Eclectic homeschool options that work.
When I first started homeschooling, I was new and relatively desperate. I was desperate to save my son’s self-esteem and education.
The homeschooling curriculum was chosen quickly and without a lot of understanding.
Homeschooling hadn’t been Plan One as a single mom, and I wasn’t even sure I could manage. I wrote about that in a previous blog; you can find it here.
https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/homeschooling-as-a-single-mom/how-to-homeschool-as-a-single-mom/
As time passed and I added more kids to my homeschooling plan, I fell in love with the freedom it offered!
Finally, I could focus on each child’s needs! Pinpointing exactly what was needed for growth brought needed hope.
Initially, I just started with Power Homeschooling. It was cheap, easy to navigate, and adjusted to the child’s needs.
I still use this program for some classes on my work days and recommend it as a great starting place for new homeschool moms. You can find it here.
Online Homeschool Program (PreK-12) | Power Homeschool
I receive nothing for this recommendation, but I find it an easy starting place for moms new to homeschooling. It can be started at any time and is extremely easy to plan around!
It has different programs that you can utilize. One side of it is accredited, and the other is not.
Additional curriculum resources for growth.
As time went on, I began doing more research on additional curricula.
Although, as previously stated, I still use Power Homeschool for some subjects, I needed to find more specific hands-on curricula for Math, spelling, handwriting, and phonics.
I wrote about some of these in another blog; you can find it here.
https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/homeschooling-as-a-single-mom/homeschooling-as-a-single-mom/
However, I would like to review additional curriculum options that I found helpful!
Faith as a subject and an opening family meeting.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
If fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding, why not start there?
We start with Prayer (find a missionary prayer request calendar-you can add teaching them about other cultures and their needs and bringing out the globe).
Add-in Bible memorization. (It’s good for them! https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/faith-for-single-moms/bible-memorization-is-important/)
Truth is taught daily. Kids need a concrete place to start, and I can think of no better place than what their Creator says!
Math curriculum.
After using ACE Pace Math for curriculum and Power Homeschool Math for the last couple of years, I realized I needed a different math program for one of my older kids.
I have chosen to use Learn Math Fast. It is excellent!
This is a child who needed a refresher course in some math skills, and this is what I found.
You will find the review about it here.
This program is great because it continues on to additional books throughout high school. The book explains math in clear and concise ways.
Ace Pace Math has been an excellent option for the younger kids, but as they get older and need more instruction, there may be better options.
Please read about this option here.
https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/homeschooling-as-a-single-mom/homeschool-curriculum-options/
Grammar curriculum.
Grammar can be like going to the dentist. We may not like it, but we need it!
After completing research for a catch-up grammar curriculum, I chose two separate ones.
For younger children, I choose Easy Grammar.
Here is a review of this curriculum as well.
I chose Fix-It Grammar for my older children.
This curriculum comes at different levels as well.
Here is a review to learn more about this curriculum.
By choosing these two curricula, we have made huge amounts of growth in an area that has really been a struggle for us.
The right homeschool curriculum may be eclectic because it addresses each child’s needs explicitly.
As a single mom, I have watched my children struggle in different areas.
Maybe it was the school’s fault, but more than likely, we just came from such a dysfunctional place that my kids could not learn when they were at school.
Either way, I’m grateful for another opportunity to see my children get the education they need to succeed.
