FAQs
Here you’ll find details about both our Preschool and Homeschool Curricula, as well as answers to some basic questions you may have. We will continue to update our FAQ with frequented questions. If your question cannot be answered here, please contact us separately. We are here to support you!
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Subscription Details
Charges
You will be charged on the same day of purchase each month after your (1) month trial expires. Subscribers are responsible for cancelling their own subscriptions - directions for cancelling are found on your dashboard in the “Welcome Educators” section at the top or in the “Manage Your Account” section of this FAQ.
We do not offer refunds if you have failed to cancel your subscription before the renewal date. Due to the nature of digital and downloadable content, no refunds or credits are permitted.
How Our Product is Packaged
Our curriculum is made to be used online or printed—we currently do not offer drop-shipping. Each month new curriculum is released and made available to you on your dashboard. If you are a brand new subscriber you will begin with Month 1. The curriculum comes in the form of downloadable PDFs.
When New Curriculum is Available
New curriculum is released based upon when you initially purchase your subscription. Immediately upon purchasing you will have access to month 1 and all static resources on the dashboard.
Then after that new curriculum content will be released each month along your unique timeline, and for Premium Bundles, they will be released 10 days prior to allow for additional prep time.
Access
You will always have access to your subscription, as long as your card is valid and not expired. You will get notifications to update your card if needed.
If you are unable to update your card or pay for your subscription, your product will be revoked after so many notifications, and you will lose access to your subscription.
If you cancel your subscription, afterwards you will see “pending cancellation” under your subscription, and next to it you will see your specific date of when your access to content will end. If you request for us to cancel your subscription, you will immediately lose access to content.
If you cancel your subscription and then re-subscribe, you will begin again with Month 1.
Pausing
It is possible to pause your subscription. After we’ve paused your account you will no longer have access to the dashboard and content there. So you will need to make sure to download all the content you would like to hold onto for this paused time.
Along with access, payments will also be paused. (We are not able to prorate or offer any refunds based on when you choose to pause)
We will add a tag to your account to keep track and wait to hear from you in the future to reactivate your account.
If you want to pause your subscription, you will need to contact us requesting this and we will take care of it within 72 hours.
Please note that you will need to track when your next auto pay is scheduled and make sure to reach out well in advance of that next charge.
Who is Origins Curriculum for?
This is an international curriculum that serves both Preschool and Homeschool students and educators. The curriculum was designed so that you can begin at any point in the year and you do not need to “catch up.” You will still need to review homeschooling requirements for your location, but we’ve already been approved in 4 countries and counting!
Origins Curriculum Subscriptions:
Preschool Classroom is for ages 3-5. This curriculum is specifically written for Preschool Classroom Educators, but it can be adapted for homeschool families of children ages 3-5.
Homeschool Curriculum is for grades Kindergarten through 5th grade and Homeschool Educators. Our 22-23 curriculum is offered for the following grades: K/1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.
Origins Store:
*Products sold in our store are not subscription-based, that means you will not have an account or dashboard with us. Our additional offerings are only available with our subscriptions.
Origins Curriculum sold in our store is for preschool-aged children through 6th grade. The difference in grades is because the 21-22 curriculum was written for the following grade ranges: K-2nd, 3rd-4th, and 5th-6th grades. Last year’s curriculum is sold in our store at a discounted price. These are sold singularly by the month or in quarters as bundles of 3.
Our Conscious Lessons are for Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Our Exploratory Courses are for Preschool through High School.
Is this an international curriculum?
Yes. Origins Curriculum has already been approved by 4 countries and counting! You will still need to check the homeschooling requirements for your specific location. If you’re unsure of where to begin, you can start by viewing Homeschooling 101 on the website!
Is there a sample I can download before purchasing?
All of our bundles come with a (1) month trial. This gives you the ability to see more than what we would be able to offer in a sample. *You can of course cancel at anytime. If you like your subscription, your subscription will automatically continue and payments begin on the second month. (see Manage Your Account within our FAQ).
How do I upgrade or downgrade my subscription?
If you've already purchased a basic or deluxe bundle and would like to upgrade to the Premium to unlock additional features and more benefits, kindly cancel your current subscription and purchase again.
When you’re set to upgrade your subscriptions, use the coupons below to enjoy amazing discounts:
Preschool
To upgrade to Sprout Deluxe Bundle, use SPROUTUP20 for 20% off at checkout.
To upgrade to Bloom Premium Bundle, use BLOOMUP20 for 20% off at checkout.
Homeschool
To upgrade to our Homeschool Premium Bundle, use HSUPGRADE20 for 20% off at checkout.
If you need to downgrade from Premium, you will first need to cancel your current subscription (See the Manage Your Account section at the bottom of the FAQ) and then purchase the subscription that you would like.
Discounts & Coupons
Discounts & Coupons we offer:
- Sibling Discount offers 50% off on 2nd subscription purchase. You must have both subscriptions purchased under the same email address before we can apply the discount.
- Sliding Scale Discount is for low income families or those experiencing financial hardships.
You can contact us at [email protected] to learn more and inquire about these discounts. Discounts are offered at our discretion.
Using your curriculum after purchase
The Preschool and Homeschool curriculum is developed in a way that supports both emergent learning and linear learning. The educator and/or student(s) can create a flow with the curriculum that works best for them. Each school or homeschool setting will have a unique approach, and our lessons can be plugged in where it is most fitting. *For ex.- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are for Science and Art, so you can focus on those lessons during those days.
The curriculum can be printed or worked with online. For Preschool we suggest printing and laminating the resources, and for Homeschool we suggest printing the workbook and resources. *Anything that you can work with online is a future tree saved.
