Choosing learning materials for your homeschool can feel like a monumental task, especially with the vast number of options available. In this conversation, three experienced homeschooling moms—Maggie, Christina, and June—offer invaluable advice for parents who might feel overwhelmed by the decision-making process. Here’s a breakdown of their best tips on how to choose a curriculum that fits both your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.

This is just part of a longer conversation between these homeschooling moms. You can read all the interview articles on our blog, or view the video interviews in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Start With a Plan—and Don’t Panic

Take It One Bite at a Time

June opens with a humorous yet wise reminder for overwhelmed parents: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” The process of choosing curriculum doesn’t have to be tackled all at once. Begin by writing down the subjects you need to cover and then focus on researching one subject at a time. Instead of diving into every subject simultaneously, start with the essentials like math and reading. June suggests spending a focused hour on each subject, gradually building up your understanding and options over time.

Maggie agrees, emphasizing the importance of making lists and breaking down the process into manageable steps. This approach helps avoid the panic that many parents feel when they start looking at curriculum options for the entire school year.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you feel unsure about choosing learning materials, know that you’re not alone. Christina notes that most curriculum providers understand the unique concerns of homeschooling parents and often have customer service lines staffed by people who can answer your questions. Many websites also offer sample lessons that you can try with your child before making a final decision. June adds that online communities, YouTube reviews, and even forums can be helpful resources for gathering firsthand insights on different curriculums.

Consider Your Child’s Learning Style

Know Your Child’s Preferences

Before diving into curriculum research, Maggie recommends taking some time to observe and understand your child’s learning style and personality. Does your child learn best through hands-on activities, or do they enjoy sitting down with a workbook? June highlights that some children thrive on physical activities, while others are content with traditional paper-and-pencil tasks. “If you have a rambunctious boy,” she says, “they may enjoy manipulatives and movement-based learning.” For kids who need to move, math can involve grouping objects, standing up, or even walking around to stay engaged.

Christina adds that it’s perfectly okay to experiment and make adjustments along the way. If a curriculum isn’t working, try something else. Homeschooling offers flexibility, and part of the journey is finding the methods that fit your family best.

Trial and Error: Sample Lessons Can Be a Lifesaver

Many curriculum providers offer sample lessons or trial periods that allow you to test materials before committing to a full purchase. Maggie has found these invaluable, as they give both the parent and the child a chance to see if the curriculum’s approach resonates with them. Trying out a lesson can save you from investing in materials that your child might resist later on.

Be Practical: Budget, Parent Involvement, and Flexibility

Homeschooling on a Budget

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Christina mentions that while some curriculums can be costly, it’s possible to homeschool “on a dime.” Start with a basic math program and use your local library for literature, history, and science. Many libraries even allow you to reserve books online, making it easy to build a curriculum with just a library card. Maggie notes that there are websites listing recommended books for different subjects, so even if your budget is tight, you can still access quality resources.

Balance Parent Involvement with Independent Learning

One critical factor to consider is how much time you can dedicate to one-on-one instruction. Christina explains that some programs are more parent-intensive than others, and your family’s specific needs will determine which approach works best. If you’re homeschooling multiple children or working from home, you may need a curriculum that encourages more independent learning.

Maggie suggests reviewing sample lessons to gauge how much time you’ll need to invest in teaching each subject. Some curriculums provide daily lesson plans and structure that can be incredibly helpful for parents who prefer a more guided approach. For families with older, more independent learners, there are programs that allow students to take charge of their own lessons.

Combining Subjects for Multi-Aged Learning

Teaching Several Ages Together

One of the unique benefits of homeschooling is the ability to combine learning across age groups. Maggie, Christina, and June all recommend combining subjects like literature, history, and science, which can be adapted for different ages. June gives the example of reading a single book to all of her children, then tailoring the follow-up activities to each child’s level. For example, a younger child might write a simple sentence about the book, while an older sibling writes a summary or even an opinion essay.

Combining subjects not only simplifies the teaching process but also creates a family-centered learning environment. This approach can be particularly helpful in larger families where one-on-one time is limited.

Consider the Worldview and Teaching Approach

Aligning Curriculum with Your Values

Curriculum creators often have specific educational philosophies or worldviews that influence their materials. June points out that some curriculums are explicitly faith-based, incorporating a Christian perspective into subjects like science and history, while others are secular. If a worldview is important to you, look for curriculums that align with your values.

Phonics, Literature, and Other Special Approaches

There are different approaches within each subject as well. Maggie, for example, is a strong proponent of phonics-based reading instruction, while other programs might use a sight-word approach. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose materials that align with your teaching philosophy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced homeschoolers for insights on what methods they prefer and why.

Expect (and Accept) Mistakes

Mistakes Are Part of the Process

Even with careful planning, you may still find that some materials don’t work well for your child. Maggie and June share personal experiences with curriculum mistakes and encourage parents not to be intimidated by the prospect of trying something that might not work. If a program isn’t effective, consider it a learning experience and adjust accordingly.

Curriculum “mistakes” don’t necessarily mean wasted money, either. Many homeschooling families use curriculum swap groups where they can sell or trade materials they no longer need. Maggie recalls a time when she and a friend were able to swap math curriculums that each family needed, a solution that turned their “mistake” into a blessing.

Trust Your Gut and Be Open to Change

Christina reminds us that one of the significant benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to change direction when needed. “In traditional school settings, you don’t have the option to change the curriculum mid-year,” she says. Homeschooling, however, gives you the flexibility to switch gears if a curriculum isn’t resonating with your child. Give a new program a fair trial—around six weeks to three months—but don’t hesitate to adjust if it’s not working.

The Importance of Flexibility and an On-Ramp Approach

The “On-Ramp” Method to Starting the School Year

June offers a helpful perspective on starting the school year gradually. Instead of jumping into every subject at once, begin with one or two core areas, especially if your child has strengths in those subjects. This allows both you and your child to ease into the school year, building confidence and routine before adding additional subjects. “It’s like an on-ramp, not a full-speed highway entrance,” June explains.

Maggie shares that she often introduces more challenging subjects later in the school year, once her children have found a rhythm. This “layered” approach to starting school reduces stress and makes the transition into a full curriculum smoother for everyone involved.

You Don’t Need a Complete Curriculum Package

Finally, Christina reminds parents that you don’t need to buy a full boxed curriculum from one publisher. Mix and match according to your child’s interests and your family’s needs. For subjects like literature and history, you can simply follow a book list or use library resources. Flexibility is one of the greatest strengths of homeschooling, so embrace it to create a rich, customized educational experience.

Take It One Step at a Time

Choosing learning materials can feel daunting, but with a bit of planning, you can make confident decisions that suit your family’s needs. Take it one subject at a time, observe your child’s learning style, and remember that flexibility is your friend. Homeschooling offers the freedom to find what works, adapt when necessary, and create a meaningful, personalized education for your child.

So, as the moms remind us: “One bite at a time.” Don’t rush, and don’t panic. The perfect homeschool curriculum is the one that grows with you and your child, meeting them where they are and inspiring a love of learning along the way.

Enjoy the entire conversation between these homeschooling moms in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Need some help and encouragement to take these steps in your own homeschool? Christina, one of the moms from the interview above, would love to come alongside you for help and encouragement. Book a one-on-one appointment with her or one of our other veteran moms—no long-term commitment is needed. Learn more about our coaching services.