Have you ever realized that the curriculum isn’t working? When this happens what do you do? We are going to look at a few things to do when the curriculum isn’t working.
Most of us have been in the books again for a few weeks. For some, the homeschool year has started out great. Kids like what they are learning, and it has been smooth sailing. For others, it may be going rough. Kids hate the curriculum, mom hates the curriculum, and no one is learning anything. So, what do you do when the curriculum isn’t working?
Step Back
Take a step back and think “Why?” Is it advanced? Not challenging enough? Not geared towards the way your child learns? You may be able to figure out why it isn’t working when you step back and look at it from your child’s eyes.
Take a Break
Yes, I know the school year just started, but if it’s not working, then no one is learning anyway. Stop; take a break from the curriculum for a little bit and refresh. Taking a few days off will not make or break your school year, but it may be enough to refresh you and your children’s attitudes.
Evaluate
Think about what you liked, and didn’t like from the curriculum. Make a list. Keep these things in mind when you go to look for something else. Find out what your teaching style and your children’s learning styles are. Evaluating your current homeschool curriculum and how your children learn will save you time and money on future homeschool curriculum purchases.
Ditch it!
If it’s not working, there is no way to keep using it. You can shelve it for a different child, or sell it to purchase something else. The key is to remember what is best for your child, and that may not be the curriculum you are using. Ditching it will save you a lot of time and heartache in the end.
Curriculum can be one of the hardest purchases homeschool parents make. But, if something is not working, you will only stress yourself, and your child out by continuing to use it anyway. If you don’t have the funds to purchase something different then check out some of the free curriculums out there for this subject. You could also look into using Unit Studies you make up yourself from the library.
When the curriculum isn’t working, don’t stress. Don’t make homeschooling a nightmare by forcing yourself to use something that may not fit you and your child. Just step back, take a break, evaluate what you’ve learned, and ditch it for something else. You will save you and your child a lot of heartaches!
Author Bio: Misty Bailey is the blogger behind Joy in the Journey and the podcaster behind Joyfully Homeschooling. Her goal in this online space is to encourage and inspire you on your homeschool journey by providing practical tips for real-life homeschooling. Through real stories, real struggles, and real-life, Misty encourages her blog readers and podcast listeners to embrace imperfection and strive for a more joyful homeschool.
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