Consultations & Trainings
We offer consultations and trainings via phone or video calls for $25 per 15 minutes, $100 for an hour.
We’re always happy to answer questions and help support our subscribers via email or chat.
When is new curriculum available each month?
New curriculum is released based upon when you initially purchase your subscription. Immediately upon purchasing you will have access to month 1 and all static resources on the dashboard.
After that, new curriculum content will be released each month along your unique timeline, and for Premium Bundles, they will be released 10 days prior to allow for additional prep time.
How do I access my account dashboard?
You must have one of our subscription bundles or products to have access to an account dashboard. A subscription is something you pay monthly for. If you purchase curriculum or resources from the store, you do not have access to an account dashboard.
If you do have a subscription, you can go to originscurriculum.com and click “login” on the right-hand side of the website—you can also click here.
What will be on my dashboard?
First, this depends on what subscription you have. If you have a Basic/Deluxe Bundle you will have access to less content than the Premium Bundles.
For our Premium Bundles you will find your curriculum content and corresponding resources + an Educator Guide, overview for the year (Year At A Glance), Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Support Tools, Movement Videos, Posters, and organization tools.
If you have a Basic or Deluxe Bundle, you will have access to less content than you would if you have the Premium Bundles.
We offer your 1st Month free so you can try out the curriculum and see what is available.
How do I access the Community Forum or Private Facebook Group?
You must be an Origins Curriculum subscriber to access the Forum or the Private Facebook Group.
Once you have subscribed, log in to your dashboard and scroll down to “Community Resources”. Here you will find a link to the Community Forum and the Private Facebook Group. (Please note: this link may be on page 2 of your dashboard so continue to page 2 to find it.)
Once you are redirected to the Forum, you will be prompted to log in again. Simply use your account username and password. Once logged in, you can connect with others, ask questions, and troubleshoot with one another. There are different sections for Preschool and Homeschool users.
If you are asked for the Private Facebook Group password, just click the link under “Community Resources.” You will find it there.
Is Origins Curriculum accredited?
Specific differences can be found between educational curriculum and educational programs. One of the main differences is that curriculum exists independent of an educational program, and does not fall under the process of accreditation management. There is not even a governing body that oversees an accrediting process for independent curricula.
However, Origins Curriculum expertly fulfills a multitude of needs for families and is comprehensive in a number of ways:
• Origins Curriculum provides families flexibility and is tailored to the wide variety of learning styles found in children. As such, it is helpful for families in meeting the needs of their children's uniquely inquisitive natures.
• Origins Curriculum can be personalized to meet the needs of each student in a learning group. While using Origins Curriculum, a parent delivers the provided educational content directly to their child in the manner they determine is best suited for their child's needs.
• One of the most exciting elements of Origins Curriculum is that it is based on a highly integrated approach to the educational needs of young children. As such, it is written to address the learning styles of all children, ensuring that parents are meeting the needs of their child no matter which area of learning they discover that their child excels in.
All learning styles, such as the neurodivergent, those of different multiple intelligences, as well as new and experienced homeschoolers, can feel confident using Origins curriculum because the foundational elements for success are written right into the curricular building blocks. In accredited programs, learners generally have to be very focused on one path or one way of learning and thus, the flexibility is lost. Learn more HERE.
Does the curriculum support diversity?
Origins Curriculum strives to not only support, but embrace and celebrate diversity to create an inclusive community where students and families from every background feel welcome and empowered to learn and grow together. We provide a curriculum and platform where students of every learning-style and ability can experience the Origins Effect.
We are embarking on a new paradigm of early childhood education, to not only give children a strong academic foundation, but to support the philosophies and ideals that will create a generation of emotionally healthy people who value the wise use of resources, cultural diversity, gender equality and a sense of democracy.
Is Origins Curriculum secular?
Origins curriculum is secular and non-religious. It uses mindfulness, eco-consciousness and the ancient wisdom traditions of a deep connection to earth and its natural systems as its main focus.
What are the prices for Origins Curriculum Bundles?
All bundles include a (1) month trial.
Preschool
- Seed Basic Bundle $15/month
- Sprout Deluxe Bundle $45/month
- Bloom Premium Bundle $65/month
Homeschool
- Homeschool Basic Bundle $15/month
- Homeschool Premium Bundle $85/month
When you join us, you have access to a 30-day free trial after which you will be charged on the same day of purchase each month after your trial expires. If you wish to cancel your subscriptions before your trial expires, you can do so by going to your “Billing Info” on your dashboard.
Please note that no refunds will be made if you fail to cancel your subscription before the renewal date.
Financial Assistance
We currently offer a sliding scale to help teachers and families that need financial assistance. We require that you provide us with supporting documentation to first see what discounts you qualify for, and then thereafter (every 6 months to a year) to keep your discount. Please contact us to inquire about our sliding scale.
About Our Store?
The Origins Store is a place to buy non-subscription home and classroom resources, mindfulness and organizational tools, conscious courses, lesson plans and single-purchase curriculum packages that come bundled seasonally or yearly.
How do the curriculum packages in the Store differ from the Subscription Bundles?
The store curriculum packages are 1-time purchases rather than monthly subscriptions, and you get all the content at once. You can purchase seasonal packages that follow our focal points (fall, winter, spring and summer) or a full year at once.
These are discounted packages from the prior year’s content that does not come with the plethora of additional resources, lessons, audio & video content, tools, guidance and support that is part of the subscription bundles.
If you purchase anything from our store, you will not have access to a “dashboard.” You only have access to an account dashboard if you have a subscription bundle.
What is the difference between Exploratory Courses and Conscious Lessons in the Store?
