How can you decide what curriculum to use?  How do you choose what to focus on?

There are no “government regulations” on the topics that need to be taught.  As a homeschooler, you have flexibility to do what you think is best.  It’s most important that you and your child find a way of focusing on what she most needs.  Here are some things you might consider:

Consider What’s Next

May be easiest to choose what to do in middle school based on the things you want to accomplish in high school.  Will your child be taking an AP class?  Will your child be taking Calculus by their Senior Year?  Will your child be taking a year each of Chemistry, Biology and Physics?  By looking ahead to the subjects in high school, you can choose what to do at this time.

Consider What’s Strong

What does your child most enjoy doing?  Do more of that!  As a 13 or 14 year old, your child already has interests and hobbies that are budding.  This is a great time to do project-based and child-led learning.  Allow your child to develop their skills as they dig into birds, or dinosaurs, or writing historical fiction.

Consider What’s Lacking

What does your child need more of?  Have they been weak in math? Do they need more support in Science?  Are they ready for more of a challenge in their writing?  Middle school is a great time to gently encourage these areas to develop.

Consider What’s Fun

What makes your child feel time passes quickly?  Allow them to dictate portions of the day that are exclusively for their happiness.  This will give them a strong sense of control and direction.  We also keep a lot of playtime and field trips going.  We also value learning through board games.  I offer my children freedom in choosing the books they want to read.

Here are some of my favorite homeschool material for middle school NOT SPONSORED CONTENT

Shurley English level 7 Algebra 1 and Algebra 11 by Paul A. Foerster Geometry by Harold R. Jacobs Everything you need to know about… Big Fat Notebook series Story of Science by Joy Hakim