Finding a world geography curriculum for homeschoolers that engages multiple ages while keeping lessons meaningful can be a challenge. Our family recently used the Around the World curriculum, Year 2, from Let’s Go Geography, along with the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion for middle school students, and it quickly became one of our favorite ways to explore the world together.

If you’ve been looking for a way to make geography more engaging without spending hours planning lessons, this curriculum is worth considering. Designed as a complete curriculum for grades K–2, Around the World curriculum, Year 2, can also grow with your family through companion resources for older students. The Continents, Countries & Cultures companion provides middle school students with additional research, notebooking, and independent learning opportunities while allowing the entire family to learn about countries and cultures through the same weekly topics. This made our homeschool world geography lessons easy to plan while keeping everyone engaged at their own level.

A Flexible Curriculum That Fits Your Homeschool

The curriculum’s printable planning resources gave me the flexibility to organize lessons around our homeschool schedule. Like many homeschool families, our routine doesn’t always look the same from week to week, so I appreciated being able to adjust lessons as needed without feeling like we were falling behind.

Each lesson also includes a convenient supply list, making preparation simple. Instead of scrambling to find materials at the last minute, I could gather everything ahead of time and focus on spending time learning with my children. Whether we completed an entire lesson in one day or spread activities throughout the week, the curriculum adapted easily to our homeschool routine.

Learning About Countries and Cultures Together

The Around the World curriculum, Year 2, introduces students to countries around the globe through engaging lessons that combine geography, culture, landmarks, wildlife, traditions, and everyday life. Rather than simply memorizing locations on a map, students gain a broader understanding of the people and places that make each country unique.

One feature I especially appreciated was that the curriculum supports multiple age groups. The core program is designed for grades K–2, while older students use companion resources that provide additional challenges. We focused on the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion for middle school, which encouraged more independent research, notebooking, and written responses while still allowing us to study together as a family. This made teaching multiple ages much easier and ensured every child was learning at an appropriate level.

Geography Lessons That Keep Students Engaged

One of the greatest strengths of this homeschool social studies curriculum is the variety of learning opportunities included in every lesson. Instead of relying solely on reading or worksheets, each country’s study incorporates map work, coloring pages, hands-on projects, crafts, notebooking, and interactive activities that reinforce what students are learning.

My student’s favorite activities were the maps, coloring pages, and creative projects. Those hands-on experiences helped each country come alive and made the lessons far more memorable than simply reading facts from a textbook. Because there were so many activities to choose from, I could easily adjust each lesson to fit our schedule and my child’s interests without feeling pressured to complete every single project.

The map activities did more than reinforce where countries are located. As students practiced identifying continents, oceans, and landmarks, they gradually developed stronger map-reading skills and a better understanding of how places relate to one another around the world. 

I also appreciated that the curriculum offers different activities based on grade level. Younger students enjoy simple crafts and coloring pages, while older elementary and middle school students complete more challenging assignments through the companion resources. This thoughtful approach made it easy to teach children at different ages while still learning together.

Building Skills Through Geography Notebooking Activities

Another feature we thoroughly enjoyed was creating a geography notebook throughout the year. The geography notebooking activities encouraged my middle school student to record information about each country while practicing writing, observation, and research skills.

Rather than simply filling in worksheets, the notebooking pages allowed my student to reflect on what had been learned while creating a keepsake we can look back on in the future. Watching the notebook grow over time was rewarding and provided a wonderful record of our homeschool world geography studies.

Multimedia Resources Bring Learning to Life

The curriculum includes engaging videos, songs, and other multimedia resources that added another layer to our lessons. These resources helped us experience each country’s culture in ways that reading alone simply couldn’t provide.

The videos often sparked conversations about geography, traditions, and daily life that continued well after our lesson had ended. I appreciated that these multimedia resources appealed to different learning styles and helped keep my students engaged throughout each lesson.

