Home School Literature Curriculum

Using a home school literature curriculum should have been an automatic for our family. After all, my children have loved books from birth! Here Sean is reading one of his favorite books to a captivated Sarah.

Why then did it take us seven years to come to begin using a home school literature curriculum?! Probably because I needed something easier when I first started homeschooling (ahhh--just popping in a dvd is so nice sometimes). It also took a few years to feel confident enough to change to a different curriculum from the one that began it all. There were many questions I needed answers to before I made the switch. I researched the numerous possibilities for weeks.

In the end the home school literature curriculum I felt most fit our family was--Sonlight Curriculum®!. Here's why?

I'm a book-lover at heart. Perhaps that is why I eventually became a writer and book reviewer. My shelves are stuffed with favorites. When I'm not reading, one can find me wandering aimlessly in bookstores (as well as stationery stores) quite regularly.

Sarah has inherited my passion for books. On this particular day, little Sarah crawled up next to big-brother, Sean, and begged him to read to her (okay, it looks like in this case they're sharing the comics rather than some great classic. . .but you get the point.) Sarah (as well as the rest of the family) loves to read!

The 2005-06 school year was somewhat frustrating for Sarah. She was losing interest in the Abeka on DVD program we had been using. Bored with sitting in front of a screen and bored with anthology-type reading texts, she was crying out for something different. I didn't realize until I started doing some research Sarah wanted to learn using Living Books! Okay, I wasn't that familiar with Charlotte Mason (yes, I'd heard the name) or her approach. By the way, if you are interested in learning more about this topic you might start with Charlotte Mason's original 6 volume set (which describes her entire approach to homeschooling) along with a companion book (by Karen Andreola) that puts the technique into perspective. Charlotte Mason believed in using "Living Books" for every subject, as much as is possible. She didn't believe in using "Twaddle." Here she was refering to books or information that has been dumbed down. She thought children should use "narration" to explain what they have read (orally, in writing, or via a drawing).

This is the basis for the Sonlight approach. Living books that match either your child's age, interest area (era of history or topic in science), or ability-level are selected for your child to read independently as well as for you to read aloud to them. Studyguides accompany every book and provide questions to ask your students about the books read. This gives them the ability to demonstrate understanding.

Charlotte Mason also believed Geography should be taught through books. This is another great feature Sonlight has adapted into their curriculum. Each book not only corresponds to the history (or science) your child is learning, but it also connects geographically. A giant map comes with the curriculum and washable markers. After reading we mark on the map the places that were talked about in each story.

This has been tremendously beneficial to Sarah. Geography was a weak area for her and she has improved substantialy using this approach.

I also love the fact that Sonlight is quite upfront about who will benefit most from using their curriculum. Let's face it, we all have a specific learning and teaching style we're comfortable with. These two articles address that thereby making them must reads before buying this home school literature curriculum. You can access both of these articles by clicking the banner below (click "find out more" and additional very informative articles are also available).

Sonlight also offers suggestions for science, math, grammar, spelling, writing, and more. In fact, you can get your entire curriculum through them if what they suggest is what you want to use. They even have science supplies. One of their best deals is the Bombproof Microscope. It's:
Built tough for lots of hands-on use. Solid metal frame and internal gear, plus 5-year mechanical warranty.

Well, I guess you've gathered by now we are really enjoying using Sonlight's home school literature curriculum. Maybe it could work for you too! Sonlight Curriculum®! is an outstanding home school literature curriculum.

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