Matching Homeschool Curriculum to Your Child’s Learning Style

Homeschool curriculum. Those two words strike both excitement and dread in equal measure in most homeschooling parents. Homeschooling is unique in that we can individualize each of our student’s learning experiences, including schedules and curriculum. But, how do you make sure that the curriculum you’re purchasing is going to be a good fit and work for both you and your child? There’s a lot of information out there about homeschooling and how to choose homeschool curriculum. No one wants to waste time or money on curriculum that isn’t going to work. Let’s face it, it often feels like a huge gamble when we purchase new curriculum, but we have to start somewhere. I’ve found the key to ensuring that the homeschool curriculum I choose will work for my children: learning style. The best place to start is by matching homeschool curriculum to your child’s learning style. Here’s why.

Why Learning Style

Your child should learn in the way that is best for them. We all learn in different ways, but we each have a preferred learning style that will help to unlock memories and enhance the learning process in the brain.

Knowledge is power and knowing your child’s learning style will enable you to choose the right curriculum and unlock their full academic potential. Studies show that when we teach children using their primary learning style, or “speak their learning language,” they are more able to understand ideas, retain the information, and master concepts. And this translates to engaged learners who are less likely to get frustrated and shut down.

Choosing a curriculum that meets your child’s learning style needs is critical. Also, your curriculum should include lessons, activities, and assessments that speak your child’s learning language. Finding your child’s learning style is step two in homeschooling well! Take this quick, comprehensive Learning Style Assessment and receive an ebook with over 90-pages of tips, tools, and insights to help you better understand how your homeschooler learns.

Matching Homeschool Curriculum to Learning Style

Start by knowing your child’s learning style.Then, you’re ready to start the hunt for the best curriculum to match that learning language. Here are a few great ways to find the best curriculum match.

1. Internet Search– The internet is a wealth of information about homeschool curriculum and learning styles. However, you can certainly become easily overwhelmed. I recommend starting with a search that specifically allows you to target learning style. If you’re brave, simply google “homeschool curriculum for ______ learning style” and pour through the articles and reviews that are indexed by popularity.
2. Curriculum Reviews– After you narrow your search down to a few publishers, I recommend reading curriculum reviews. Don’t take a chance on new curriculum when you can make an educated choice! Reading reviews will give you a good idea of other homeschool parent experiences and help you to identify which publishers may be a good fit and which are going to bomb.
3. Your Homeschooling Friends– Tap into your homeschooling group, on Facebook, or a Yahoo chat group. Simply ask around! The best curriculum choices I have made were recommended to me by those who know my children and me well. Lastly, finding a solid online homeschooling group can help you to get the advice you need if you aren’t surrounded by homeschoolers as I am. Just be sure to steer clear from groups that are dedicated to one curriculum style (like classical, for example) as you’ll get a less objective point of view.
4. A Homeschool Curriculum Partner– If you’ve done all of the above and are still left wondering how to match your child’s learning style to the best homeschool curriculum, use a dedicated homeschool partner who can help you select the perfect curriculum for your child. As experts in homeschooling and curriculum, Bridgeway Academy has been helping homeschooling families for over 65 years to find the best homeschool curriculum that suits each child’s needs and learning style. After determining your child’s learning style and your homeschool teaching style, Bridgeway will match you with the best-fitting curriculum for each subject, selecting from over 40 curriculum providers and thousands of pieces of curriculum. With a money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose!

Finding homeschool curriculum is one of those necessary challenges, but it doesn’t have to be evil! Use the tips above to ensure your homeschool curriculum matches your child’s learning style, and you’ll have an easier and more productive homeschooling experience. And, it’ll be more fun and enjoyable to spend time teaching and learn with your children when they’re engaged in every aspect of the learning experience. Take it from a mom whose poured over most of what’s out there, matching you child’s learning style to their homeschool curriculum is the ticket to happy homeschoolers!

What’s your favorite homeschool curriculum? Tell us in a comment below!