Do I Need a Curriculum to Teach Reading at Home? Pros and Cons

If you’ve started homeschooling and feel the pressure to choose the perfect reading curriculum, you’re not alone.

The options are overwhelming.
The price tags can be high.
And yet—there’s a quiet question in the back of your mind:

“Can I teach reading without one?”

The answer?
Yes—you can teach reading at home without a formal curriculum. But whether you should depends on a few key factors.

In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using a reading curriculum in your homeschool—and how to decide what’s best for you and your child.

📚 What Do We Mean by “Curriculum”?

A reading curriculum is typically a packaged program that includes:

• A phonics scope and sequence

• Daily or weekly scripted lessons

• Decodable texts or workbooks

• Assessment tools or checklists

These programs are designed to guide parents or teachers step-by-step through reading instruction. Some are based on the Science of Reading, others are not.

✅ Pros of Using a Reading Curriculum

1. Clear Structure and Sequence

You don’t have to guess what to teach next. Most curricula move from simple to more complex phonics patterns in a logical, research-backed order.

2. Built-In Review and Repetition

Good curricula spiral back to previously taught skills, helping your child master concepts over time.

3. Confidence for the Parent

If you’re unsure about how to teach phonics or how to spot gaps, a curriculum gives you a safety net. 📘

4. Saves Planning Time

With everything mapped out, you don’t have to create lessons from scratch or constantly search for materials.

❌ Cons of Using a Reading Curriculum

1. Can Be Rigid or Overwhelming

Some programs are scripted to the point of being stressful or unnatural. Others move too quickly or don’t fit your child’s pace.

2. Not Always Science of Reading Aligned

Many popular homeschool programs still use outdated strategies like guessing from pictures or memorizing sight words. ⚠️

3. May Not Fit Every Child

No curriculum can perfectly match your child’s learning style, pace, or needs. You may still need to supplement or adjust.

4. Cost and Complexity

Some reading programs are expensive—and include components you may never use.

💡 Can You Teach Reading Without a Curriculum?

Yes—if you understand what reading instruction actually requires.

The Science of Reading shows us that children need:

• Phonemic awareness (hearing and playing with sounds)

• Systematic phonics instruction (taught in a logical order)

• Decodable reading practice

• Spelling (encoding) practice

• Oral language and comprehension development

If you’re confident in how to teach those five pillars—or have access to quality resources that follow them—you don’t need a boxed curriculum to succeed.

What you do need is:

• A clear plan

• A phonics scope and sequence to follow

• Time each day to teach and practice

• Patience to go at your child’s pace

Some homeschool parents build their own reading routine using research-based principles, decodable books, and printable tools—and it works beautifully.

🤔 So… Should You Use a Curriculum?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I know how to teach phonics step-by-step?

• Do I have time to plan lessons and find materials?

• Am I confident adjusting instruction if my child struggles?

If the answer is “no,” a solid, Science of Reading–aligned curriculum might be the best choice. Think of it as your guide—not your boss.

If the answer is “yes,” and you’re already creating consistent, structured lessons… you may not need a formal program at all.

Final Thoughts

A curriculum can make teaching reading easier—but it’s not the only path to success.

What matters most is that you’re giving your child:

• Daily, consistent instruction

• A structured approach rooted in phonics

• A loving, supportive space to learn and grow 🧡

Whether you use a curriculum, build your own plan, or do a little of both—what matters is that it works for your family.