Are you searching for the right home school curriculum for your child right now? This is by far the most important decision that you will have to make when it comes to home schooling. Thats why you need to study your choice very carefully.
Curriculum Styles- There are different types of curriculum and it would help you out a lot if you know about the different styles that are available. I have made a list of these different styles, but dont suppose that these are actually professional classifications. These are classified according to my own opinion:
Instructor Based- The emphasis here is on the instructor - student relation and how the instructor can transfer the needed information. The teacher uses a lesson plan and from there reads to the student. The teacher might also study the lesson ahead of time and just explain it afterwards according to her level of grasp of the lesson.
The student usually has a workbook that corresponds with the lesson plan of the teacher and he refers to it as the lesson is on-going. The good thing about this method is that the teacher can learn together with the child, which is important especially in subjects where the parent/ teacher have some difficulty. The problem with it is that it takes a long time to prepare for it.
Instruction Material Based- In this curriculum, the lessons are all written down on an instruction book and the student reads together with the teacher. This means that they will be going through the lessons both at the same time.
The great thing about this method is that it allows the teacher to learn the lessons alongside the child and so is able to handle on the spot questions. It also requires very little preparation. The downside to it is that the parent/teacher might feel inadequate if they cannot grasp the lesson right away.
Independent Curriculum- With this form of curriculum the, child can read through the lessons on his own, without having to depend on the teacher. The instructional material is written in such a way that the child understand it without having to depend on the teacher.
The good thing about this form of curriculum is that there is no need for the instructor to prepare for it. Since the parent does not have a corresponding material to what is being read by the student, he/she might not be able to answer all questions correctly.
What Works- Unfortunately, finding a home schooling curriculum for your child can be a trial and error thing. You have to be ready for that and dont feel too sorry if something does not work. You should be able to get rid of what is not working and seek out a new one.
You need to take so many things into account when you are deciding on the right schooling method but always remember, it is something thats truly needed. The right home school curriculum is vital for your childs education.