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50+ Top Curriculum Picks (from the Experts) and FREE Printable

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Homeschool convention and curriculum fair season is here that means 3 things; curriculum, curriculum and curriculum!

Wanna here a confession?

Even though I’ve homeschooled since the beginning (my oldest is 10 years), I’ve never been to a homeschool convention. I’ve been scared to go! Yep. It’s true. I’m already a book junkie and I’ve amassed a more than decent collection of homeschool books and supplies over the years. I just don’t know if I could deal with the overwhelm of so much curriculum in one place!!!

Conventions, I’ve heard, are awesome events and next year I just might brave it, with some back-up. 🙂

Whether you’ve been to a convention, curriculum fair or not, I have a really nice list of curriculum for you, which comes highly recommended, from some of my veteran homeschool mom friends, each of them an average of 20 years homeschooling. So, you know they know their stuff! The 50+ Top Curriculum Picks list includes their top picks and some of my own faves ♥ as well. You’re sure to find some gems in there. Happy curriculum shopping.

 

**Download the COMPLETE PDF LIST**

Math

Language Arts

Science

Notes: We’ve used Apologia for years and have found it to be very thorough. I often pair the textbook with their Journalling Notebook and/or Field Trip Journal. I’ve even heard from veteran homeschool moms that the General Science is so thorough that your students may be on par with their future college level classes. Consider having your students CLEP if you use Apologia in High School.

Also, while many families love Apologia, it can be little dry for others because it’s “bookish”. For this reason, some families like using BJU Science.

Social Studies

Life Skills

Foreign Languages

Music/Art

Misc/Special Needs

High Schoolers

Software

Planners

Website Resources

  • Khan Academy  ♥
  • Lynda (if your library participates – it’s free with your card)
  • Rosetta Stone (if your library participates – it’s free with your card)

Where to Buy

For reference, I provided links you can click on to see what the curriculum looks like however, you can buy from your variety of curriculum sellers to get the best deal. Buying direct from the curriculum publishers, especially if you call them, can have its benefits. Conventions or curriculum fairs are great too. Here are some places I’ve bought curriculum over the years.

Happy Curriculum Shopping

There you have it, the experts share what they’ve enjoyed using for their families over the years. However, one thing we all found to be true. Not every curriculum works for every family, so choose prayerfully and don’t be afraid to change gears if something isn’t working, especially when (not if) you find yourself in a slump. Lol.

Conventions and curriculum fairs are great places to get deals and get touchy, feely with the curriculum so you have an idea of what you’re buying.

I plan on adding a few of the expert’s top picks to my curriculum budget this year. Us homeschool mamas love the thrill (and smell) of new curriculum!! Yum….ah, the learning possibilities!

 

**Download the COMPLETE PDF LIST**

 

Apologia Buying Tip: If you or your spouse/family member are a veteran, retired or active service member you can get 40% off their curriculum. It cannot be accessed online, make a phone call to the publisher.

Have you been to a homeschool convention? If not, why? If so, share your experience.

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Wendy, xoxo

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Comments

  2. 2

    Hi, Wendy! I’ve never been to a homeschool convention/curriculum fair either. I’m not sure I would be prepared to make curriculum choices on the spot. It seems prudent to preview/research curriculum options and narrow down the desired ones (especially the pricier ones) prior to attending to be more sure that it’s a good fit for your homeschool.
    I am hoping to attend a homeschool convention next year, the one in Richmond, VA.
    Thank you soooo much for your generosity in sharing such valuable information!!! God bless you, Wendy!

    Reply
    • 3

      Chanda,
      You’re welcome. It seems I’m in good company since you and a number of other homeschool moms have never been either and, incidentally we all plan to go to HEAV next year! Maybe we should plan on carpooling! Lol.

      Reply
  4. 5

    As a Homeschool convention veteran my best advice is to research first, then buy at convention. Frequently curriculum vendors have event discounts, and they’ll ship to your home for free. The hit the Used Curriculum Sale (UCS) and pick up incidentals on the thrift.
    Now add that to the chance to speak to many of your favorite textbook authors and it’s a WIN for me Dawg.

    It’s intense, but it really IS “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

    Reply
    • 6

      Chiemeka,

      I like the idea of researching first, which would give me more focus and you speak my language when you use words like “thrift”. LOL. Ok, I’m sold….curriculum convention next year, here I come! Thanks convention veteran! 🙂

      Reply

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