How to choose a home education curriculum in New Zealand

Before you look at any curriculum, write down three things: where your child is now in reading, writing and maths; how they like to learn (reading, hands-on, talking it through, screens); and what you want this year to achieve.

A short baseline check helps. Many families find their child is ahead in one subject and behind in another, which means one curriculum "level" rarely fits everything.

• Open-and-go: a scripted programme that tells you what to do each day. Best for new homeschoolers and busy weeks.
• Framework plus resources: an outline of topics that you fill with library books, videos and projects. More flexible, more planning.
• Interest-led: little set curriculum; you follow the child and record what they learn. Most demanding to record well.

Most families mix: an open-and-go maths and reading programme plus a lighter approach for science, history and the arts.

Maths and early reading build step by step, so gaps compound. For these, choose one sequential programme and stick with it for at least a term before judging it.

Look for: a clear scope and sequence, worked examples, plenty of practice with answers, and regular review of earlier skills. Placement tests help you start at the right level rather than the child's age.

These subjects are easier to teach to several ages at once and to build around interests. Unit studies, documentaries, museum visits, nature journals and good library books often work as well as a textbook.

• Does it cover what my local rules expect, or will I need to add something?
• How much parent preparation does each lesson need?
• Is there a placement test and an answer key?
• Can I see sample lessons before I buy?
• Will it work for my next child too (reusable or consumable)?
• What does it cost for the whole year, including extras?

Use free lessons, sample chapters and the library for a few weeks before committing to a full programme. Success Homeschool's curriculum library is free and organised by year level, with explanations, worked examples and practice questions — a useful way to recognise what suits your child.

Give a new curriculum four to six weeks. Switch if your child is consistently in tears, stuck on the same skill for weeks despite extra practice, or bored because it's far too easy. Change one subject at a time so you can see what made the difference.

The New Zealand Curriculum is free to read online and shows what is typically learnt at each stage. Many home educators use it as a reference when setting goals, even if they choose different resources.