Homeschooling Methods & Resources

Learning about homeschooling methods

Choosing curriculum and resources

Should I use a pre-packaged, all-in-one curriculum?

The perfect curriculum, shortchanging children

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What are the different homeschooling methods? I feel so overwhelmed!
There are many different ways to homeschool, and having all those choices can seem overwhelming at first. Homeschooling methods range from a very structured "school-at-home" approach to a completely unstructured "unschooling" approach, with a lot of variation in between.

To begin learning about the different approaches, visit our discussion forums and post a message in our Homeschooling 101 or Homeschooling Day-By-Day forums. Experienced homeschoolers will help you wade through your choices.

You can also learn about the different methods by getting involved with a local support group. Find one that you feel comfortable with and ask the more experienced parents how they homeschool.

Your local library is also a good place to learn more. See what homeschooling books are available for checkout. A good general introduction to homeschooling is The Homeschooling Handbook, by Mary Griffith. Browse around to find other books that seem to share your reasons for homeschooling and fit your family's lifestyle. Read them to see what homeschooling method appears to be the best fit for your family.

You may also want to subscribe to one or more homeschooling magazines. There are several available (see our links area) that will keep you informed about the national homeschooling climate as well as introduce you to different homeschooling methods.

Finally, visit our resources and links area for links to various websites that discuss different methods. Through trial and error, you'll eventually settle into a method that best suits your family.

What curriculum materials are available? How do I choose resources?

We "old-timers" had fewer choices when we first started out, so we just had to run with what we had and make the best of it. Although newcomers have many more resources to choose from now, it seems that the "good ole days" were easier. The best way to choose materials is to talk to other homeschoolers who have at least several years of experience. Try to find parents who have several children with different learning styles and who aren't locked into a specific curriculum. They'll be able to share what works with each of their children, and what doesn't work, and why. If they're willing, arrange a time to view their materials so you can see them yourself before making a decision. You can find experienced homeschoolers at local support group meetings, or on the internet. Feel free to visit our discussion forums to ask questions about curriculum or learning styles. We'd be happy to help you get started. And don't forget to visit our resources and links area for suggestions and ideas.

Should I choose a pre-packaged, all-in-one curriculum?

Sometimes new homeschoolers feel more comfortable starting out with something that's completely set up for them -- textbooks, assignments, tests, schedules, etc. (See the resources and links section for some choices). As they become more experienced, they tend to become less structured and more flexible. If you decide to start out with a pre-packaged curriculum, please remember to make the curriculum fit your children's needs instead of trying to make your children fit the curriculum. You paid for it, so use it as a tool. If a certain aspect of it isn't working, either tweak it to fit, or throw it out and find something else. Your children don't have to do every assignment, complete every worksheet, or take every test. The publishers don't know your children, so they can't tailor it to their needs. But you can (and should). In many cases, burnout results from parents trying to make their children fit into a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Burnout often disappears when parents choose resources that fit their child's learning style and ability level in each subject area. To find these resources, read the "choosing curriculum and resources" question above.

I know a family who homeschools and they say if I don't use "ABC" curriculum, then I'm shortchanging my children. Are they right?

Their attitude reflects their insecurities -- the more people they can talk into using what they're using, the more certain they become that they're using the perfect curriculum. But there is no such thing as a "perfect" curriculum. Each family is different, and each child is different. What may work for one won't work for another. Many homeschoolers have gone on to college and the workforce after using ABC curriculum, but just as many have gone on to greater heights using DEF curriculum, or no structured curriculum at all. Trust me on this one. Choose your resources based on your own children's needs, not someone else's insecurities.

We hope this section of our FAQs has helped you to better understand how to homeschool in South Carolina. If you have any questions or concerns about the answers here, please email us and/or consult an attorney. Although we've tried to include the questions that new homeschoolers seem to ask the most, we're not attorneys or "experts" and can't give you legal advice.

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Disclaimer: Any legal information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered complete, professional legal advice.