Comments on: Letting Go of Curriculum Guilt

By: The Hidden Dangers of the Myth of Perfection

The Hidden Dangers of the Myth of Perfection — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:31:45 +0000

[...] sometimes a particular curriculum is just not working for a child and we must give up curriculum guilt and try something new. Often, though, we are ready to chuck a particular curriculum because it [...]

By: Myriam

Myriam — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:25:43 +0000

Hi Samantha,
funny how I came to find your post.. exactly at a time where I’m so frustrated, having 5 1st grade curriculums about social studies (that are provided from school) and still struggling. Can’t seem to find simply ONE book that has all I need… I think I am too frustrated these days to see the obvious like: doing things our way, not the “right way”, the curriculum only being a tool etc. so very much appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us,

blessings !! Myriam

By: Bobbi

Bobbi — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:32:27 +0000

Thank you so much for this article. I am a new homeschool mom, we actually haven’t started yet. I am in the midst of ordering curriculum right now.
I have stressed and stressed and obsessed over trying to get the perfect curriculum and feeling bad because though I know my children’s personalities I don’t know their learning styles and I worry so much that I am going to get something that won’t work, as well as I am trying to combine a lot to reach the different age groups, 1st grader, 3rd grader and 4th grader. I relate to your 1st grader as my 1st grader this year is my busy boy who I have a feeling is not going to want to sit still and listen so I really appreciate your tips of making the curriculum fit to the child and not vice versa.
I am one of those people who have said I will NEVER homeschool and I see God working mightly in our life by changing my heart in this, even already I see how God is working in this to change my perfectionism and trying to work some things out of me even before I start schooling my 3 little guys!

I appreciate this article more than you know and it couldn’t have come at a better time! Maybe you can post an article on tips for homeschooling the busy child! I need some of those tips!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:56:45 +0000

Hello, Blessings! Thank you for your comment. It’s comments like those that keep me blogging – thank you for letting me know that my article was helpful to you.

I truly think one of the most difficult parts of homeschooling is actually making the decision to homeschool. I remember my stomach being in knots and handling criticism from others, some close to us. I had one very close friend who was a teacher in our local public school who was offended and our friendship ended as a result. But, my husband and I did what we felt was God’s best for our family.

Now, 7 years later, folks have long since stopped hassling us in any way (at least until very lately as my daughter approaches high school). Most people are very supportive of our decision now as they can see the fruit in our children’s lives. The real beauty of it is I no longer care about what other think. I know we made the right decision to homeschool and we are committed to our decision.

I encourage you to find support – here at Homeschool Classroom, other homeschooling blogs, or a local support group. I think all of the ladies who write for Homeschool Classroom maintain their own blogs and you can find those easily under the Authors tab. Homeschooling is fairly mainstream anymore and you should be able to find like-minded moms who can understand your decision. And, ultimately, it is your family’s decision – not the grandparent’s decision. Most likely, they will come around in time as your children do well at home.

Blessings to you, Blessings as you seek God’s best for your family!

Samantha
Samantha´s last [type] ..10 Of My Favorite Non-Curriculum Homeschooling Resources

By: Blessings

Blessings — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 06:30:22 +0000

I am a new home schooling momma. Well put it this way, I still tell people that we hope to home school. Neither set of parents supports our decision to do this that we feel led to do. My mom says that she thinks I should go through a school to prepare them for their transition later on. And his mom just doesn’t talk about it anymore. It’s hard but reading this has helped me. Thank you for making the time to share your experiance about carriculum guilt. I was thinking of going through a christian school near our home for first grade with our son but teaching it at home. Then if we moved I would use Abeca because everyone talks highly of it. I am terrified of the new path but know deep in my heart it’s the one I ought to take even though it seems that it’s my husband and me alone on it. These tall trees of doubt can really freak newbies out! Thanks again. Sincerely, Mommy of two little blessings & so much more!

By: Renae

Renae — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:07:45 +0000

Very helpful! Even if we have let go of curriculum guilt, we often need to be reminded to not pick it up again. .-= Renae´s last blog ..A Child’s Geography =-.

By: Friday Favorites! « Closing Time

Friday Favorites! « Closing Time — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:08:46 +0000

[...] Letting Go of Curriculum Guilt from The Homeschool Classroom [...]

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:13:58 +0000

I agree, Jimmie. We are sometimes skipping things in History that are too repetitive within the program (are you still using Winter Promise as well?). When we’ve already read a whole book about John Paul Jones, for instance, we don’t need to read another book’s section on John Paul Jones.

I have gotten a lot better this year at saying, “Okay, I know this is scheduled in history, but we’ve already covered it.” Same thing with math — I cross off math problems all the time, since we use a very repetitive program. So, instead of eight problems that are all review (that we’ve already reviewed a ton of times, by the way), I may cross out seven of them. That way, I can verify that the kids still know how to do it, but we don’t have to waste our time.
.-= Angie´s last blog ..I Would Be Remiss If I Didn’t Talk About Conan This Week =-.

By: Jimmie

Jimmie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:24:39 +0000

A most profound and brilliantly written piece. Truly. I'm guilty of plodding through lessons that Sprite has already mastered or that we're both totally not interested in just because they are part of the program. I'm making progress, though. Just recently we skipped a whole week in our history program because it was about the Wright brothers, a topic that we've thoroughly covered elsewhere. It felt great! This is a must-read for new homeschoolers. Well, it's a must read for all homeschoolers, actually. .-= Jimmie´s last blog ..Theodore Roosevelt President Study =-.

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:42:49 +0000

My days of curriculum guilt are behind me, but I wish I had read this article ten years ago. I will keep this article to reference when giving counsel to young homeschool moms just starting out.