Step 3: Choose Your Curriculum
Finally, you can start thinking about crossing the curriculum bridge. Many umbrella schools require that you provide a plan for subjects - and curriculum - right at sign-up and we know this often causes some panic purchases. But it isn't important that you have a plan chiseled in stone on Day 1. You can always go back and update that section later, as you begin to figure out your child's learning style, interests, aptitudes, as well as your own teaching style. "Easy Peasy" is a great example of a free online curriculum with sections for every grade level. You may wish to explore this as you get started. If your children are in grades K-8, take advantage of the endless free resources around you until you get on your feet. If you have a high schooler taking one of BHEA's for-credit Enrichment classes, the teacher will let you know what books or other resources to get for that subject. Often, you can borrow or buy these used.
Resources for curriculum selection:
Cathy Duffy Reviews
Rainbow Resources (online catalog)
Christian Book (online catalog)
Curriculum choices popular with our BHEA community:
Sonlight (Many local families use this, and since it is book-based, very easy to find it for sale used)
Time4Learning
TeachingTextbooks (online math)
Well Trained Mind series (books from the classical school by Susan Wise-Bauer)
The Good and the Beautiful
Math-U-See (hands-on math)
Masterbooks
Old Timers' Pro tip: If your students are in grades K-8, resolve to spend almost NO money on curriculum in the first semester. It is much easier to add a little than to take away!