As a homeschooling parent, choosing the right curriculum can feel like navigating a maze. Economics, with its intricate concepts and real-world applications, can be especially challenging to teach to young learners. Fortunately, there are several solid secular and value-based resources that provide engaging, accessible lessons on the subject of economics. In this guide, we’ll explore four top choices for homeschooling families who want to introduce their children to the world of economics.
1. Tuttle Twins: Free Market Rules Curriculum
When it comes to teaching children about economics, Tuttle Twins stands out as the premier option for homeschool families. With its engaging, age-appropriate materials, it is our top recommendation for families looking to nurture a foundational understanding of free-market economics in children ages 5 to 12.
The Tuttle Twins Free Market Rules curriculum features a comprehensive, 30-unit program packed with 120 lessons that cover a wide range of topics such as trade, supply and demand, monopolies, taxes, and the fundamentals of economic systems. These lessons are designed not just to educate, but to spark engaging family discussions that help children grasp even complex concepts with ease.
One of the unique strengths of the Tuttle Twins curriculum is its ability to break down challenging economic principles into fun, digestible stories that children can relate to. The curriculum uses thought-provoking questions and activities to foster discussions about critical topics such as individual liberty, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility, which are essential in understanding how free markets function. The program also provides “Go Deeper” materials to encourage more in-depth exploration of topics.
With both digital and print versions available, Tuttle Twins ensures flexibility for homeschool families. The various bundles cater to different homeschooling needs, if you prefer a more hands-on experience with printed materials or the convenience of digital learning. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to fit well within a broader homeschooling environment, making it easier for parents to incorporate into existing lesson plans.
If you’re looking for an educational resource that blends core economic principles with fun, interactive learning, the Tuttle Twins Free Market Rules curriculum is an ideal choice. It encourages critical thinking, empowers children to understand the real-world implications of economics, and most importantly, provides a solid foundation for future learning.
For more details and to explore the curriculum further, visit Tuttle Twins.
2. Rainbow Resource: Free Market Economics Curriculum
For homeschooling families who appreciate detailed, structured lesson plans, Rainbow Resource offers a solid option with its Free Market Rules Economics Curriculum. This curriculum includes 30 units covering essential topics such as monopolies, taxes, and the impact of government policies on the economy. The lessons are organized to suit different age groups, ensuring that the material remains accessible and engaging for all students.
The Rainbow Resource curriculum is thoughtfully crafted, with a well-rounded approach to explaining key economic concepts in a manner that children can understand. While it may not be as story-driven as some other options, it does an admirable job of introducing young learners to the principles of free-market economics. It’s a great resource for parents looking for a comprehensive, no-frills curriculum that systematically covers a wide array of economic topics.
While it may not boast the same level of family-centric discussion prompts as Tuttle Twins, Rainbow Resource does offer a valuable and clear framework for teaching economics. Parents looking for a straightforward, structured approach to economics may find this curriculum to be a practical addition to their homeschooling toolkit.
3. Ron Paul Curriculum: Economic Foundations for High Schoolers
For homeschooling families with high school-aged students, the Ron Paul Curriculum offers an excellent economics course that combines free-market principles with a libertarian-leaning philosophy. Founded by economist Dr. Gary North, the curriculum is well-suited for older students who are ready to dive deeper into the world of economics.
The Ron Paul Curriculum offers an in-depth look at free-market economics and political theory, using a combination of video lectures, assignments, and quizzes to engage students. While this curriculum is not designed specifically for younger learners, it is an excellent choice for parents seeking to challenge high school students with a more rigorous approach to economic education. The curriculum covers topics such as Austrian economics, the role of government in the economy, and individual economic liberty, all from a libertarian perspective.
This resource is ideal for students who are ready for a more advanced exploration of economic principles and who will benefit from a curriculum that encourages independent thought and critical analysis. While it may not be suitable for younger children, Ron Paul Curriculum offers a robust option for homeschooling families with older students.
4. Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)
The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) offers a variety of free and paid resources designed to teach free-market economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance to students of all ages. FEE’s materials include articles, lesson plans, and video resources that help students understand key economic concepts and how they apply to everyday life.
While FEE provides a wealth of knowledge and resources, it may require a bit more effort from parents in terms of structuring the material into a cohesive curriculum. The organization’s resources are often geared toward educators and require some adaptation for use in the homeschooling environment. That said, FEE provides excellent supplementary materials for parents who want to explore specific economic topics in greater detail.
For homeschooling families seeking a more hands-on approach, FEE can be a valuable resource for supplementing an existing economics curriculum or providing additional materials for older students.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing an economics curriculum for your homeschool, it’s essential to find a resource that aligns with your educational values, is engaging for your children, and provides a clear path for teaching key economic principles. Tuttle Twins offers a fun, comprehensive, and highly accessible curriculum that makes teaching economics both enjoyable and effective. Its story-driven approach, flexible formats, and focus on free-market principles make it our top recommendation for homeschooling families. Happy homeschooling!