7 Reasons Why Changing Curricula is Okay

Take a quick look at the curricula you’re using in your homeschool. Do you love the programs there? Do your kids love them?

Or are there some struggles going on? Any tears? Shouting?

Maybe you’ve thought about dropping a curriculum but worry about the money you paid for it or the time you’ve already invested in it. 

But everyone else in my homeschool group uses this curriculum. They all love it! Why isn’t it working for my family?

But my best friend recommended this curriculum. It turned things around for her son, and he’s doing great now. Surely if I stick it out . . .

But this is the most popular and best-selling (math, spelling, writing, grammar, etc.) curriculum there is!! It has to be good. What am I doing wrong?

I want to assure you that changing curricula is okay. Sometimes, it can be the best thing to do. And sometimes it takes several changes to find the right fit for your family.

Why Changing Curriculum is Okay Good

• • Every child learns differently, sometimes in very dramatic ways. A certain program may have been super for your oldest child but a disaster for one of your younger children.
• • Finding what works best for each child is more important than the amount of money you spent on a curriculum.
• • Using a curriculum that your child hates can cause lasting problems. Take math, for instance – if Billy dreads math everyday because the curriculum causes him stress (by not teaching in a way he can understand), he will end up hating math. If the stress goes on for months or years, it can take years to undo the damage and reverse his perception of math.
• • How you feel when teaching from a curriculum is extremely important too. If it stresses you or if it doesn’t measure up to your academic standards, shelve it! If you’re not enjoying teaching a program in the first few weeks, you’re not going to start enjoying it no matter how long you try to tough it out.
• • You can always sell your used curriculum on The Hip List or at a local curriculum sale.
• • Or give it away! With the costs of some curricula being sky high, many families find that their budget just won’t stretch far enough to buy certain items. Considering asking around at your local homeschool group to find out who’s interest in your no-longer-used items. Then bless that family with a gift.

The #1 reason that changing homeschool curricula is okay . . .

• • Finally finding the program that works for your child and fits your teaching style brings homeschool bliss! You will be blessed. You child will be blessed. The days will be smoother and more relaxed.

You (and your children) deserve that happiness and satisfaction! So keep looking until you find the right fit in every subject, for every kid. When you find it, you will know.