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I’ve Picked the Wrong Homeschool Program…Now What?

by Cheri Stutzman | Nov 14, 2019 | 3 min read

We’ve all been there…that point in a school year where you start to wonder if the curriculum you chose isn’t the best one for your kids. Recently, we talked about how to pick the right homeschool curriculum. But, what do you do if you accidentally chose the wrong one?

First step: don’t panic! If you chose a curriculum that isn’t working, there are some simple things you can do to get your homeschooler back on the right track.

Identify if it truly is the wrong curriculum.

Is your child ending every lesson in tears of frustration because they don’t understand the material? Are they bored because it’s not interesting enough? Are they finishing early because it’s just too easy?

You might need to analyze your child and the curriculum you’re using to see if the curriculum is making your child struggle or if the struggle is from something else. A bad week, burn-out, or even the need for a break can all cause problems in your homeschooling that seem related to the curriculum. Determine what it is, then take steps—like the following—to revise it!

Evaluate how you’re using it.

Occasionally, a curriculum doesn’t work because you aren’t mobilizing its resources to fit the needs of your child. Are there aspects of it that you can change to better match your child’s learning style? There’s a possibility that you don’t have to completely change your homeschool program or curriculum, but instead, just take what you have and make some changes to it to better suit your child.

Wondering how to go about it? Ask yourself these questions!

  • How can I make this material more interesting for my child?
  • Are there ways I can incorporate my child’s interests into it?
  • What are my child’s strengths and how can I make sure this curriculum is meeting those?

Try something different!

Sometimes you’ll find yourself using the wrong program, and there’s no way to fix it. When you get to that point, it’s time to switch! Don’t think you have to stick with the same curriculum all year; switching could be just what you need to kickstart your year back up and make sure your child is learning to the best of their ability. Switching halfway through can seem like a big change, but it’s quite common, and programs like Bridgeway are here to help you walk through that transition.

Need help choosing a curriculum? Check out our post on how to choose a homeschool curriculum in the first place!

Power through.

Every school year has its ups and downs. A section that is more boring than usual can slow down the energy for the day. Life outside of school can keep you from focusing the way you need to. Give yourself time and power through. If you get to the end of a section, or at the end of the semester or quarter and things still haven’t improved, that could be a sign that you need a change.

Determine first that it actually is the homeschool curriculum and not something else that is slowing you down. Talk to your child and analyze your schedule and school year to decide if it is actually the homeschool curriculum or something else. Maybe all you really need to do is switch things up a bit or take a break!

Get help and reach out.

If it’s still rough and you don’t know what curriculum would work or how to move forward, don’t be afraid to reach out! Talk to other homeschooling families and friends for advice on what worked and what didn’t.

Homeschool academies like Bridgeway are a great option! Our advisors talk and interact with you to make sure you are using the best programs for your kids. We match your child with a curriculum and help you figure out how to use their interests and talents to succeed in school.

If you think that you may have chosen the wrong curriculum, don’t despair! There certainly isn’t anything wrong with trying something different and new, in fact; it might just be what you need to bring more energy and excitement into your homeschool day.

Think you need to make a change? Bridgeway is currently in the midst of mid-year enrollments! We’re offering $100 off a Total Care package with the coupon code 100midyear19. Use the coupon code at checkout to save, or call (800) 863-1474 to speak with a homeschool expert and find the right Total Care package for you.

Cheri Stutzman
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