After years of homeschooling my kiddos, we've tried countless curriculum options. If one curriculum is not a good fit, it's okay to switch it up and try something else! Some were quickly left by the wayside, while others have become trusted staples in our homeschool journey. Here are just a few of the winners we've enjoyed.
Critical Thinking Co. Materials
Critical Thinking Company resources have consistently
challenged my children to think deeper and develop analytical skills across
multiple subjects. Their workbooks and materials emphasize reasoning rather
than simple memorization, which has helped my kids become more thoughtful
learners.
Reasons
We Like This:
*
Develops genuine thinking skills rather than just teaching to the test
* Works
well for both independent work and group discussions
*
Transfers skills across multiple subjects
* Clear
instructions that don't require extensive teacher prep
*
Materials are well-designed without being cluttered or distracting
Life of Fred
This quirky, story-based math curriculum follows the adventures of Fred Gauss, a five-year-old math professor who applies mathematical concepts to solve problems in his daily life. My literature-loving kids find the narrative approach much more engaging than traditional math instruction. Life of Fred has curriculum available for early elementary, middle and high school, all the way up to post high school.
Reasons
We Like This:
* Makes
abstract math concepts concrete through storytelling
*
Incorporates other subjects like literature, science, and life skills
*
Prompts laughter and discussion during "math time"
* Shows
practical applications for mathematical concepts
* Versatile, can be a stand alone math program or a great supplement to other math curriculums
Learn Math Fast is exactly what it sounds like - a no-nonsense approach to teaching mathematics efficiently. Created by a homeschool parent, this program strips away unnecessary repetition while ensuring mastery of core concepts. We've been using Volume 1 as a refresher for my youngest, to really cement those fundamentals. For my oldest, the Geometry book has been a great choice...it's been helpful in presenting information in a straight forward manner.
Reasons
We Like This:
*
Straightforward explanations without excessive jargon
* No
busy work - every problem serves a purpose
* Strong
emphasis on mastering basics as a firm foundation
*
Effectively closes gaps in mathematical understanding
* Helped
rebuild math confidence for struggling learners
Ready2Read by Moffatt Girls
This
comprehensive reading program from Moffatt Girls at Teachers Pay Teachers has
made reading instruction engaging and effective. The beautifully designed
materials provide a sound reading start using both phonics-based instruction
paired with sight word work. This curriculum is flexible enough to adapt to
different learning styles.
Reasons
We Like This:
*
Visually appealing without being overwhelming
*
Systematic approach that builds skills progressively
*
Includes multiple learning modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
* Digital
print and prep product, allows for flexibility
*
Combines phonics instruction with meaningful reading practice
Christian Liberty Nature Readers
These
classic readers by Christian Liberty combine nature study with reading practice, creating an
engaging way to build literacy skills while fostering appreciation for the
natural world created by God. The content covers insects, birds, spiders, shellfish,
turtles, and more.
Reasons
We Like This:
*
Integrates reading practice with fascinating science content
* Builds
vocabulary through context-rich passages
*
Beautiful illustrations that support comprehension
*
Content that inspires wonder and curiosity
*
Relatively affordable option to cover both language arts and science
Wild World of History
This
history curriculum by Larry Schweikart presents both American and World History
in a thought-provoking, engaging format. The narrative approach makes
historical events memorable and helps students understand the connections
between different periods and developments. Larry has content available in a few
different forms: full curriculum through his website, many videos on YouTube,
and a wide variety of books (I’m a fan and currently working through A Patriot’s History of the United States).
Reasons
We Like This:
*
Presents history as an engaging story rather than a dry collection of facts
*
Encourages critical thinking about historical events and their impacts
*
Includes primary sources and thoughtful discussion questions
*
Doesn't shy away from challenging topics while remaining age-appropriate
* Helps students see connections between historical events and today's world
What
curriculum resources have become favorites in your homeschool? I'd love to hear
about your experiences in the comments below!
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