Cathy Duffy's Top Picks...

I've been a huge Cathy Duffy fan since I first learned of her curriculum reviews.  I remember checking out 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum several times when I first started homeschooling.  You can imagine my delight when I found my own copy at a used curriculum sale.  Since, I have also acquired 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.  These books are very well organized, whether you're new to homeschooling or just want to research a new curriculum.

In 2015, Cathy Duffy released a third edition titled, 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, which I recently borrowed from our local public library.  The layout of the book is basically the same.  However, there was a change to the "Approaches to Education" survey.  The preference questions and approaches to homeschool are unmoved but the scoring system is all together different.  Also, there is no Foreign Language section in 102 Top Picks...  Overall, it's still the same great resource and my favorite go to when I'm in the market for a new program.  Duffy's website is also invaluable.  However, you still need the book to get a full review on her top picks.

I don't know about you, but this time of year, I get antsy at the thought of upcoming homeschool conventions.  The curricula catalogs are also starting to pour in.  Prior to convention and book sales, I like to have my research done so I can make informed decisions.  Being prepared with list in hand, helps me reduce impulse buys.  Using the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling frees up many actual curricula decisions because we don't use a great amount of texts.  However, a book like Cathy Duffy's Top Picks is helpful when I am in the market.