Extending Learning Beyond the Lesson

One of my favorite moments came when a lesson sparked my student’s curiosity so much that we headed to the library to borrow additional books about the country we were studying. The recommended library books included in the curriculum made it easy to continue learning beyond the lesson, and before long we were reading together about the country’s history, wildlife, traditions, and daily life.

Moments like these reminded me that geography is about much more than memorizing maps—it encourages children to become curious about the world and the people who call it home.

I also appreciated that many of the assignments in the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion encouraged independent learning. My middle school student could complete much of the research and notebooking independently before sharing what had been learned during our family discussions. That extra independence gave me more time to work one-on-one with my younger child while still keeping everyone involved in our geography studies.

Things to Consider

Since the curriculum is delivered as downloadable PDF files, families should plan to print the pages they want to use. We found it helpful to print each lesson as we needed it rather than printing the entire curriculum at once. I also appreciated that every lesson included a supply list, which made gathering materials ahead of time simple and stress-free.

Because there are so many engaging crafts, projects, games, and extension activities, it’s easy to spend more time exploring a country than originally planned. For our family, that was a benefit rather than a drawback. We enjoyed following our curiosity whenever a particular country captured our interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Around the World curriculum, Year 2, suitable for multiple ages?

Yes. The Around the World curriculum, Year 2, is a complete program for students in grades K–2. Families with older students can continue learning together by adding the companion resources for grades 3–5 and the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion for grades 6–8.

Does the curriculum include geography notebooking activities?

Yes. Students complete notebooking pages, maps, geography journals, and written assignments that reinforce what they learn while studying each country.

Is this curriculum easy to prepare?

Yes. I found it very easy to prepare because each lesson includes a supply list, printable resources, planning pages, and organized lesson instructions. The flexible format also made it easy to adapt lessons to our homeschool schedule.

Can this curriculum be used with multiple children at the same time?

Yes. Around the World curriculum, Year 2, is designed for students in grades K–2, while companion resources for grades 3–5 and the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion for grades 6–8 allow the whole family to study the same countries together while completing age-appropriate assignments.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a world geography curriculum for homeschoolers that combines flexibility with meaningful, hands-on learning, the Around the World curriculum, Year 2, from Let’s Go Geography is definitely worth considering. While the Around the World curriculum, Year 2, provides an excellent foundation for younger learners, I found that the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion truly added the depth my middle school student needed through additional research, notebooking, and independent learning opportunities.

Our family especially appreciated the flexible planning pages, engaging map work, coloring pages, crafts, games, creative projects, geography notebooking activities, multimedia resources, and suggested library books. Together, these features made geography one of the most enjoyable subjects in our homeschool while encouraging curiosity and helping us learn about countries and cultures from around the world.

Whether you’re teaching one child or homeschooling multiple ages together, this curriculum offers a thoughtful balance of structure and flexibility. It encourages meaningful discussions, independent learning, and hands-on exploration while making geography an enjoyable part of your homeschool day.

Rather than simply checking geography off our homeschool schedule, this curriculum encouraged our family to become lifelong learners about the world God created. That curiosity may be one of the greatest lessons of all. 

Visit Let’s Go Geography to learn more about Around the World curriculum, Year 2, and the Continents, Countries & Cultures companion for middle school students.

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Krista B. is a Canadian homeschool mom who enjoys sharing honest curriculum reviews and practical homeschooling tips. She loves discovering engaging educational resources that inspire curiosity, encourage meaningful learning, and help homeschool families enjoy learning together. Connect with her at @the.homeschoolingmomma on Instagram. 

The post Exploring Countries and Cultures with a World Geography Curriculum for Homeschoolers appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

Writing is easily one of the most frustrating subjects to tackle in a homeschool house. Many parents have been there—staring at a blank page, trying to figure out how to make a teenager actually want to write, only to be met with sighs and resistance. It is often a constant hunt for the perfect writing curriculum or high school writing program that won’t feel like pulling teeth.