Exploratory Courses & Conscious Lessons are available for purchase in our STORE.
Exploratory Courses are in-depth conscious courses that are designed to be implemented over 2 weeks. There are courses for preschool-aged children all the way through High School.
Conscious Lessons are supplemental lessons for classroom or homeschool students and they are designed to be taught over 2-5 days. These are good for PreK-2nd grade.
What Subjects are Covered?
Mindfulness - provides your student space and guidance for calming the senses, increasing focus and attention, and bringing awareness to the present moment while growing social-emotional intelligence.
Reading & Writing - provides foundational skills and strategies for the study of language, using literature and writing opportunities to build your student’s confidence as a reader and writer. Your student will be empowered to independently explore subjects that ignite their passions, while using their writing for creative self-expression and positive, real-world change.
Culture & Society - provides a chance to explore ourselves and others through the study of human culture and history through social studies. This prompts your student to think both critically and creatively, so they can imagine and take part in a better future.
Fine Arts - provides hands-on artistic exploration to help your student explore their internal and external worlds. This exploration helps your student practice and develop their own personal relationship with self-expression.
Nutrition - provides your student the opportunity to learn about how the body needs and uses nutrients to stay healthy, with a focus on a farm-to-table approach highlighting sustainability and food sovereignty. Thematic recipes offer a hands-on learning experience, exploration of global food culture, and an opportunity for meaningful connection.
The Sciences - provides your student an outlet to discover and understand the world around them. Lessons and hands-on experiments deepen your student’s comprehension of how things work, and enhance their connection to the habitats and ecosystems that sustain us.
Movement - provides opportunities to take part in physical exertion that can help us expel energy, strengthen our bodies, and calm our minds. We offer a variety of yoga-inspired videos and other movement-related content to ground and center your student's feelings and focus.
Mathematics - provides a right-brained approach to math, helping your student understand math in the context of the natural world. Lessons focus on developing understanding, opportunities for meaningful practice, and encouraging your student to apply what they have learned.
Different learning styles and abilities supported by the curriculum
Origins Curriculum provides the skills, strategies, and content for homeschool educators and students to decide what works for them, and then find the appropriate materials based on what we suggest.
Our curriculum considers Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences:
- Naturalist - Origins Curriculum is centered around nature and strives to give students a robust understanding of the natural world around them. Additionally, opportunities to take learning outside are provided every month.
- Visual/Spatial - Students are provided with opportunities to move and experience their world while being out in the world, not just learning about it on screens. Art lessons and suggested projects are provided every month so students can learn and express themselves through the visual arts. Additionally, strategies to help visual learners are provided in most lessons.
- Linguistic - The newly designed curriculum provides the skills and strategies students need to become strong readers and writers so they can confidently follow their learning interests.
- Logical/Mathematical - Each biome will be taught in its component parts and then put together through concepts of interconnection and systems thinking, to help ensure a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
- Bodily/Kinesthetic - Origins Curriculum believes that students learn best through direct experience with the world. Whether it’s observing nature on a hike or a neighborhood walk, conducting science experiments, or creating and sharing art and writing, Origins gets students involved in their world.
- Musical - New this year, Origins Curriculum will have lessons on the music from biomes around the world as well as the sounds of the natural world.
- Intrapersonal and Interpersonal - Origins Curriculum has lessons dedicated to mindfulness to help students understand their socio-emotional world and the socio-emotional world of others. These concepts are woven throughout the curriculum as well to help students develop empathy for all the living and nonliving parts of our beautiful planet. Through this empathy, we hope students learn to care for others and protect planet Earth.
How to assess, test or grade your child
Origins Curriculum encourages self-assessment and reflection. Students are encouraged to set individual goals (tools are provided) and then reflect upon completion. Your student, even young students, know when they have worked their hardest.
We provide educator and student planners to track subjects, lessons/activities, and hours to make this easier. We also provide a portfolio guide in case your state requires a portfolio submission.
Find out curriculum requirements for your state
When we are talking about requirements, each state is different and has different requirements. Locate all the information you need to know what the requirements for your state are. The following is a basic overview:
- Schooling Options
- Teaching Qualifications
- School Ages
- Curriculum Requirements
- Assessment
- Immunization
- Notification
- Attendance
- State Records
- Days or Hours
- Disabilities
- Athletics
- Part-time enrollment
- Re-enrollment
- Public School
- Graduation
Origins Curriculum covers all subjects that you find in public school and many more!
Is a formal background in education required for Origins Homeschool?
You don't need a formal educational background, you just need the willingness, confidence, and sometimes a little support.
Origins Curriculum is research-based and standards informed so you don’t have to worry about not having an education background. Lessons in the core subjects teach the foundational skills your student needs to pursue their interests and passions. For example, reading lessons explicitly teach the skills and strategies to not only decode texts but comprehend them.
In our Homeschool Premium Bundle you’ll find things like:
- Focal Point Tools
- Opening/Closing Guides and suggestions to begin and end learning sessions.
- Transition Tools
- Mindfulness Tools
- Social-Emotional Support Tools
- Yoga
- Homeschool Educator Resources
- Educator Planners
- Student Planners
- Portfolio Guide
- Sample Letter-Intent to Homeschool
- Posters
- Community Resources
All of these tools and resources are available to support you in homeschooling your student, and we are too!
Can I pause my subscription
Yes, we are able to pause your subscription.
After we’ve paused your account you will no longer have access to the dashboard and content there. So you will need to make sure to download all the content you would like to hold onto for this paused time.
Along with access, payments will also be paused. (We are not able to prorate or offer any refunds based on when you choose to pause)
We will add a tag to your account to keep track and wait to hear from you in the future to reactivate your account.
