Buying a homeschool preschool curriculum? Check these 5 things...
Is it necessary to purchase a homeschool preschool curriculum (or kindergarten curriculum)?
Many parents that desire to begin homeschooling their children ask-
"What do I need to teach?
How do I teach it?
How will I fit it into an already busy schedule?"
A homeschool preschool curriculum will generally answer those questions but there are things to consider before purchasing one.
1. It is literature rich?
Does it provide good literature or links to good literature to read to your child each week?
Including daily literature in your homeschool routine teaches children that books are for reading, that the black marks on the paper represent words and letters, that letters represent sounds, that print is read from left to right, and that there are many different ways that they can respond to literature.
2. Is it age appropriate?
Choose a homeschool preschool curriculum that understands how young children learn and that does not have a lot of formal, highly structured learning experiences. Young children need to learn by touching and experimenting with activities that are hands on and at their level of development.
3. Does it do the planning for you?
A major reason to go with a homeschool preschool curriculum is that it saves you time. Adding research and planning to a parent's already busy schedule can be unrealistic. A curriculum that helps you establish a routine, tells you what to teach in an easy well planned format will make for a more relaxed learning environment and give you more time to spend with your children.
4. Does it cover the learning outcomes preschool and kindergarten children need to accomplish?
A well planned homeschool preschool curriculum will give you the confidence that you are teaching the important academic concepts that your preschooler needs to learn. Although there are many opportunities to teach concepts in an everyday environment without using a curriculum, following a step by step curriculum makes sure you are not missing anything.
5. Is it fun and easy to follow?
Even teachers get overwhelmed and groan trying to plow through curriculums that have pages of complex instructions. A straight forward curriculum that gives you what you need each day is preferable. If you are less than enthusiastic about the curriculum, your children will be to.