Bringing the Fun Back to Writing

Who Dun It? Murder Mystery Literature & Writing (Second Edition) is a one-credit high school English course that combines classic mystery literature with creative writing instruction. As students analyze successful mystery novels, they learn to develop memorable characters, plant clues, build suspense, and write their own original “whodunit.”

This cozy mystery writing curriculum stands apart from many traditional high school English programs because it transforms writing into an engaging creative challenge. But the course offers more than just a unique premise. It has a track record that is hard to ignore. Born in a real-life homeschool classroom, it continues to leave a lasting impression on students, with many former participants still talking about the experience years after they graduated.

Most people have those moments of nostalgia—maybe they spent their childhood tearing through Nancy Drew books or scribbling down mysteries of their own. Even if those early stories never made it beyond a notebook, they sparked a love of storytelling. This curriculum feels like the missing piece—the kind of guide that helps young writers turn that creative spark into a well-crafted mystery.

A Cozy Mystery Writing Curriculum with a Creative Twist

Don’t mistake the “fun” theme for being easy, though. Unlike many traditional programs, this cozy mystery writing curriculum serves as a solid one-credit high school English course. It balances a heavy reading load with the actual gritty work of learning how to plot and structure a mystery. It is also incredibly flexible, working equally well for independent study or homeschool co-ops. Whether a teen works through it alone or it is used as a co-op class, it works well. It especially shines in a group—there is nothing quite like a group of teens sitting around, debating motives, and trying to outsmart the author.

Learning to Write a Mystery, One Step at a Time

The course doesn’t just toss students into the deep end. It walks them through the writing process from start to finish.

Along the way, students learn to create believable suspects, develop convincing motives, plant red herrings, and build suspense that keeps readers guessing until the final chapter. Rather than simply reading great mysteries, they learn how to craft one themselves.

Learning the Craft: Through carefully curated reading assignments, students aren’t just reading, they’re analyzing how successful mystery writers build suspense, develop characters, and weave clues throughout a story.

Applying the Lessons: Students immediately put those techniques into practice as they develop and write their own original mystery.

No Grading Headaches: For parents who love writing but dread grading it, the included rubrics are a lifesaver. Everything is clearly laid out, making it easy to evaluate a student’s progress.

Why It’s a Great Fit for Home

For parents looking for a literature-based writing curriculum, this course removes the work of building one from scratch. The book list is already curated, and most of them are really easy (or free!) to find. Plus, the author—who is a pastor’s wife—wrote this with a Biblical worldview in mind. The “cozy” label really means wholesome; it’s age-appropriate, classic storytelling without the graphic, dark content often found on modern shelves. Parents can confidently introduce teens to engaging mysteries without worrying about graphic violence or mature content.

The Lasting Impact

At the end of the day, that’s the real “secret sauce” here. Students aren’t just checking off a box for their transcript. They are building a project they can actually be proud of. They are mastering the art of suspense, and they are walking away with a finished story. It turns a chore into a genuine creative outlet—the kind of skill that sticks with them long after the semester ends.

Is This Cozy Mystery Writing Curriculum a Good Fit?

Choosing a high school writing curriculum can feel overwhelming. Consider these questions as you decide whether this course matches your student’s interests and goals.

This curriculum may be an excellent fit if your teen:

• Enjoys mystery novels or detective stories
• Likes creative writing or wants to improve as a writer
• Learns best through literature rather than isolated writing exercises
• Wants to earn a high school English credit
• Would enjoy writing an original mystery from beginning to end
• Thrives in an independent study or homeschool co-op setting

It may not be the best fit if your teen:

• Dislikes reading full-length novels
• Wants a grammar-focused writing course
• Prefers short writing assignments instead of a semester-long project

Ready to Bring Some Mystery to Your Homeschool?

If your teen would rather solve a mystery than complete another generic writing assignment, this course offers a refreshing approach to high school English. By combining engaging literature with guided instruction, students gain practical writing skills while creating a story they can truly call their own.

