"Would you like to read the instructions before continuing?"
The program was trying to be helpful, but I quickly clicked the "no" button. Not 45 seconds later I turned to my wife and said, "I probably should have read those instructions."
It's not the first time I haven't felt like reading the directions before jumping in. And it's not the last time I'm going to end up confused because of it. The trouble is, even fun things like games have a learning curve. The rules of chess are essential to enjoying the game. And if you want to be able to best someone like, say, my little brother, you have to go to the trouble of reading books on chess theory and such.
I no longer play chess with my brother.
Some games have really, really annoying methods of learning the rules. I don't play those games either.
This same knowledge gathering requirement extends into the homeschool world. Choosing homeschool curriculum can be a frustrating experience, even if you've tried to read the instructions on choosing the right homeschool program. To make matters worse, much like trying to dig through a book on chess game play, there are simply a ton of details to consider when choosing homeschooling curriculum. But when we want to find the best of something, we tend to read everything.
I know I did when I purchased my first video camera. And then, armed with what I had read, I went to the store and talked through everything again with the salesman. I wanted to be sure.
You have similar opportunities with Sonlight. If you are having trouble choosing your homeschooling curriculum, you have options. The first, and most immediate, option would be to chat with a Sonlight Advisor. Or, swing by the Choosing Sonlight forum.
If you've got a little more time to make your selection, visit a homeschool convention and chat with a Sonlight Consultant. You can also get some convention information right now by clicking over to Sonlight's Virtual Booth.
Choosing the homeschool curriculum program that is right for your family can be a lot of work. But once you have the information you need, you can be confident that you've made the best choice for you and your students.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester
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