If you want to pause your subscription, you will need to contact us requesting this and we will take care of it within 72 hours.
Please note that you will need to track when your next auto pay will happen and make sure to reach out well in advance of that next charge.
HOMESCHOOL
What is the difference between the Basic Bundle and Premium Bundle for Homeschool?
For Homeschool Basic Bundle for K-5th ($15/month) you receive (5) lesson plans total; 1 lesson plan for each grade (K/1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th). This subscription is great if you’re just looking for a small sample of Origins Curriculum, or if you need a little supplemental curriculum and you have students of various ages at home.
- Each month we rotate through our subjects and upload (1) new lesson plan and resources for you + an additional mindfulness lesson.
For Homeschool Premium Bundle ($85/month) everything is included. You receive all of our lesson plans and resources + the workbook (see Homeschool Subject Overview) + Homeschool Educator and Student Planners, Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Support Tools, Posters, Movement Videos, and more!
- For our K/1st grade subscription we have a Comprehensive Reading Curriculum and Handwriting Resources too. If your student(s) are in 2nd-5th grade and you would like to access these, you can request them by contacting us.
What is the influence or approach to the homeschool curriculum?
Origins Curriculum is unschooling-inspired and research-based. We take a student-centered and interdisciplinary approach using project-based activities. We support emergent learning, while providing direction and guidance.
We include all of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences, and we incorporate Bloom's Taxonomy in addition to Origins own Eco-literacy and Mindfulness based Conscious Curriculum.
What subjects are covered?
Mindfulness - provides your student space and guidance for calming the senses, increasing focus and attention, and bringing awareness to the present moment while growing social-emotional intelligence.
Reading & Writing - provides foundational skills and strategies for the study of language, using literature and writing opportunities to build your student’s confidence as a reader and writer. Your student will be empowered to independently explore subjects that ignite their passions, while using their writing for creative self-expression and positive, real-world change.
Culture & Society - provides a chance to explore ourselves and others through the study of human culture and history through social studies. This prompts your student to think both critically and creatively, so they can imagine and take part in a better future.
Fine Arts - provides hands-on artistic exploration to help your student explore their internal and external worlds. This exploration helps your student practice and develop their own personal relationship with self-expression.
Nutrition - provides your student the opportunity to learn about how the body needs and uses nutrients to stay healthy, with a focus on a farm-to-table approach highlighting sustainability and food sovereignty. Thematic recipes offer a hands-on learning experience, exploration of global food culture, and an opportunity for meaningful connection.
The Sciences - provides your student an outlet to discover and understand the world around them. Lessons and hands-on experiments deepen your student’s comprehension of how things work, and enhance their connection to the habitats and ecosystems that sustain us.
Movement - provides opportunities to take part in physical exertion that can help us expel energy, strengthen our bodies, and calm our minds. We offer a variety of yoga-inspired videos and other movement-related content to ground and center your student's feelings and focus.
Mathematics - provides a right-brained approach to math, helping your student understand math in the context of the natural world. Lessons focus on developing understanding, opportunities for meaningful practice, and encouraging your student to apply what they have learned.
How do we transition into the next grade?
Currently we do not have a way to automatically transition you to the next grade level.
Each student is working through the curriculum content at their own pace, so whenever the student is finished or whenever you’re ready to move onto the next grade level, you’ll need to cancel your current subscription and subscribe to the next grade level. Whenever you purchase a new subscription you will begin with Month 1.
Do you have preschool curriculum for homeschooling families?
Currently our Preschool Curriculum is written specifically for schools and Preschool Educators with groups or classes in mind. This curriculum will currently suffice for any preschool-aged child though, even in a homeschool setting. The group activities can be differentiated for homeschooling by working with other children (siblings or friends), or working with your child as a pair.
We will eventually be adapting this curriculum so that the voice addresses Homeschool Educators and children specifically.
If you’re interested in seeing if our current curriculum will work for your 3-5 year old, we suggest subscribing for a free trial of any of our preschool bundles: Seed, Sprout, or Bloom.
What comes in my bundle each month?
With our Homeschool Premium Bundle each month you’ll receive:
- Lesson Plans
- 1 Yoga
- 2 Reading
- 2 Writing
- 1 Culture & Society
- 1 Fine Arts
- 1 Nutrition
- 2 Science
- 1 content/topic based, and 1 experiment based
- 1-2 Math depending on content
- 1 Mindfulness
- Origins Workbook with printable materials to facilitate and enhance each lesson.
- Origins Guided Meditations
- Movement videos
*As our curriculum is interdisciplinary, you will see subjects weave together beautifully and students will have the opportunity to make deeper connections in their learning experiences. For example, students may use math within art, nutrition, or math lessons… or math within reading and writing lessons.
Each Quarter, you will receive:
- Opening & Closing Workbook
- Transition Tools
- Focal Point Project
And of course, on your dashboard you will always have access to your:
- Homeschool Educator Guide
- Curriculum and Resources
- Mindfulness Tools
- Social-Emotional Support Tools
- Movement Videos
- Home Educator Resources
- Educator Planners
- Student Planners
- Portfolio Guide
- Sample Letter-Intent to Homeschool
- Posters & Visual Aids
- Community Resources
Homeschool Basic Bundle includes the following:
- Homeschool Educator Guide
- Year At A Glance
- Curriculum
- 1 Lesson Plan per month (5) lesson plans total- one for each age group: K/1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades
- Organizational Planners
- Origins YouTube Library of video & audio lessons, meditations, and educational resources.
- Community: Forum & Private Facebook Group
When is new curriculum available each month?