If a parent is tired of the “boring” writing routine and is looking for something that will actually get a teen excited to sit down and write, this is it.

Visit Powerline Productions to learn more about Who Dun It? Murder Mystery Literature & Writing and see if it’s the right fit for your homeschool.

Give a teen a writing credit that feels like an adventure instead of a chore!

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Aside from God, her family, homeschooling (and books!), Katherine’s love lies in stationeries. She and her husband manage growing stationery brands Forestmill^®, Prevailed^®, and FengShui Power^® in the Philippines.

The post How a Cozy Mystery Writing Curriculum Teaches Students to Craft Their Own Whodunit appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

As homeschoolers, combining our students for some subjects can be a valuable approach.

Learning together as a family has a multitude of benefits for homeschoolers. It creates shared memories and great discussions, and it is a great time-saver for parents. However, it does mean finding ways to make materials work for a variety of ages and abilities.

The Comprehensive USA Unit Study solves the problem of making materials work for different ages by using a notebooking approach with a variety of different templates that allow each student to work to his or her ability while covering the same content.

What Is the Comprehensive USA Homeschool 50 States Unit Study?

The Comprehensive USA Unit Study is a homeschool 50 states unit study that encompasses all 50 states. It includes research, information, visual aids, and multiple notebooking pages to create projects for each state. The unit study is designed to cover multiple subjects (history, geography, writing, research, art, and civics) and a wide variety of ages.

What is Included in the Comprehensive USA Unit Study?

1. The Research & Reference Core     

• A Comprehensive 50-State Guide
• Read across America literary journey
• Research recording pages

2. Student Notebooking and Reporting

• Wide variety of report pages
• State symbol spotlights
• Compare and contrast

3. Maps, Flags, and Visual Aids

• Full-page maps
• Artistic templates
• Lined state maps

4. Teacher Planning and Active Learning

• How-to planning pages
• Organizational tools
• State capital bookmarks

What is the Research and Reference Core?

The research and reference core of this study includes a two-paragraph history for each state, a page with various state symbols, and a partial page for each that provides a quick-glance overview of state order, famous people, geography, industry, landmarks, flags, and history.

Each state also includes a book list organized by primary, elementary, and upper elementary levels, with several recommended titles for each age group. In addition, a few recommendations cover all 50 states.

What is included in the student notebooking and recording section?

The notebooking and recording section is the core of the work that the students will do for each state project. It begins with a KWL chart and note-taking pages for the students to use as they begin their research.

It also includes blank pages for drawing maps, pages to share information about the state’s climate and geography, and fun pages to share drawings or pictures of the state symbols, along with space to write about them. There are even Venn diagrams for comparisons. This section of notebooking pages is over 50 pages long, providing a wide variety of templates for students of various ages and abilities.

What Visual Aids Are Included?

This study includes a wide variety of visual aids.

First, there is a huge selection of different maps. The maps themselves could be a standalone geography resource, and they add a great deal to this study.

There are maps for each state in various formats. For each state, you have an outline map, a map with important cities marked, and even an outline map with writing lines inside. The maps with lines allow your student to do part of their notebooking on a page that represents the state’s shape.

In addition, there are both black-and-white and full-color US maps that show states, regions, and more.

There are also coloring sheets for the flags, birds, and state flowers of each state. This is a great way to add color and art to their projects. 

There are also bookmarks that include a list of each state and its capital—a great visual reminder to help students remember those important cities.

What Additional Resources Are Included?

Finally, a few other resources are included to make this unit study easy to implement and use. There are teacher planning sheets, an optional grading rubric, and a short how-to-use guide for parents. There is also a list of materials for needed and optional supplies. Of note, those supplies are all basic school/art supplies that many people already have at home.

Who Is This Homeschool 50 States Unit Study Best For?

While this study is primarily geared towards elementary students, the flexibility of the notebooking pages means that you could also adapt it for older students. Middle-grade students could go a little further in their research or use books at a slightly higher reading level. 

