Special Needs Homeschool Curriculum: A Complete Guide

When we first began homeschooling, curriculum was sort-of an afterthought.

After three years in public school, the mechanics of homeschooling were what concerned me most, not what we were actually learning.

It seems strange now, but it looking back, it makes sense.

When you are teaching in a traditional school, there aren’t really a ton of choices. You take the old, beat-up textbook and do the best you can with it.

It wasn’t until about mid-way through our first year that I began to realize that our choices extended far beyond the one program that my only homeschooling friend was using.

At first, it was exciting, especially for this teacher at heart, never met an office supply or workbook that she didn’t love mom.

Slowly though, the fun wore off and the reality set-in. As my children continued to struggle with various learning differences, I began to feel overwhelmed by the choices and options. I began to worry that I might miss something that could be helpful. I started to doubt and change our curriculum much more than was reasonable or financially responsible.

I have learned a lot since then.

I’ve learned what works for both and what works for only one or the other. I’ve learned what works for me, as their teacher.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that how we use, or even don’t use, a curriculum matters far more than I ever realized those first few years.

Special Needs Homeschool Curriculum: Where To Start

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As I write this, my two children have now graduated high school as homeschoolers.

Looking back, I can see the most important part of selecting homeschool curriculum for my children’s unique needs had nothing to do with the curriculum itself.

With this in mind, I want to share a few small, but important caveats.

You know your family best, no matter what.
What works for one family, even one as cool as mine (wink), will not work for every family.
There is nothing wrong with meeting your children where they are, no matter what the grade level on the textbook says. If your child needs a second grade reader even though he is 12, so be it. The age and grade level guidelines are just that, guidelines. Don’t let them make you feel bad.

I think the best place to start is exactly where you are right now – finding out what works and doesn’t work for other moms and making the best decision you can for your kiddos’ learning styles and needs.

It is as simple and as complicated as that.

Questions To Consider When Selecting Homeschool Curriculum

How does my child learn best?
How am I most comfortable teaching?
What is my budget?
Are there ways to find the same resources for free? Is it worth the time and effort?
How much time do I plan to spend daily/weekly in each subject? Does the curriculum support this?
Is there a world view that I want or do not want included in my curriculum choice?
Do available curriculum samples suggest that this is a good fit for my child?
Am I excited about using it?