The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Curriculum Hall
I am writing this to people like myself. I love looking at, hearing about, researching and purchasing new curriculum. Over the years, I have had the tendency to compare what we use, how we use it, and if we are doing enough. I was always ready to move on the next best greatest thing. Now, in blogland, comparing is even easier to do. ;) I love learning from other homeschoolers and getting a peek on to how they do things- I just need to remind myself to not get distracted. If this is not you, this post won't be of interest! But, I am sure I can't be the only one out there. :)
Years ago I read an article titled something like this- "The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Curriculum Hall". While I can surmise, I don't remember anything about the article, but that title has stuck with me. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter-
Most curriculum will work if you use it-
That means reading all the notes- look through the front of the book (or manual) and search the appendix (some times there are several). Be sure you know how the program that you invested in works! Find online help. Many major curriculum providers have online help or forums, and many programs have their own Yahoo groups started by those who use the product. (This may sound obvious, but I have talked to many hsers about their curriculum frustrations only to find that they never spent the time to figure out the curriculum that they invested in.)
Then commit the time to making it work. I often here things like, "I just don't have the time for such and such program" or "I really need something more simple". Take what you have and break it down- can you just do the reading and skip some of the busy work? Can you break it down in to manageable size lessons? One high school English grammar curriculum we used was so intense, I made it a two year program. There is no rule that says early American history can't take two or three years. You might find that your children learn and retain more going at a slower pace.
Once you have committed to a program/curriculum, stop second guessing yourself. You have purchased an American History program for next year, but you feel a pull toward that really cool Ancient History curriculum--- I would suggest you resist! There is always something better around the corner. Keep an ongoing list of curriculum that interests you, and when you have completed this school year, evaluate those items on the list. Amazingly, many things loose their luster after a few months have gone by. The things that I have really loved are usually those that I had to wait for, but still looked like a good investment when I went to purchase them.
On occasion, reevaluation is needed. After careful consideration, we did switch spelling programs halfway through this year. It was a good change! :) I can only remember one other time that I felt that was a good decision-we tossed a Latin program after several lessons . When my girls were actually starting to cry when I pulled it out, I figured enough was enough (if you say red Latin book to my older girls they may still run and hide ;)).
Years ago I read an article titled something like this- "The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Curriculum Hall". While I can surmise, I don't remember anything about the article, but that title has stuck with me. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter-
Most curriculum will work if you use it-
That means reading all the notes- look through the front of the book (or manual) and search the appendix (some times there are several). Be sure you know how the program that you invested in works! Find online help. Many major curriculum providers have online help or forums, and many programs have their own Yahoo groups started by those who use the product. (This may sound obvious, but I have talked to many hsers about their curriculum frustrations only to find that they never spent the time to figure out the curriculum that they invested in.)
Then commit the time to making it work. I often here things like, "I just don't have the time for such and such program" or "I really need something more simple". Take what you have and break it down- can you just do the reading and skip some of the busy work? Can you break it down in to manageable size lessons? One high school English grammar curriculum we used was so intense, I made it a two year program. There is no rule that says early American history can't take two or three years. You might find that your children learn and retain more going at a slower pace.
Once you have committed to a program/curriculum, stop second guessing yourself. You have purchased an American History program for next year, but you feel a pull toward that really cool Ancient History curriculum--- I would suggest you resist! There is always something better around the corner. Keep an ongoing list of curriculum that interests you, and when you have completed this school year, evaluate those items on the list. Amazingly, many things loose their luster after a few months have gone by. The things that I have really loved are usually those that I had to wait for, but still looked like a good investment when I went to purchase them.
On occasion, reevaluation is needed. After careful consideration, we did switch spelling programs halfway through this year. It was a good change! :) I can only remember one other time that I felt that was a good decision-we tossed a Latin program after several lessons . When my girls were actually starting to cry when I pulled it out, I figured enough was enough (if you say red Latin book to my older girls they may still run and hide ;)).
This is great advice! One of the biggest favors we can do for ourselves is making our curriculum work for us not the other way around. That and keeping our eyes on our own work :)
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