New curriculum is released based upon when you initially purchase your subscription. Immediately upon purchasing you will have access to month 1 and all static resources on the dashboard.
Then after that new curriculum content will be released each month along your unique timeline, and for Homeschool Premium Bundles, they will be released 10 days prior to allow for additional prep time.
What supports are available for new readers?
We currently have a reading program that is included in our Premium Bundle for Kindergarten through 1st grade.
This Reading Program consists of 10 levels and has 2 main components:
- Emergent Reading Curriculum
- Decodables (Beginner Reader Books)
These levels will be released as the months progress, and you’ll begin with Level 0.
If you have the Homeschool Premium Bundle for 2nd-5th and would like to utilize this reading program for your student, please contact us.
Do you have handwriting resources?
We currently have some foundational handwriting resources that are included in our Homeschool Premium K/1st grade subscription. We plan to add these to our store in the near future, but for our other Premium subscriptions these resources are available upon request. If your student is in 2nd-5th and needs help with writing practice, just contact us and we’ll send what resources we have to you.
How long does each lesson take?
It depends on the lesson, and of course, your student and how they’re doing that day. Work with the pace and engagement of your student—learning is to be practiced and fun, not forced.
Move through the lessons and content with your student at your own pace, all of the resources are available to you so that you can cater to the individual needs, ability, and learning style of your student.
For students who breeze through their work you can introduce one of our focal point projects.
Does this curriculum support different learning styles and abilities?
Origins Curriculum provides the skills, strategies, and content for homeschool educators and students to decide what works for them, and then find the appropriate materials based off of what we suggest.
Our curriculum considers Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences:
- Naturalist - Origins Curriculum is centered around nature and strives to give students a robust understanding of the natural world around them. Additionally, opportunities to take learning outside are provided every month.
- Visual/Spatial - Students are provided with opportunities to move and experience their world while being out in the world, not just learning about it on screens. Art lessons and suggested projects are provided every month so students can learn and express themselves through the visual arts. Additionally, strategies to help visual learners are provided in most lessons.
- Linguistic - The newly designed curriculum provides the skills and strategies students need to become strong readers and writers so they can confidently follow their learning interests.
- Logical/Mathematical - Each biome will be taught in its component parts and then put together through concepts of interconnection and systems thinking, to help ensure a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
- Bodily/Kinesthetic - Origins Curriculum believes that students learn best through direct experience with the world. Whether it’s observing nature on a hike or a neighborhood walk, conducting science experiments, or creating and sharing art and writing, Origins gets students involved in their world.
- Musical - New this year, Origins Curriculum will have lessons on the music from biomes around the world as well as the sounds of the natural world.
- Intrapersonal and Interpersonal - Origins Curriculum has lessons dedicated to mindfulness to help students understand their socio-emotional world and the socio-emotional world of others. These concepts are woven throughout the curriculum as well to help students develop empathy for all the living and nonliving parts of our beautiful planet. Through this empathy, we hope students learn to care for others and protect planet Earth.
How do I assess, test, or grade my child?
Origins Curriculum encourages self-assessment and reflection. Students are encouraged to set individual goals (tools are provided) and then reflect upon completion. Your student, even young students, know when they have worked their hardest.
Origins provides educator and student planners to track subjects, lessons/activities, and hours to make this easier. We also provide a portfolio guide in case your state requires a portfolio submission.
Do you have helpful tips for inexperienced homeschool families just starting out?
Yes we do! You can check out our Homeschool 101 section. Please also feel free to contact us directly if you need further guidance or support.
Do you need a formal educational background to homeschool?
You do not! You just need the willingness, confidence, and sometimes a little support.
Origins Curriculum is research-based and standards informed so you don’t have to worry about not having an education background. Lessons in the core subjects teach the foundational skills your student needs to pursue their interests and passions. For example, reading lessons explicitly teach the skills and strategies to not only decode texts but to comprehend them.
In our Homeschool Premium Bundle you’ll find things like:
- Focal Point Tools
- Opening/Closing Guides and suggestions to begin and end learning sessions.
- Transition Tools
- Mindfulness Tools
- Social-Emotional Support Tools
- Yoga
- Homeschool Educator Resources
- Educator Planners
- Student Planners
- Portfolio Guide
- Sample Letter-Intent to Homeschool
- Posters
- Community Resources
All of these tools and resources are available to support you in homeschooling your student, and we are too!
Does my state have requirements for curriculum?
Each state is different when it comes to what is required, and researching and locating all of the information can sometimes be daunting.
Origins Curriculum has created resources for you, check out our Homeschool 101 section to learn what your state requires for you to homeschool. We give you a basic overview of the following:
- Schooling Options
- Teaching Qualifications
- School Ages
- Curriculum Requirements
- Assessment
- Immunization
- Notification
- Attendance
- State Records
- Days or Hours
- Disabilities
- Athletics
- Part-time enrollment
- Re-enrollment
- Public School
- Graduation
Origins Curriculum covers all subjects that you find in public school plus many more!
*See “What subjects are covered?” in the Homeschool FAQ section for further details.
Will credits transfer if I want to re-enroll my student in public school or an alternative?
This something that varies from state to state. Many times, it will come down to the specific district that you live in and what they require for re-enrollment. The best way to find out is to call your local superintendent's office and ask what their specific requirements are.
Origins provides educator and student planners to track subjects, lessons/activities, and hours to make this easier. We also provide a portfolio guide in case your state requires a portfolio submission.
Check out HOMESCHOOL STATE LAWS here for more info.
Do we need to homeschool during set hours like 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.?