For younger elementary students, you may need to scribe their notebooking pages, but they can still join in the learning, and the coloring pages are a great resource for them.

This homeschool 50 states unit study lends itself to a variety of settings. It works well for a single student, a family teaching multiple children, a homeschool co-op, or a classroom. Students can work together to study one state or divide the states among groups while completing notebooking pages at their own ability levels.

With 50 states available, this can easily be a full-year geography course, but you can also tailor it to your needs. You could choose to focus on your state, or pick a new state each month to cover as a family, using it over several years. 

Find out more and purchase your copy of the Comprehensive USA Unit Study at My Teaching Library.

FAQS

Do I need to purchase additional books and resources?

While you will want to look at some additional books or research for each state, you can do so through the library or internet searches without purchasing additional books. Gather a few basic supplies, such as paper, colored pencils, and a binder or folder, to complete these projects. Most homeschool families already have these materials on hand.

Can I use this with multiple students or my co-op class?

Yes, your license for this product covers any students you are teaching, including all students in your home or in any class you teach.

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Dawn is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to Chris, and homeschool mom of five. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and write on her blog Schoolin’ Swag. She enjoys reviewing curriculum and helping moms find the right fit for their family.

The post How a Homeschool 50 States Unit Study Builds Geography and Research Skills appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

Can homeschool students receive a scientifically accurate, engaging science education through a biblical worldview? Absolutely! Northwest Treasures’ Christian geology curriculum helps homeschool families explore earth science through the lens of Scripture while building a strong scientific foundation.

Northwest Treasures has released an updated version of their Christian earth science curriculum, Geology for Kids Online. This course teaches earth science from a biblical historical perspective and equips students to understand science and confidently defend their faith.

What Will Students Learn?

• The Differing Frameworks for Geology (evolution and creation)
• Rock Types: plutonic, sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous
• Mineral Identification and the Mohs Hardness Test
• Oceans
• Fossils and Dinosaurs
• The Great Ice Age
• Landforms, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes
• Controversial subjects in geology: plate tectonics and global warming

What’s Included in This Christian Geology Curriculum

The Christian geology curriculum features a 124-page textbook with links to eleven video lessons and twelve in-depth textbook lessons that expand on the material presented in each video. Throughout the course, students complete notebooking pages, review questions, and answer thought-provoking discussion questions. They will also complete hands-on projects that reinforce what they have learned. 

The homeschool geology course includes more than 130 full-color photographs, maps, and charts to help students better understand earth science through visual learning. 

The curriculum is available as both a printed textbook and a convenient online course. The online version provides unlimited access to the study for the life of the course, the ability to print multiple copies of the textbook for your family, and the convenience of having everything all in one place. 

Hands-On Samples for Fossils and Geology for Kids

Northwest Treasures designed the course so families can complete it without the sample kits, but they also know that children love getting their hands on real rocks, minerals, and fossils.  They have put together two optional sets of samples to go along with their Biblical geology for homeschoolers course. The sample kits make learning about fossils and geology for kids far more engaging by allowing students to handle real specimens while learning about God’s creation. The first set is the Geology for Kids Online Basic Samples Kit. It includes a combination of twenty-one individually wrapped minerals, rocks, and fossils. The samples include quartz, potassium feldspar, calcite, gabbro, granite, basalt, rhyolite, pumice, ash, tuff, obsidian, gneiss, schist, quartzite, shale, fossil limestone, travertine, coal, plant fossil, invertebrate fossil, and a vertebrate fossil.  

For those who would enjoy an even greater selection of samples, the Geology for Kids Deluxe Sample Kit includes over sixty large rocks, minerals, fossils, and oceanic specimens. All samples are individually bagged, labeled, and color-coded, making it easy for students to identify and organize their collection. 

