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Welcome to the Parent-to-Teacher Newsletter of Alinea-Home!

If you are exploring homeschooling or are already within your first few years of teaching your children at home, you are in the right place. Many parents today feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, opinions, and expectations surrounding home education. Here, each week, my goal is to slow things down and help you think clearly, build stability, confidence, and thoughtful learning environments for you and your children.

This is a place where things will begin to make sense.

Welcome to: Preparing the Parent The Year of Preparing the Parent to Homeschool

(Weekly guidance from the Alinea-Home Parent-to-Teacher AcademyTM.)

This Week’s Lesson: "Before You Choose (purchase) a Homeschool Curriculum, Prepare These 10 Things - First"

Greetings, All!

I know, I know, I know you are a bit fatigued with me talking about not purchasing curriculum too quickly, and not being prepared to speak to vendors. This is for our new community members who want to know 10 reasons why it's important. :)

Over the past three weeks, we have explored an idea that is often overlooked when families begin homeschooling:

In Part 1 of this series, we talked about why I chose to build a curriculum for parents first. Homeschooling is not simply a change in educational materials—it is a shift in how a family approaches learning, your guidance, and daily life.

In Part 2, we explored what you are really building when you homeschool. While academic learning is certainly important, homeschooling also builds habits, character, independence, and a culture of learning within the home.

And now in Part 3, we arrive at one of the most practical questions parents ask:

"How do we choose the right curriculum?"

Before that decision is made, there are several important things that help create a strong foundation for learning.

If you have followed along with this series, you have already taken the most important step in homeschooling: you have begun preparing yourself first.

That preparation matters more than any single curriculum choice.

This concludes our first three-week series, but the conversation is only beginning.

Over the coming months, we will continue exploring how you can prepare yourself to guide your homeschool during the first three years, building more confidence, more structure, and that culture of learning we have been talking about for long-term success for your family.

Before You Choose (purchase) a Homeschool Curriculum, Prepare These 10 Things

1. Establish Your Education Budget

Before attending homeschool conferences or browsing curriculum catalogs, determine how much your family can realistically invest in the education portion of your household budget.

Consider costs such as:

• curriculum textbooks
• school supplies
• tutoring or specialized instruction
• online learning programs
• furniture or storage for your school space

Try not to be the parent who attends conferences and purchases materials without first understanding how those expenses fit into the family budget.

2. Understand the Impact on the Household Budget

When children begin learning at home, household expenses often change--dramatically!

You may notice increases in:

• utilities
• paper and printing supplies
• transportation costs for field trips and activities
• groceries and snacks

Homeschooling changes the flow of the household from the public school system, and planning ahead prevents financial surprises.

3. Learn Your State’s Homeschool Requirements

Before purchasing a curriculum, take time to understand the legal requirements in your state.

This may include:

• subjects that must be taught
• attendance or daily hours-of-direct-learning requirements
• record-keeping expectations
• evaluation or testing requirements

Knowing these details helps you determine whether a curriculum meets your state guidelines. Then, you and your children can choose all of the extracurricular activities you want!

4. Research High School Graduation Requirements Early

Even if your child is young, it is helpful to understand what will eventually be required for high school graduation.

This helps you recognize which learning experiences count toward required subjects and which are considered electives.

5. Determine Your Family’s Daily Flow

Curriculum often assumes a certain daily schedule from the developer. Be sure to know the daily lecture schedule, assignment completion times, test dates, online discussion requirements, and the type of participation the instructor prefers for the course.

Before choosing materials, also consider:

• when, during the day, do your children learn the best
• how long can they focus before they need a break
• how does your work and family responsibilities fit into the day

A curriculum that doesn’t match your family flow can create unnecessary stress—for everyone.

6. Prepare a Dedicated Learning Space

While many homeschool families begin at the kitchen table, a defined learning space helps establish a routine and focus.

This space does not need to be elaborate, but it should support:

• organization
• accessibility of materials
• minimal distractions

A prepared environment makes learning easier for everyone.

7. Understand the Importance of Literacy Instruction

Strong literacy skills are foundational to every subject.

Before purchasing reading curriculum for your early learners, take time to understand how children actually learn to read. When parents understand the process of reading development first, they are better prepared to choose the right tools and curriculum later.

Some parents:

• consult a literacy specialist
• take short courses (check with your local community college)
• learn structured reading methods

The more confident you feel about teaching reading, the stronger your homeschool foundation will be.

8. Test Curriculum Before Purchasing

When attending conferences or reviewing programs, ask vendors for:

• sample lessons
• trial access
• demonstration materials

Work through the sample lessons with your child before making a purchase. What looks appealing to a parent may not always fit your child’s learning style or current capabilities.

9. Rule Out Vision or Health Concerns

Sometimes learning challenges are not academic at all.

Vision issues, for example, can make reading and writing unnecessarily difficult.

A routine vision check can help identify challenges that may affect learning.

Personal note: this happened to me. I was glad my parents were paying attention.

10. Include Your Teenager in the Decision

If you are homeschooling teenagers, involve them in the process.

Allow them to:

• attend conferences with you
• ask questions of vendors
• review curriculum samples

When teenagers participate in the decision, they often feel greater ownership of their education. Meaning, they do the work and enjoy it more.

Well, was the list helpful or do you have a question? Reply to this email and let me know. I would love to hear from you!

A Weekly Parent-to-Teacher Academy Preview​
​(The First Three Years)

Theme: The Year of Preparing the Parent First

Also, don't forget to mark your calendars.

Until next week! Have a great week!

Denise

P.S. If you know a homeschool mom who is struggling and could use some guidance, feel free to share the newsletter with them. I would love to bring a breath of fresh air to them.

Educationally, Dr. Denise Perdue Founder, Alinea-Home Parent-to-Teacher Academy for Homeschooling

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123, Hopkinsville , Kentucky 42241
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