It can be hard to adjust when you go from public school to homeschool, but the simple answer to this question is no. Some states will require a set number of hours of instruction per day, but they do not dictate when those hours need to be. Many states only require you to meet the annual requirement of hours and days of instruction, with no set standard of when those hours need to be or what days you need to have instruction on.
It is best to keep documentation of when you hold instruction and what you are teaching during that time by using our planners and resources that are included in the Homeschool Premium Bundle.
Do we have to follow a specific outline?
Homeschool is such a great way to practice emergent learning. Emergent learning is when we allow a student’s interests and abilities to guide their learning. You can follow any outline that works for your family. Origins gives you the freedom to be student-led and to allow your student’s natural instincts and interests to bloom.
There are so many ways to show interest in your student’s world. You can check out books on topics they love, visit museums (virtually or in person) that involve their interests. You can even encourage your student to decide which activities to share with you. One of the most important ways of participating in your student’s interests is to listen to them. This means creating space for them to talk and share while you listen, refraining from the urge to direct or evaluate their thinking.
Does learning have to take place only in the home to be considered homeschooling?
Not at all! We actually encourage you to get out and explore the real world as much as possible—this can be a fantastic way to reinforce learning and make it more concrete for students.
Here are some examples of extending learning outside the home and other educational opportunities:
- First consider your student’s interests and go to places that support that and provide opportunities for exploration.
- Museums
- Art Galleries
- Aquariums
- Wilderness areas of National Parks
- Local parks
- Your backyard
- Community Venues and Services
- Theaters
- Sport Events
- Student Labs and Exploratory Observatories
- Libraries
- Any businesses of interest that offer tours or will let students shadow
- College campuses
- Farms or Community Gardens
- Animal Shelters or Sanctuaries
- Farmer’s Markets
There are so many opportunities for learning and exploration. We can include our students when we’re doing important tasks (as long as it’s age appropriate of course), like building or creating things, applying for loans, grants, other services, or even doing our taxes.
We may often feel as though it will take less time if we just do it ourselves, but there may eventually come a time when our students nevertheless ask us how to do something in the future. Students will be much more prepared for the real world when we involve them in it. These experiences are also a wonderful opportunity for connection and bonding. Around every corner is a potential learning opportunity—use it!
Are there materials/supplies required for this curriculum?
There is a page in the Home Educators Guide that explains materials and supplies in depth. This can be found under the “Welcome Homeschool Educator” section on your dashboard when you login. Origins really only requires normal school supplies, access to internet and a printer, and potentially a library (if a local library is unavailable, many of the books can be found to view or purchase online). The books in our book list are widely available and the lessons can be done with a variety of books.
Can we use technology?
Technology is a great addition to any learning experience. This is a tool that can open doors for your children and allow them to explore new places. As the homeschool educator you can make the call on how much or how little. Our belief is that repeated and prolonged exposure to nature and the outdoors is one the most powerful tools in helping to foster creative and happy learning. This can help to create balance with the exposure and use of technology.
PRESCHOOL
Can the Preschool Classroom curriculum be used for Homeschool?
Short answer is, yes. The Preschool Classroom curriculum can be adapted for ages 3-5 at home.
Long answer: The Preschool Classroom curriculum is written for Preschool Classroom Educators, so that means it includes details on classroom arrangement, group activities, and classroom culture. Any aspects of this curriculum that are not applicable to you at home can be omitted or simply adapted. For example, if there is a group or class activity, you can do this as a pair with you and your child, as a family, with friends, or even in a small pod.
There are also resources like our Parent Newsletter, which has great information that you can still use, but you just won’t be sending it home like a teacher would. This resource could also be used by sending it to other family members to keep them informed, and to help them reinforce learning when the child is in their care.
What is the difference between Seed, Sprout, and Bloom Bundles?
- For Seed Basic Bundle ($15/month) you receive 4 lesson plans and a thematic project, as well as some basic teacher resources like planners. The Basic Bundle is great if you need supplemental curriculum or you just wanna check out a few lessons before committing to something more.
- For Sprout Deluxe Bundle ($45/month) you receive what’s in the Basic Bundle + the entire lesson plan packet. If you’re just looking for new lesson ideas and you like to do more curriculum development and planning on your own, this would be a great bundle for you.
- For Bloom Premium Bundle ($65/month) everything is included. This is the package that has a full lesson plan packet, curriculum guide, social-emotional support and mindfulness tools, movement videos and resources, posters, and even pre-filled planners and parent newsletters to save you time. This bundle is for schools and home educators that want to take conscious learning to the next level!
What are the influences or approach to the preschool curriculum?
The beauty of teaching a class of unique individuals, can also be the challenge. A number of learning styles and a variety of developmental stages can be found in a single classroom of children. Origins’ lesson plans are designed to meet the needs of all types of learners: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, logical, social, solitary, and naturalistic. Lessons also encompass more than one subject at a time, to mirror real life and to ignite interest from multiple angles.
I have students with different learning styles and abilities. Does this curriculum support that?
Origins Curriculum supports different learning styles and abilities, we offer suggestions within our lesson plans and curriculum guide. We understand that everyone learns and experiences the world in their own unique way. We are always searching for creative ways to adapt classroom materials, activities and learning centers to meet the needs of all of our students.
Here are some pointers from our Professional Educators:
- A good daily schedule leaves room for flexibility and can be easily adapted to meet the needs of individual children.
- An intentional and adaptable teacher observes the children in their care closely and follows their lead, allowing for space and flexibility throughout the day. This may look different in each classroom, and may vary from one day to the next depending on the needs, interest, and energy levels of the children on any particular day.
- Sometimes this may mean providing acceptable alternatives to large group or teacher led activities, or strategically seating children in a way that optimizes their chances for success. Other times it may mean providing sensory breaks or changing plans entirely. On occasion, there may be a need to make structural changes to a classroom in order to accommodate children with physical limitations.
