One of the greatest blessings of homeschooling is the ability to tailor the curriculum to meet your child’s unique needs. As a Muslim mom, you can intertwine your Islamic values with secular knowledge, fulfilling your children’s spiritual and academic growth.
The first thing to consider is your budget. (If you don’t have a household budget, I highly recommend starting one!) Homeschooling can become expensive quickly if you are not careful. Set a monthly or yearly budget and work hard not to exceed that amount.
1. Define Your Homeschool Goals
Before researching, make intentions, define your mission statement and overall vision for your homeschool. Then, work on your learning goals and ask yourself and your child what they want to learn. Are you seeking a structured curriculum, do you want to meet the Ministry of Education requirements, want to use a more relaxed approach, or a mix? Consider your children’s learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and focus on resources that align with those.
It is equally important to consider your own learning style because you will be the one teaching your child, and you want to use beautiful resources that you actually enjoy!
Tip: Use websites and online quizzes to find out your learning style.
2. Use Trusted Homeschool Resource Hubs
Start with well-curated homeschooling resource sites like:
- Cathy Duffy Reviews: Comprehensive reviews of homeschool curricula, living books, and online programs.
- Ambleside Online: Offers free Charlotte Mason-style curriculum suggestions with a list of living books for different ages.
- Well-Trained Mind: Classical homeschool curriculum recommendations and detailed book lists for different grade levels.
- Tip 1: While these sites can narrow down the best options based on your child’s grade and learning preferences without overwhelming you with too many choices, it’s still better to ask homeschool parents what works for them.
- Tip 2: If you really like a resource, download a sample from their website or find a YouTube video to see if someone has made a review on it. Often YouTubers are compensated for their positive review, so it’s a good to cross check or watch a few review videos before purchasing.
3. Join Online Homeschool Communities and Forums
Ask real homeschool parents what’s working for them! Join Facebook groups or forums like the Vancouver Muslim Homeschoolers and others to get recommendations for age-specific curricula, apps, or living books. Experienced homeschoolers and learning consultants can point you to trusted resources, save you money, and help you avoid trial and error.
Tip: Use groups that align with your educational philosophy.
4. Keep Track with a Simple Digital System
Use apps like Trello or Google Sheets to track what curriculum, websites, or apps you’re considering for each child. Create columns or sections for subjects, ages, and reviews, so you can compare options and cost.
Tip: Keep a “shortlist” of curriculum options and living books you’ve researched. Jot down notes on whether they meet your goals, cost, and how your children might respond to them. Tip 2: Ask if anyone has already used their curriculum and can lend it to you!
5. Look for Multi-Age or Open-and-Go Resources
Choose curricula or websites that cater to multiple ages or provide open-and-go options to reduce prep time.
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool is a free, online, multi-grade curriculum that can be used for various ages and subjects if you are on a tight budget. This allows you to teach your kids together or easily switch between them. (Note: This site has not been thoroughly reviewed so please check it over for content.)
Integrating Islamic studies into your curriculum is essential. Include Quran memorization, Islamic history, and understanding of hadith to create a well-rounded curriculum.
You don’t have to stick to one method or textbook but if you change your mind often, then you will waste precious resources and money. There are plenty of free resources available online, such as PDFs, that you can mix and match with a good-quality printer and ink.
Always keep the bigger picture in mind—raising children who are strong in faith and prepared for the challenges of this world and the next, in shaa Allah.
