How to Choose and Purchase Homeschool Curriculum, Learning Styles

	*Step by Step Guide to Choosing Curriculum*

Step 1: Download and print off the following forms:

Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, (pdf document)
Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part II, print one for each child (pdf document)

Step 2: Record your child's name, age, and grade on the top portion of the Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part II.

Step 3: Assess your child’s math and reading skills.

Math:
- Saxon Math Placement Tests (pdf documents) Start with the easiest test and work up as far as your child is able. Primary Grade Assessment; Middle Grade Assessment; Upper Level Asssessment; Algebra 1 Assessment; Algebra 2 Assessment.
- Texas TAKS test. Take the tests in order, starting with earliest grade level, and continue as far as your child is able.
- If these tests are unavailable, you will have to pay for math assessment testing either online (Seton testing - IOWA Tests) or locally at a homeschool tutoring center or co-op (Cornerstone in Tulsa, OK).

Reading:

Record the results of these assessments on the top portion of your Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part II.

Step 4: Determine your child’s Learning Style (and your own)

Administer a learning-style assessment to both you and your child. VARK Learning Style questionnaire. Use the score to help determine type of curriculum that would work best. For more info and other resources, see my webpate on Learning Styles.
Complete Step 4 of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I for each child and yourself.
Record results of learning style assessment on Part II for each child.

Step 5: Choose a Teaching Method

Complete Step 1 of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, (Format)
Complete Step 2 of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, (Faith based or nonsectarian)
Complete Step 3 of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, (Teaching Method)
Record the Teaching Method on Part II for each child. (You may use more than one and/or different ones for each child.)

Step 6: Choose a Budget

Complete Step 5 of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, (Budget)

Step 7: Complete Step 6 of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, (Summary)

Step 8: Using the summary from the Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part I, go down the left side of Curriculum Planner Worksheet, Part II and write in criteria (shopping guides) as to what type of curriculum you are looking for. (for example - 3rd grade math, video and manipulatives)

Step 10: Go through catalogs or my online list of sources to locate curriculum that will meet these criteria and write them in the right hand column (in above example, "Math U See" could be written in this column.) This is your shopping list.

Step 11: Now go out and shop to find the best price to meet your budget. You'll also want to check my page of freebies: Recession Proof Your Homeschool.

Don't forget to purchase The Checklist to keep track of your education program!

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