[Back to School | Step 3] Curriculum Confidence: How to Pick the Right Resources for Your Family

Let’s talk curriculum.

If you're anything like most homeschool moms - especially if you’re newer to this - you’ve probably found yourself buried under what feels like hundreds of saved YouTube reviews and social media threads filled with very strong opinions about what curriculum is “best.”

Needless to say, all that information an all those conflicting opinions can be so overwhelming.

But if you’ve been following along in this back-to-school series, you already know we’re doing things differently this year. 💪🏾

• In Step 1, we pressed pause. We gave ourselves permission to ease into the school year slowly, with reflection - not rush.
• Then in Step 2, we got clear on our why. We explored our family’s goals, values, and vision so we could plan from a place of alignment, not anxiety.

And now, in Step 3, it’s time to move into one of the parts of planning that tends to trip homeschool parents up the most (at least in the beginning)...

…choosing curriculum.

Because when you’ve done the work to reflect and align first, you don’t have to second-guess every single learning resource or feel buried in endless options. 

You can make decisions that actually support your kids, your priorities, and your family’s needs.

So let’s dig into how to go about doing that the smart way, not the scattered way.

1. Know Your Child’s Learning Style

Before you even browse curriculum options, pause and ask yourself:
How does my child learn best?

Are they…

• A hands-on learner who thrives with manipulatives and projects?
• An auditory learner who picks things up through conversation or song?
• A visual learner who remembers what they see more than what they hear?
• A reader/writer who loves worksheets, books, and journaling?
  

When you know your child’s learning style, you can filter your options and avoid buying something that looks great on paper doesn’t work at all in practice.

And if your child is neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or has specific learning needs, honoring that is even more essential. You’re not just looking for a “good curriculum.” You’re looking for supportive learning tools.

2. Identify What You Actually Need

Here’s the truth: not every subject needs a formal curriculum. While I personally opt for structured curricula in math and language arts specifically, I love to get a little more creative with the other subjects:

• Project-based science that leans on field trips and hands-on activities
• History lessons that utilize library resources and trusted educational videos
• Real-world learning for life skills, culture, and creativity (think cooking, entrepreneurship, family traditions, etc.)

So before you start shopping for curriculum, make a quick list and decide:

• Which subjects do I need a structured curriculum for?
• Where can I build in freedom, curiosity, or co-learning?
  

Some seasons call for more structure. Others need more flexibility. But remember: both are valid approaches.

3. Let Your Family’s Priorities Lead the Way

This is especially important for families of color, for culturally diverse households, and for anyone reimagining education from a more liberated lens.

Ask yourself:

• Does this curriculum affirm who my child is and what they come from?
• Does it reflect the stories, perspectives, and brilliance I want my kids to learn?
• Can I use this as-is, or will I need to supplement with culturally relevant materials?
  

You deserve curriculum options that don't erase your history or force you to add yourself in. And while the mainstream market still has a long way to go, there are incredible, culturally affirming options out there. 

You just need to know where to look.

(That’s why I created the Homeschool Curriculum Guide for Families of Color. More on that below!)

4. Avoid the Trap of Decision Fatigue

Scrolling and second-guessing is not a strategy.

If you’ve been trying to compare 15 different reading programs or you’re knee-deep in homeschool Facebook group drama on what math program is or isn’t “real” math, take a breath.

You don’t need to spend hours researching every single option.

You just need a solid, trusted starting point.

And that’s where I come in...

Are You Ready to Take the Stress Out of Curriculum Shopping?

If you’re tired of curriculum chaos and ready to get clear on what actually fits your family, I created something just for you.

🤎 The Homeschool Curriculum Guide for Families of Color 🤎

(newly revised for the 2025-26 school year!)…

This downloadable guide includes:

• A vetted list of curriculum options (organized by subject + style)
  
• A section dedicated to culturally affirming resources
  
• AI-powered search prompts to help you customize your curriculum search
  
• Notes on format, style, pricing, and flexibility for each option
  
• Tips for choosing what works without the overwhelm
  

And the best part?

It’s a small investment that will save you hours of scrolling, second-guessing, and curriculum regret (ask me how I know…I’ve been there!).

👉🏾 Grab your copy of the Curriculum Guide here!

This is the resource I wish I had when I started homeschooling.
Now it’s yours. 👏🏾

Final Thought: You’re Not Doing It Wrong

Choosing curriculum isn’t about picking the “perfect” thing.
It’s about picking the right thing for right now, and trusting yourself to pivot when needed.

So if you’ve been carrying the weight of this decision, let it go.

✔️ Start with your child.
✔️ Trust your instincts.
✔️ Let your values lead.

And use the tools that lighten the load, not add to it.

You’ve got this. 💪🏾