Curriculum Loyalty Syndrome (CLS)

Have you been infected with Curriculum Loyalty Syndrome?

What is Curriculum Loyalty Syndrome? Curriculum Loyalty Syndrome (CLS) is keeping hold of curricula that is failing your family,  that is damaging your child’s love of learning, one that is hindering progress.  It is sticking with a program that isn’t working for your family.

Perhaps you have used a certain program for years and are wondering if you have CLS.   If a program works for your family, and you are using it because it works – not because of the name, claims, or money spent – count your blessings! You’ve found what works for your family!  IF however, your family is miserable and unhappy with a certain program, you should probably read on.

Why would someone remain loyal to a product that doesn’t work for their family?

There are various reasons for this, I believe these are the most common:

1. You’ve invested time in it already – sometimes years.
2. You’ve invested money in it – sometimes a lot.
3. “THEY” say it is the best or only correct way to do it.
4. You’ve always used it, you know it.

As a newly recovered victim of CLS, I’d like to offer some “help” for those suffering with this syndrome, and perhaps prevent others from becoming infected.

You’ve invested time in it already (sometimes years)

Have you gotten midway through your school year and found yourself and kids miserable during Spelling or Math?  Have you hit a brick wall and lost the joy of learning?  Do you mention a certain subject and get moans and attitude from your children?  Have you had a thought like this? – We just need to get through this; the year is already half over – OR -  So much of the year has already gone by, we don’t have time to start something new.

Time can be your friend or enemy depending on how you use it and view it.  If you view your child’s education by semesters, grade levels or school years, this area is going to be the most challenging for you.  I recommend a change of perspective.  Try thinking of your child’s educational journey as a whole.  With the goal of learning efficiently throughout their whole growing up years.  If you come to the realization that you’ve invested time in a program that isn’t right for your family, don’t fret – make a change.  Don’t waste anymore time by being loyal to a product that isn’t what you need.

You’ve invested money it it (sometimes a lot)

Most of us, if not all of us, have forked out some pretty big bucks for a program or two, only to realize later that our purchase wasn’t the greatest choice for our family. I’ve done this.  I’ve wasted money on products that didn’t fit my kids.  Let the waste stop there, in that moment of realization.  Don’t add wasted time on top of the wasted money.  Try to recoup some of your money at curriculum fairs and swaps, sell it on EBay or give it away for free.  It may be the perfect fit for someone else’s family.

“They” say it is the best or only correct way to do it

I will admit, I have been totally sucked into this one.  I spent over 3 years totally loyal to a particular program because “ it’s the best – the other’s are faulty.”  Then I realized something; I make adaptations to our Math program for each child.  I tweak Reading to meet the needs of each of my children.  You name the subject – I adapt it,  tweak it, and tailor it to work for my children and family.  Is it even possible for ANY man-made program to be “perfect for every child” knowing no two children are exactly alike? I find it an arrogant and improvable claim.

I’ve heard many things that “they” say over the years.  The truth is – no matter what claims are made about a product or method of homeschooling, the only claim that matters is yours.  Just because something works wonderfully for another family doesn’t mean it will be the right thing for your family.  The BEST product/program is the one that works for YOU.

You’ve always used it – you  know it

Sometimes, even veteran homeschoolers get caught in this one.  Maybe you’ve used  a certain Math program for your first three children and they thrived with it.  That’s great!  However, if your next child is miserable with it, recognize that that product may not fit that child’s individual learning style or needs.  I recommend talking with your child about his likes and dislikes regarding the subject matter.  I’ve found it very insightful to have my children research various curriculum with me.  They look through different eyes. You might even find it refreshing to try something new yourself.

Do not misunderstand, and think that it’s a good idea to drop any curriculum just because you hit a stumbling block.  Some lessons are just harder than others and will take more time to get through.  When those moments arise, ask yourself  “Is this a stumbling block or a misfit of curriculum?”

And if we are loyal to our children instead of curriculum companies, we will not only ask that question, we will answer it – if need be – with change.

Dana♥ and her crew are eclectic homeschoolers, who aren’t loyal to any one method of homeschooling but sample from various methods and products to custom fit their learning.  You can find them @ Noggins & Nonsense.

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Tagged as: customizing learning, frustrated child, kids' perspective, written by Dana