Can I use only one curriculum?

[my3peanuts]

I plan on using the OM kindergarten curriculum but the more I search around the more I see most people use a number of curriculums. I can see myself doing something else like phonics in addition to the OM curriculum and I'm sure I'll find other areas where I want to fill in the gaps with other books, materials, etc. but for the most part would I be able to use one curriculum or do you find it works better to use a bunch of different ones for different subjects?

[Grumpy72_ga]

For me personally I use a mix of different things because I haven't found one curriculum that meets the requirements I have for all subjects. If you find one that fits your ideas then go for it... Nothing says you have to use all different things, but nothing says you have to use all the same things either...

[mom2kbeth]

I don't think I could ever commit myself to using one thing. We use whatever strikes us at the moment, lol.

[oceanbaby]

You can use whatever you want, whenever you want. Just one of the many joys of homeschooling!

[wonderwahine]

no way, you are not bound to anything

[phathui5]

We did have friends who used just Sonlight for a couple years. They do use different things now.

[mamamelia]

you don't have to use one cirriculum. use whatever works best for your child at that time. the beauty of homeschooling is that you can incorporate lots of different ideas from all the theories you believe in into one day, week or year.

goodluck with whatever you choose.

[Roar]

Have you seen the OM kindergarten curriculum?
I think it is lovely, but honestly there really isn't much to it (especially for what it costs new). If you don't want to do very much school there may be enough to keep a kid busy, but if are looking for a lot from a curriculum you may find you need to get more.

[my3peanuts]

Originally Posted by Roar

Have you seen the OM kindergarten curriculum?
I think it is lovely, but honestly there really isn't much to it (especially for what it costs new). If you don't want to do very much school there may be enough to keep a kid busy, but if are looking for a lot from a curriculum you may find you need to get more.

Yup, I noticed it didn't seem like much. And my dd knows quite a bit of the alphabet already so I worry there won't be much for her to do.

[kmeyrick]

I thought most people used a variety of curriculums. I figured that was the biggest perk of hsing.

[moonshoes]

I originally thought we would only use Oak Meadow for first grade this year, but we found the math wasn't working for us and DD wanted more science so I supplemented with other curriculum.

[fullofhope]

for what it's worth, I chose OM specifically because there "isn't much there". I have a just-turned-4 child who is already starting to read, can add and subtract, etc. We are doing OM preschool and will be doing OM Kindy in the fall. I need reminding that there is more to education than the academic stuff- OM reminds me to focus on the whole child, and it gives us a backbone on which to base our days. We add in other stuff we are interested in from the library, computer, etc, but we both enjoy the simplicity and rhythmic feel of OM. It leaves room for me to follow my child rather than fitting my child to the curriculum.

[teastaigh]

Yes, you can definitely use "just" one curriculum. I doubt you would anyway, because each and every mother is a whole boatload of curricula unto herself in that she imparts her attitudes, joys, thoughts, and values to her child each day in what she says and does.

We use OM. We also use the library extensively. We get off on tangents -- right now it's Peruvian geography, history, and crafts (inspired by Paddington) -- which lead into huge unit studies, building projects, even concerts and trips. So, while OM is our curriculum, we don't just stick to that.

Part of the homeschooling journey is the sheer joy of learning. It can't be shut off, and it will lead you down some amazing paths. I never could've imagined that my world, my interests, and my seemingly small life with children at home would be so huge because of the interests and educational excitement that my children have nourished in them through homeschooling.

peace,
teastaigh