Curriculum Shopping Strategies: What Do You Teach Poorly?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

27 Jan 2008 07:34 AM

Now is the time of year when conventions are just around the corner and many of us are looking around for the next thing to buy. For me, I'm looking for a science curriculum and have been comparing, pricing, considering and contemplating for at least a few weeks. I've narrowed it down to just five. (I started out with just six so I'm not getting very far.) I figured it was a good time to start thinking about how you're going to tackle purchasing your curriculum this year because it can be one of the more major decisions that we make in homeschooling. The wrong curriculum can break a subject for us as well.

Today, I'm going to talk about what we feel we teach poorly. It seems like a strange place to start, but it's something that has been on my mind because it has occurred to me that this is where I really need to be spending my time and money on better support.

You might be surprised to find out that for me, I teach writing poorly. I know, you'd think that since I am a writer, I'd be able to communicate the craft effectively. Truth be told though, that's exactly the problem.

I love to teach science because I was horrible at it. So communicating it in a way that is understandable to my children is easy. However, writing comes naturally. Grammar comes easily as well, likely due to my many years studying foreign languages. Communicating them to my daughter is like speaking Greek to her. I must admit, I'm really bad at teaching her how to write since it does not come even a little bit naturally to her.

So this year, I know that while I have to buy things for my core subject areas, I need to look for better resources to support my efforts in teaching writing. I must find something that 'clicks' with her.

So figure out what you're bad at teaching. Start there in your quest for curriculum. Look for products and ideas that will support you in your weakest area. . .rather than looking for your best subjects first!

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger