Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Ditching That Expensive Curriculum

Spring is in the air, and if you’re anything like me—a seasoned homeschooling mom with more than a few gray hairs from past curriculum battles—you might be eyeing that pricey curriculum you bought in September with a sigh of regret. Yes, it looked perfect on paper, but in practice? Not so much. Here’s a comforting thought as we step into the sunshine of spring: It’s perfectly fine to leave that curriculum unfinished. In fact, opting for play and real-life skills might just be the smartest educational move you can make right now. Let me explain why, with a little wit and plenty of experience.

The Overpriced Curriculum Trap

Let’s face it, those glossy, expensive curriculums can be as tempting as a high-calorie dessert at a diet convention. They promise the world—every subject under the sun, aligned with all possible standards and guaranteed to turn your child into a prodigy. But just like that dessert, they often leave you feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and, oddly enough, still hungry for something more fulfilling.

The Magic of Learning Through Play

Remember when learning was fun? No? Then you’ve definitely been in the curriculum trenches too long! Spring is the perfect reminder that nature’s classroom is open, and the tuition is free. Play is not a break from learning; it’s a deep dive into it. Through play, kids tackle complex problems, navigate social dynamics, and unleash their creativity. And they do it with the kind of joy that no prefab curriculum can spark.

Real-Life Skills for the Win

While I’m all for academic growth, let me tell you, knowing how to solve quadratic equations is less urgent than, say, knowing how to cook a decent meal or manage a budget. Use this spring to teach skills that matter in the real world. Start a garden, fix that wobbly shelf together, or let your kid plan and cook a meal (and yes, cereal for dinner counts if that’s the best they can do).

Easing Out of the Curriculum Grind

If the thought of abandoning that expensive curriculum makes you cringe (I get it, money doesn’t grow on trees), don’t ditch it cold turkey. Ease out of it. Start weaving in more play and practical projects each day. Watch as your kids’ eyes light up with genuine interest. This is learning that sticks—because it matters to them, not because a test says so.

Flexibility is Your Friend

One of the best parts of homeschooling is the flexibility to adapt education to fit your child, not the other way around. If your spring doesn’t look like a Pinterest board or Instagram feed of homeschooling perfection, you’re probably doing something right. Real learning is messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully rich—much like the season itself.

Closing Thoughts

So, as the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, consider giving yourself and your kids a break from the rigidity of that expensive curriculum. Foster a love of learning that goes beyond textbooks and tests. After all, education should be a thrilling adventure, not a chore. Let’s toss those books (occasionally, not literally—we’re not barbarians) and head outside. The best classroom has no walls, and surprisingly, the best lessons don’t always come from a curriculum.