CURRICULUM

The dictionary defines 'curriculum' as 1.) a course of study.  Ex. The curriculum in Grade 4 includes arithmetic, geography, reading, and spelling  2.) a program of studies leading to a particular degree or certificate.  Ex. the curriculum of the Law School.

We can all benefit from developing a more complete concept of the term 'curriculum'.  Using this definition, we can easily see that 'curriculum' means much more than what materials we are using to teach.  Of course, the materials we use may often determine the entire course of study, consider however, whether we should want the textbook or other material publisher to determine what our children learn and when.  

Contrary to what many parents are led to believe, there is not one set course of study for any particular grade or age level.  Other than in math which even allows for some variation, there is a great deal of difference between what various publishers include in the materials for a particular grade.  

It is well known among classroom teachers, but not common knowledge for home educators, that the 'grade level' of most texts and similar materials is based on the reading level, not on the most appropriate level for learning the concepts within.

Rather than assuming that the publisher's choice is the best one for our children, parents should strive to provide a customized curriculum for each child.  

This type of teaching requires a thorough knowledge of each child's abilities, learning style and needs.  

The next step would be the setting of educational goals for each child, both for this year and long-term.  

Parents must then examine the various materials available to find those that will best help the child reach the goals that have been set.

Unit study programs such as FAR or BITM are a good way to customize the curriculum.  These programs are designed to offer choices within the same study for all four learning styles, a wide range of topics, and every known method of teaching.  The parent and/or student needs only to choose the units of interest and the activities within those that meet the student's need.  

Customizing the curriculum includes an educational plan based on student(s) abilities, learning styles and needs, incorporating materials from several different sources, perhaps even items designed for different grade levels, and achieving short and long term goals that focus on cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual development.