It may seem simple to pick materials according to a child’s age or grade, but it’s ultimately more effective to consider his strengths, interests, and weaknesses instead.

For example, an artsy dreamer can approach history through art using any of the CDs, videos, and art-project books already designed with this connection. A disorganized, reluctant writer can use software with graphic organizers (like Inspiration) to work on short pieces with appealing topics. For the student who has little taste for fiction, workbooks with nonfiction selections can be used for many of the reading comprehension objectives, adding short stories or movies instead of novels to cover literary elements. Even if you’ve already chosen a curriculum, adjustments can be made or supplements added with the child’s strengths and weaknesses in mind. The great thing about homeschooling is that one size doesn’t have to fit all. We have the luxury of providing a custom education, suiting methods and materials to each child.