A curriculum is what you use to teach with. There are many factors that go into picking a specific curriculum. There are religious and secular curricula. There are online and print based curricula. There are literally HUNDREDS of them to choose from. A quick search on Google will make even the calmest of us get freaked out with all the choices.
Here is what I suggest. First, figure out what you want to teach. For a lot of people, that is 'grade level curriculum'. Figure out how best your child learns. Using a learning styles inventory can be very helpful. Both my children are visual learners and do well with online curricula. I like that these programs handle the planning and grading for me. My favorite online curriculum is called Time4Learning. However, my oldest son wants more math then what is offered there so we also use Math-U-See which is DVD/workbook based. He really likes it. My younger son was less thrilled. We, also, do a lot of real life activities. We go on tons of field trips and read lots of books. Getting to know your local library system is essential. We do a lot of science experiments (mentos and diet coke, anyone?)
Reading other peoples experience with curriculum will save you a lot of time and money. I recommend that you join this Yahoo Group: A Homeschool Review to get more advice. It is an active group with lots of discussion. Don't try to take it all in at once. In fact, what I do is wait until something interests us then I go there to search for discussions on it. You should also search your local library catalog as many have homeschool resources available for checkout. The Rosetta Stone series for foreign languages is an example of a fairly expensive program that most libraries loan.
Here are some of the big names in homeschool curriculum right now in no particular order to get you started on your search:
* Time4Learning - online program that my kids use. I highly recommend this.
* Math-U-See- DVD/Workbook/Manipulative based. I think it is great program.
* K12 - online curriculum. Very comprehensive. A lot of the virtual academies use this so you may be able to get it free if your state offers it.
* Singapore Math- I *believe* this is a more advanced math curriculum but I don't have experience with it. It has a good reputation among homeschoolers.
* Sonlight Curriculum - Christian based complete curriculum.
* ABeka-Christian based complete curriculum.
* Alpha Omega-Christian based complete curriculum.
As you can see, the choices out there are limited only by the time you have to research them. Good luck and happy homeschooling!
If you need more information on homeschooling, the author recommends visiting http://backdoorhomeschooltools.com/ or for information on homeschooling in Nevada visit http://lasvegashomeschoolers.com/
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