If you are a mom of a middle schooler, designing homeschool curriculum for him/her can be a daunting task. You want the best for your child, and knowing where to begin in the planning phases can be confusing. Here are some ideas for you, to give you a starting point, and help you find some direction.
Tips for Designing a Middle School Homeschool Curriculum
Middle school is a time of inquiry and curiosity. Your child has a lot of foundational knowledge they’ve accumulated in their first several years of schooling. Now, they are questioning the why and how of things more than ever before, that is if you allow them. These tips for designing a middle school homeschool curriculum will help you and your child look beyond the textbook.
Include your child in the design.
Whether you opt for a structured, textbook driven curriculum or an open, interest-driven approach, allow your child to give input into what they want their educational experience to look like.
Start with guiding questions.
With your child, generate some questions in each of the required curricular areas as well as any additional elective interests they may have. Base your resources and curriculum off these questions. After all, when you child is invested in what they are learning and have questions to guide their research in all areas, they are more apt to reach their goals.
Look at college requirements.
It may seem premature to look at college entrance requirements when designing a middle school curriculum, but you’ll want to make sure the skills they are learning in middle school will prepare them for their high school coursework. For example, look at minimal math requirements for high school graduation and college acceptance for programs your student may be interested in. Make sure that your curriculum will set your child up for success.
Make the community your classroom.
There are so many curricular resources available through libraries, museums, and nonprofit organizations in your community. Visit historical landmarks, science and history museums, zoos, and art organizations and ask for resources for teachers and students. Many of them have ready-made curriculums or supplements at no charge.
Take it online.
Whether you are looking for an all-in-one curriculum or want resources to build or supplement your own, look online. There are so many tried and true resources to help build your own middle school curriculum. The advantage to online resources is that they are able to be updated with the latest technology and information. Extend your accumulation of resources beyond your physical community by looking at organizations beyond your backyard. Check out national museums, online college courses from MIT and Khan Academy, and more!
Consider these tips for designing a middle school homeschool curriculum when putting together an educational experience your child won’t forget!
