant need for direct parental involvement made it unsustainable for me, especially with having a toddler.
Practical Considerations
• Requires significant one-on-one time
• Challenging with multiple young children
• Needs flexible implementation
Recommended Blogs:
Homeschool Planner Setup & Organize
FAQs
Q: How do I know if a curriculum isn’t working?
A: Watch for consistent resistance, lack of engagement, and increased stress for both you and your child.
Q: Should I stick with a curriculum even if my child hates it?
A: Absolutely not. Learning should be enjoyable and productive.
Q: How often should I change curriculums?
A: As needed, but always recommend to do your research first before buying a new curriculum. I recommend watching Youtube videos on the curriculum you are interested in to see what other moms are saying about it and then you can decide if it will work for your child and yourself.
Homeschooling is a personal journey of growth and adaptation. Remember, no single curriculum is perfect for every family. Stay flexible, listen to your children, and don’t be afraid to make changes.
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