Simplify Your Homeschool Options With These Five Curriculum Types

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explores five different types of curriculum—scripted, open-and-go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning—and discusses how each one can meet the unique needs of your homeschool journey. 

By understanding the different kinds of curricula available and how each can fit your family's needs, you'll be well-equipped to make decisions that reduce stress and enhance your homeschooling adventure. So, grab your notepad, maybe a smoothie, and let's step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling better together.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about different types of curriculum, including scripted, open and go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning, to find what works best for your homeschool style and needs.
• Understand the advantages of scripted curriculum for new homeschooling parents and how it can provide a structured yet flexible learning experience.
• Explore the concept of open and go curriculum and how balancing it with other types can simplify your homeschool year and reduce planning fatigue.
• Gain insight into fixed grid curriculum and the snaking loop schedule as a method to avoid overwhelm and ensure a balanced approach to using comprehensive resources.
• Get tips on effectively using buffet curriculum by setting specific goals, prioritizing materials, and making decisions in advance to avoid decision fatigue.
• Appreciate the value of whole-family learning curriculum, with a realistic approach to age range, to foster family unity and efficient multi-age education.

Resources and Links: 

• All About Reading
• All About Spelling
• Guest Hallow
• Tapestry of Grace
• Layers of Learning
• Book Shark
• Memoria Press
• Five In A Row
• Simply Charlotte Mason
• Homeschool Better Together Community
• Homeschool Better Together Citizenship Together
• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Task Card Master Class

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt8

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!

Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.

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