How to Choose the Right ShillerLearning Kit for Your Child's Age or Grade

ShillerLearning organizes its homeschool materials by age and grade level, so the fastest way to narrow down a kit is to start with your child's current stage: Preschool (ages 3+), Pre-K, Elementary, or Middle School. From there, decide whether you need math, language arts, or both, since the kits are built around those two subject areas. If your child is between levels or has special needs, the site points you toward diagnostic testing or a phone consultation with a ShillerLearning homeschool expert rather than guessing.

Start With the Age/Grade Category

The site's main navigation splits shopping into four groups:

The source description also states the curricula are designed for kids ages 3–13, which lines up with these four bands. Pick the band that matches your child's age first — that eliminates most of the catalog before you look at individual kits.

Decide Between Math and Language Arts

ShillerLearning's kits cover two separate tracks, and the homepage lists them side by side as "Math + Language Arts Homeschool Curricula." You don't have to buy both at once. Ask:

• Does my child need math support, language arts support, or both? The kits are subject-specific, so a math kit won't cover reading and writing.
• Am I replacing a full curriculum or supplementing one? A single-subject kit works as a supplement; buying both tracks gives you a fuller program.

The product listings reflect this split — for example, "Math Kit I Basic Manipulatives" and "Language Arts Kit A Manipulatives" are separate items.

Look at What's Actually Inside a Kit

The homepage notes that "Our Kits are more than just lesson books" and describes them as including Montessori manipulatives, guides, and encouragement. Individual components sold on the site give you a sense of the hands-on materials involved:

• 64-Piece Wooden Geometric Shapes — $39.95
• Geared Clock — $9.95
• 22" x 34" Work Mat — $24.95
• Number Tile Set with Operator Cards — $39.95
• Montessori Metal Insets for Handwriting — $69.95
• Wooden Movable Alphabet — $79.95
• Letter Making Grain — $5.95
• Math Answer Guide 1 PDF — $29.95

These are the kinds of physical tools that distinguish a ShillerLearning kit from a plain workbook. If your child learns best by touching and moving objects, the manipulative-heavy kits are the fit; if you mainly want scripted lessons, check what guide materials each kit includes.

Use Diagnostic Testing or Talk to an Expert

The site's description mentions diagnostic testing and special needs support, and the homepage invites you to "Call 203-210-5208 to speak with a ShillerLearning homeschool expert." This matters most when:

• Your child is working above or below their age band.
• You're unsure whether to start with Preschool or Pre-K, or Elementary vs. Middle School.
• Your child has special needs that affect pacing or placement.

Rather than buying a kit and hoping the level is right, use the diagnostic option or the phone line to confirm placement before you order.

Match the Kit to Your Homeschooling Situation

The homepage asks visitors to self-identify: "New to homeschooling? Already homeschooling? are you a teacher or education partner?" Your answer changes what you need:

• New to homeschooling — a full kit with guides and manipulatives gives you the scripted structure to start.
• Already homeschooling — you may only need a subject-specific kit or individual manipulatives to fill a gap.
• Teacher or education partner — the same kits can be used in a classroom or tutoring context.

A Quick Decision Path

1. Identify your child's age band (Preschool 3+, Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School).
2. Choose math, language arts, or both.
3. Check whether the kit's manipulatives and guides match how your child learns.
4. If the level is unclear, use diagnostic testing or call 203-210-5208 before buying.
5. If you're new to homeschooling, lean toward a fuller kit; if you're supplementing, a single-subject kit or individual items may be enough.

The site also runs a "Win a Free Kit" promotion, which is worth checking if you want to try a level before committing.