How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum

I have a "Wiggly Willy". That phrase was coined by Cathy Duffy in 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style This is one of the greatest books out there for help in choosing curriculum. "Wiggly Willy" refers to one of several learning styles that a child can have.

After the "socialization" question, the next question I get from new homeschoolers is "How do I pick a curriculum?". I don't hesitate to point them to this book. You must match your child's learning style to a curriculum that will work for them. It will save you a lot of time, money and frustration. You can borrow this book from the library if you don’t want to purchase it. Don’t be intimidated by the size of the book. You only actually read a small portion of the book and the rest is like an encyclopedia where you only look up a description of the curriculum best suited to your child’s learning style.


Teaching phonics and reading to a "Wiggly Willy" can be a challenge. Especially when that child is a boy. I did it in small bites. Only 10 minutes a day and then take a break and go play. I wanted to instill a love for reading and not that it was drudgery. Another tip... when my "Wiggly Willy" starts making mistakes and wiggling before the lesson is over I have him run around the room once or twice. They have to RUN and not jog. Then he plops down beside me and is able to focus and reads again with ease. Sounds silly, but it works! Lately my "Wiggly Willy" has been reading his library books on his own before our designated reading time. That makes me smile.