- When we make these changes, it is important to verbalize that we too are flexible, and to provide examples of the ways in which we can be adaptable and how it benefits our lives. You can provide children with a visual by explaining how you use your “flexible brain”, like flexible bodies, to make changes—this will help students make deeper connections about adaptability.
- Our students are constantly watching us as we model our own adaptability, and we empower our students to utilize their own when we acknowledge ours.
- We also suggest that teachers become trauma-informed and take into account children’s physical, mental, and cultural differences.
What subjects are covered?
Cognitive provides a variety of stimulation geared towards enhancing neurological skills such as imagination, attention, resilience, reflection, interpretation, initiative, self direction, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and engineering.
Mindfulness provides opportunities to practice presence and garner self awareness through emotions, empathy, respect, self concept, self regulation, likes and dislikes, gratitude, affirmations, sound healing, and self esteem.
Sensory Exploration provides experiences to hone all of the senses through tactile, auditory, visual, gustatory, and olfactory exploration. Children use their senses to connect with and make sense of the world around them.
Food and Nutrition provides students with the chance to diversify their taste buds, observe the food available to them, categorize foods, and learn about food in a threat free environment. Food is a major component of bringing people together and cultural identity, and plays a pivotal role in relationships to self and others.
Fine Arts provides a broad perspective on art forms including music, theater, literature, sculpture, and visual art. Activities call for a multitude of mediums and the study of different artists. Students can find pride in themselves and respect for others.
Science provides observation and experimentation to inform knowledge of physical science and life science. From body systems and self care, through food chains and ecosystems, to life cycles and climate change, students recognize the important role they play in the future of our world.
Mathematics provides a foundation of number sense, operations, measurement, data analysis, algebraic thinking, geometry, and spatial reasoning. A focus on real world applications provides meaning and context.
Social Studies provides a scope of information concerning people and their interaction with society and culture through the lenses of community, spatial exploration, conservation, resources, pollution, sustainability, Indigenous cultures, global warming, farm to table and seed to store concepts, and wants versus needs.
Movement provides a range of body-centered activity to focus on cross-body movement, mind-body connection, gross motor development, hand-eye coordination, and self care. Practices of stretching, yoga, sports, and balancing are included.
What comes in my bundle?
Each month with our Bloom Premium Bundle, you receive a new lesson plan packet that includes corresponding resources and a curriculum guide. You may also find additional resources that support the curriculum for that month.
With Sprout Deluxe Bundle, you receive just the lesson plan packet and resources.
With Seed Basic Bundle, you receive a sample of the lessons and resources for the month.
*See “What is the difference between Seed, Sprout, and Bloom Bundles?” for further details.
Lesson Plan Packet
- 20 pre-written lesson plans
- Ready-to-print lesson supplements
- Additional materials, activities, inspiration and ideas
- Suggested scaffolds and modifications for each lesson
Curriculum Guide
- Instructions & Teacher Resources
- Books and Supplies Needed
- Pre-filled (and blank) Weekly Planners
- Food and Nutrition
- Biomimicry in the Classroom
- Heart Poems
- Vocabulary Images
- Parent Newsletter
- Improving Your Child Care Center
- Information: Math and Play Centers
- Information: Outdoor Extensions, Science Notebooks, and Circle Time
- Blank Assessment Checklists
And of course, on your dashboard you will always have access to your Welcome Preschool Educator Guide, the Year At A Glance, planners, visual aids like posters, social-emotional support and mindfulness tools, yoga & movement videos, training videos (soon to be updated), and access to our forum and private facebook groups.
When is new curriculum available each month?
New curriculum is released based upon when you initially purchase your subscription. Immediately upon purchasing you will have access to month 1 and all static resources on the dashboard.
Then after that new curriculum content will be released each month along your unique timeline, and for Bloom Premium Bundle it will be 10 days prior to allow for additional prep time.
What supports are available for new readers?
We currently have a reading program that is included in our Bloom Premium Bundle for ages 3-5. This can be found on the Bloom Premium Bundle dashboard under “Reading Resources.”
This Reading Program consists of 10 levels and has 2 main components:
- Emergent Reading Curriculum
- Decodables (Beginner Reader Books)
These levels will be released as the months progress, and you will begin with level 0.
Do you have handwriting resources?
We currently have some foundational handwriting resources that are included in our Bloom Premium subscription. We plan to add these to our store in the near future. If you have a Basic or Deluxe Bundle and your student needs help with writing practice, just contact us and we can work with you.
How long does each lesson take?
It depends on the lesson, and of course, your class or student and how they’re doing that day. Each lesson typically is worked through in a day, but if things change as they typically do, feel free to extend a lesson over a few days. Work with the pace and engagement of children-learning is to be practiced and fun, not forced.
Move through the lessons and content at your own pace, all of the resources are available to you so that you can cater to individual needs and learning styles.
Do you provide assessments?
In our Bloom Premium Bundle we currently provide you with 3 different assessments:
- The Developmental Checklist-this is for ages 3-5.
- The Co-Active Assessment-this is to be done alongside your student or child and requires their participation.
- The Comprehensive Preschool Assessment-this is broken down into Origins’ subjects or categories of learning. This can be done through both observation and student/child participation in activities demonstrating skills.
The Developmental Checklist can be done at the beginning of the year, and repeatedly if there are concerns. Please contact your local childcare resource and referral agency, and/or your local CDC (Child Development Center) for additional resources and help. *Remember a wide range of ability and skill is expected.
