When it comes to homeschooling, one of the biggest decisions parents face is choosing a math curriculum that aligns with their child’s learning style and their family’s needs. For many homeschoolers, math can be one of the most intimidating subjects to teach, especially if it wasn’t their strong suit in school. But as experienced homeschooling moms Maggie, Christina, and June discuss, finding the right fit is possible with a little research, patience, and flexibility. Here’s their advice on how to navigate this decision and make math an engaging, enjoyable subject for your child.

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.

Understanding Different Learning Styles in Math

Tailoring the Approach to Your Child’s Strengths

Each child has a unique way of learning, and understanding how your child learns best can make a significant difference in choosing a math curriculum. Christina, June, and Maggie emphasize that no single curriculum is universally perfect. Some children are highly visual learners, while others learn best by moving and handling objects. There are also auditory learners who benefit from hearing math concepts explained aloud.

Maggie highlights the value of “sample lessons” when trying out a new curriculum. “Seeing how material is presented can help you understand if it will work for your child,” she explains. June suggests starting with something your child already enjoys about math, which can make it easier to build on their strengths and encourage a positive attitude towards the subject.

Exploring Curriculum Options: Research and Resources

Leveraging Online Resources and Reviews

The internet is a valuable resource for homeschool parents looking to find curriculum reviews, comparison websites, and even sample lessons. “There are so many mom bloggers and forums where people review curriculums in detail,” June shares. “You can learn a lot from reading what other parents have to say about their experiences.”

Additionally, most curriculum providers offer free sample lessons or demo videos on their websites. Maggie found these particularly helpful when making her decision, as they allowed her to try the lessons out with her children to see if they responded well to the style of teaching.

Asking Friends for Recommendations

If you have friends or acquaintances who homeschool, asking for their recommendations can also be beneficial. June shares an experience where visiting a friend’s home helped her discover a curriculum that her child ended up enjoying. However, the moms remind us that a friend’s perfect curriculum might not be the right fit for your family. “If your mind doesn’t click with the curriculum, it’s okay to back away,” Maggie advises. “What works for one family may not work for another.”

Practical Considerations in Choosing Math Curriculum

Time and Parental Involvement

One important factor to consider is how much time you can realistically dedicate to teaching math each day. “Different curriculums require different levels of parental involvement,” June explains. “Some are highly interactive and hands-on, while others can be more independent.” If you’re homeschooling multiple children or balancing a busy work schedule, a more independent or video-based program may be a good choice.

Christina points out that for parents who feel intimidated by math, there are video-based curriculums where a teacher guides the lesson. “You can keep up with the content so you’re able to help if needed, but you’re not the one teaching every concept.” Maggie found that using a video-based curriculum reduced tension in her home and took the pressure off her as a teacher.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Math curriculums can vary greatly in price. Some, particularly those with physical manipulatives, can be more expensive. Christina suggests that while these tools are helpful, you don’t necessarily need to buy a full set. “You can use beans, popsicle sticks, or even make your own manipulatives with items you have at home,” she says. June adds that many of these hands-on materials can be used across multiple grades, making them a good investment for larger families.

Overcoming Math Anxiety: Advice for Parents and Kids

Keeping a Positive Attitude

A parent’s attitude towards math can significantly impact a child’s perspective on the subject. “If you approach math as drudgery, your kids will pick up on that,” Christina warns. She encourages parents to present math as an exciting and rewarding challenge. “Math is everywhere in our daily lives, from baking to shopping,” June explains. She often points out real-life examples of math in action, reminding her children that math is a useful, practical skill.

Learning Alongside Your Child

Christina shares that you don’t need to be a math expert to teach your child; many programs provide step-by-step scripts for parents. “I didn’t think about some of these math concepts the way they’re presented now, so I’m learning along with my children,” she says. For parents who didn’t enjoy math themselves, teaching it can actually be an opportunity to develop a new appreciation for the subject.

Maggie adds that teaching math has given her a fresh perspective, even as someone who didn’t excel in it growing up. “Math made more sense to me as an adult teaching it than it ever did in school,” she says. By approaching math with curiosity, parents can turn math time into a shared learning experience rather than a stressful task.

Finding the Right Curriculum for Advanced or Struggling Learners

Meeting the Needs of Advanced Learners

Some parents worry that homeschooling might hold their advanced children back, but Maggie assures us that there are curriculums specifically designed for accelerated learners. “If you have a child who is very advanced in math, there are rigorous programs that will keep them challenged,” she says. For example, older children can work through more challenging material independently or join online classes with live instruction.

June mentions that for math-minded children, the flexibility of homeschooling allows them to move through lessons faster. “If they’re grasping the material quickly, they can progress without waiting for the rest of the class,” she explains, which is a distinct advantage over traditional schooling.

Addressing Learning Difficulties in Math

On the other hand, if you have a child who struggles with math, homeschooling allows you to adapt the pace and approach to fit their needs. Maggie shares that one of her children had a math-related learning difficulty that she didn’t realize until later on. She encourages parents not to be discouraged if their child faces similar challenges. “It’s okay to switch curriculums if something isn’t working,” she says. With patience and the right support, struggling learners can still achieve math success.

Switching Math Curricula Mid-Year

Knowing When It’s Time to Make a Change

There may come a point when you realize that a curriculum isn’t working for your child. “Sometimes it’s just an attitude issue, but sometimes it’s truly a mismatch,” Maggie says. She encourages parents to trust their instincts. If a child consistently shows frustration and doesn’t seem to grasp the material, it might be time to try something new.

Christina and June agree that flexibility is a key benefit of homeschooling. If switching curriculums makes math less of a struggle and more of a positive experience, the transition is well worth it. The moms remind us that switching doesn’t mean failure; it’s simply part of the process of finding what works best for each individual child.

Embracing Grace in the Learning Process

Math can be a challenging subject for both children and parents, so Christina emphasizes the importance of giving yourself and your child grace. “Learning math is a journey,” she says, “and it’s okay if that journey takes time.” Maggie adds that every child has unique strengths and weaknesses, and homeschooling allows you to respect those differences without the pressure of keeping up with a rigid curriculum.

Final Encouragement: Math Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

For parents who feel daunted by the task of teaching math, Maggie, Christina, and June offer encouragement and reassurance. They remind us that homeschooling is an opportunity to cultivate a love of learning and that math, while challenging, can be a subject of joy and growth. With the right tools, a positive outlook, and a willingness to adapt, math can become a rewarding part of your homeschooling journey.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence, challenge an advanced learner, or support a child with math difficulties, there are resources and programs out there designed to help. “Math is everywhere,” June says, “and it’s something we can’t go a day without.” Embrace this essential life skill with curiosity, and you’ll find that math can be a meaningful and enriching subject for both you and your child.

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.