Teaching What’s Beyond the Standard Curriculum
When we started homeschooling, one of the first things my wife and I realized is that education isn’t just about what’s in the textbooks. Sure, there’s math, science, and history—but what about everything else kids need to learn to thrive in life?
Here’s the thing: traditional curriculums often miss some of the most important life skills. Things like how to cook a meal, how to manage money, or even how to help a neighbor. These aren’t subjects you’ll typically find in a packaged curriculum, but they’re just as important.
For example, our kids (11- and 17-years old now) have learned how to cook since they were little. They’ve gone from making snacks to preparing full meals for the family. Recently our oldest made brunch for nine family members, handling everything from planning the menu, to grocery shopping, to accommodating different dietary preferences. Was it stressful? Absolutely. But the sense of pride and accomplishment she felt afterward was worth it.
We also involve our kids in bigger household decisions, like buying a new appliance. We talk through the cost, the features we want, and whether we should buy local or online. It’s a chance for them to see how adults make decisions and plan for the future—and, believe me, they’ve come up with perspectives that have surprised us more than once!
The Real Goal of Homeschooling
We’re raising kids to become capable, independent, and thoughtful adults who can handle life’s challenges—not just students who excel at getting good grades and passing tests.
Homeschooling allows us to combine subjects and teach in a way that mirrors how life really works. By integrating real-world skills with academic learning, we’re preparing them for a life of success, not just in school, but beyond it.
Here is our list of Essential Skills Homeschoolers Should Learn Beyond the Traditional Curriculum with breakdowns by age group.
| Skill | Younger Kids (5-8) | Middle Kids (9-12) | Older Kids (13+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal Prep | Learn to fix their own snacks (fruit, crackers) | Make simple meals like sandwiches | Prepare a meal for the family (dinner, brunch) |
| Basic Financial Skills | Understand saving versus spending | Open a savings account, count change | Learn about taxes, interest rates, and credit |
| Home Maintenance | Help with simple tasks like sweeping or dusting | Learn how to clean their room or dishes | Fix minor issues (change light bulbs, unclog sinks) |
| Household Budgeting | Understand the concept of money & spending | Help with grocery shopping and basic math | Create a simple family budget, pay a bill |
| First Aid | Know where first aid supplies are kept | How to care for cuts, minor injuries | Learn CPR, treat burns or chemical exposure |
| Time Management | Follow a daily routine (brush teeth, schoolwork) | Manage a personal schedule (school, play) | Plan a week using calendars, manage responsibilities |
| Vehicle Maintenance | Identify basic car parts (engine, wheels) | Check oil, coolant, windshield wiper fluid | Gas up the car, change a tire |
| Civics & Voting | Learn about rules at home and why they exist | Discuss local elections, how government works | Participate in discussions about real-life voting decisions |
| Community Service | Help with family chores | Volunteer with simple tasks (cleaning up local park) | Organize or join community service projects |
| Gardening | Water plants, learn names of basic plants | Plant a small herb garden, pull weeds | Plan and manage a family garden |
This is the real list we’re actively working on today. Your list may be different—and it should be! I’d love to know what’s on yours.
The Value of Community
We know it can be tough to think beyond the curriculum, but this is where community makes all the difference. The ideas and strategies we use come from our homeschooling community—people who share what works for them, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve solved problems in their own unique ways.
That’s what we’re building in Future Focus Homeschooling—a space where we share ideas, tap into each other’s expertise, and find creative solutions together. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, I invite you to join us. It’s easy to get started, and the support is real.
Let’s raise independent, capable kids together.