The Co-Active Assessment can be done 3 times per year (we suggest before the Comprehensive Preschool Assessment, CPA) because it will allow you to observe specific skills, which will help you fill out the CPA. The Co-Active Assessment includes things like color, shape, number, and upper/lowercase letter recognition, phonics, patterns, following a dotted-line, and writing their name.
The Comprehensive Preschool Assessment is also suggested to be done 3 times per year. This includes the following categories of learning:
- Cognitive
- Language & Communication
- Emotional Development
- Social Development
- Health, Nutrition, & Safety
- Mindfulness
- Physical Development
- Basic Geometry & Spatial Awareness
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Eco-Literacy
- Social Studies
- The Arts
- Reading & Literacy
Are there resources that our school can give to parents or guardians?
Within the Curriculum Guide, which will be located in the “Curriculum” section on your dashboard, you will find a document called “Parent Newsletter” at the end of the guide. This contains an overview to share with parents/guardians, weekly suggestions to reinforce learning at home, and a blank section for preschool updates and important dates.
*This is only available to Bloom Premium subscribers.
Do you have preschool curriculum for Homeschool Educators?
Currently our Preschool Curriculum is written specifically for Preschool Educators with groups or classes in mind. This curriculum will currently suffice for any preschool-aged child though, even in a homeschool setting. The group activities can be differentiated for homeschooling by working with other children (siblings or friends), or working with your child as a pair.
We will eventually be adapting this curriculum so that the voice addresses Homeschool Educators and children specifically.
If you’re interested in seeing if our current curriculum will work for your 3-5 year old, we suggest subscribing for a free trial of any of our preschool bundles: Seed, Sprout, or Bloom.
MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT
How do I access my account dashboard?
You must have one of our subscription bundles or products to have access to an account dashboard. A subscription is something you pay monthly for. If you purchase curriculum or resources from the store, you do not have access to an account dashboard.
If you do have a subscription, you can go to originscurriculum.com and click “login” on the right-hand side of the website—you can also click here.
How to update payment information
1. Login
2. Click in the circular icon in the upper right hand corner.
3. Go to account “settings”
4. Click "Billing Info" in the upper right hand corner
From here you can update your payment information.
You can also watch this video.
*If you need further assistance please contact us.
How do I upgrade or downgrade my subscription?
If you've already purchased a basic or deluxe bundle and would like to upgrade to the Premium to unlock additional features and more benefits, kindly cancel your current subscription (See the Manage Your Account section at the bottom of the FAQ) and purchase again.
When you’re set to upgrade your subscriptions, use the coupons below to enjoy amazing discounts:
Preschool
To upgrade to Sprout Deluxe Bundle, use SPROUTUP20 for 20% off at checkout.
To upgrade to Bloom Premium Bundle, use BLOOMUP20 for 20% off at checkout.
Homeschool
To upgrade to our Homeschool Premium Bundle, use HSUPGRADE20 for 20% off at checkout.
If you need to downgrade from Premium, you will first need to cancel your current subscription (See the Manage Your Account section at the bottom of the FAQ) and then purchase the subscription that you would like.
Can I pause my subscription/account?
Yes, we are able to pause your subscription.
After we’ve paused your account you will no longer have access to the dashboard and content there. So you will need to make sure to download all the content you would like to hold onto for this paused time.
Along with access, payments will also be paused. (We are not able to prorate or offer any refunds based on when you choose to pause)
We will add a tag to your account to keep track and wait to hear from you in the future to reactivate your account.
If you want to pause your subscription, you will need to contact us requesting this and we will take care of it within 72 hours.
Please note that you will need to track when your next auto pay is scheduled and make sure to reach out well in advance of that next charge.
What if I cancel and want to re-subscribe later?
If you cancel and go to re-subscribe later (even using the same email) you will begin again at Month 1.
You can consider pausing your account which will pause payments and access, but you will start at the same place you left off.
How to cancel your subscription
1. Login
2. Click in the circular icon in the upper right hand corner.
3. Go to account “settings”
4. Click "Billing Info" in the upper right hand corner
You can also watch this video.
From here you can cancel your subscription.
Whenever you cancel will determine how long you continue to have access to the content on your dashboard. Right after you cancel, you will see “pending cancellation” under your subscription, and next to it you will see your specific date of when your access will end—please note this date.
If you plan to re-subscribe after cancelling, know that you will always begin back at Month 1.
If you need financial assistance we offer a sliding scale. Please contact us to inquire about this opportunity.
Pausing your account is also an option when needed.
After you have paused your account you will no longer have access to the dashboard and content there. So you will need to make sure to download all the content you would like to hold onto for this paused time.
Along with access, payments will also be paused. (We are not able to prorate or offer any refunds based on when you choose to pause)
We will add a tag to your account to keep track and wait to hear from you in the future to reactivate your account.
If you want to pause your subscription, you will need to contact us requesting this and we will take care of it within 72 hours.
Please note that you will need to track when your next auto pay is scheduled and make sure to reach out well in advance of that next charge.
We always appreciate your feedback if you are willing to share your reasoning for canceling—this helps us improve!
If I cancel, how long do I have access to curriculum content?
Your access depends on when you cancel. Right after you cancel, you will see “pending cancellation” under your subscription, and next to it you will see your specific date of when your access will end. Please note this date so that you know when your access will be revoked. If you have us cancel for you, your access is revoked immediately.
Refunds & Return Policy
Due to the nature of downloadable digital items we do not offer refunds or credits on purchases.
Subscribers are responsible for canceling their subscription. Directions for canceling can be found both under "Billing Info" on your dashboard and in "Manage Your Account" in the FAQ.
We do not offer refunds if you have failed to cancel your subscription before the renewal date.