Although the sample kits add an exciting, hands-on element to the lessons, they are completely optional. Northwest Treasures has intentionally designed the Christian geology curriculum so families can complete the course without purchasing the samples, keeping the curriculum both affordable and accessible to homeschool families.

About the Author

Patrick Nurre, the founder and owner of Northwest Treasures, teaches the geology lessons. He is a young-earth creationist geologist, speaker, and author of seventeen geology books for children and adults. Drawing from both his secular geology education and his Christian worldview, he presents topics such as rocks, minerals, national park geology, and fossils from a Biblical perspective. 

Not Just Another Textbook

After going through this curriculum, I can honestly say it is one of the best-written and easiest-to-understand geology courses I’ve seen. The lessons are easy to follow, the concepts are explained clearly, and the material is presented in a way that keeps students interested. Rather than feeling like just another textbook to work through, each lesson builds curiosity and excitement for what comes next, making earth science feel enjoyable instead of overwhelming. I am genuinely thrilled with this course and wish that Northwest Treasures offered other science courses similar to this one. It is one of my favorite science curriculums we have ever used. 

Building Faith Through a Christian Earth Science Curriculum

One of the strengths of the video lessons is how clearly Patrick explains scientific concepts and definitions. He encourages students to think critically by discussing the difference between observable science, scientific consensus, and philosophical interpretations. The lessons explain how secular geologists interpret Earth’s history by studying processes they observe today. They also present the young-earth creationist view that events such as Creation and the global Flood involved processes that cannot be directly observed today. 

Throughout the course, Patrick helps students understand scientific concepts while equipping them to explain and defend their faith from a Biblical perspective. I felt like the lessons did more than just teach geology—they also helped students understand not only what they believe but why they believe it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can more than one child use this online course?

Yes! Your family can use the Geology for Kids Online course with multiple children. You can print as many copies of the textbook and workbook as you need for your household.

Can you adapt this course for younger or older students?

Of course! Northwest Treasures designed this course for students in grades 4–8. However, families can easily adapt it for younger or older students.  For younger children who may not be ready to complete all the written work independently, you can simply have them answer questions verbally instead of writing their responses. This allows them to engage with the lessons and enjoy the content while still learning at their own pace. 

Does Northwest Treasures offer geology curriculum for younger students?

Yes! Northwest Treasures offers a variety of other products and resources that I was excited to learn about. For younger students in Pre-K through 3rd grade, they offer the Geology for Little Eyes curriculum series. Families can purchase the complete series as a kit or choose individual products separately. 

The Geology for Little Eyes series includes:

• Rocks and Minerals for Little Eyes
• Fossils and Dinosaurs for Little Eyes
• Volcanoes for Little Eyes
• Over 60 samples of rocks, minerals, and fossils, generously sized, individually bagged and labeled 
• A carrying case

Does Northwest Treasures offer geology resources for older students?

Northwest Treasures also offers a variety of geology resources for high school students, including Bedrock Geology, Rock Identification, Geology and Our National Parks, Gems and Crystals, and many others. They even offer geology kits focused on the rocks and geology of specific states, as well as live classes, family geology camps, and much more. 

Northwest Treasures offers a geology curriculum that teaches earth science through a Biblical perspective. Students build a solid understanding of science while learning to confidently explain their faith. Explore Northwest Treasures and discover how this curriculum can strengthen your homeschool science studies. 

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Rodna Allman lives in Macomb, Oklahoma, with her husband and son. Together, they homeschool and maintain a small homestead. Rodna has two grown children that she also homeschooled. She greatly enjoys the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling and enjoys writing reviews and articles in her free time.

The post Exploring God’s Creation with a Christian Geology Curriculum for Homeschoolers appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

This post is in collaboration with Chuck Black and Perfect Praise Publishing featuring their Christian science fiction series.

Finding quality science fiction books for teens can be a challenge. As a parent, you want to make sure they enjoy reading, but you also want to ensure the material they read is appropriate and draws them toward Christ rather than the world.

In a world where so many books written for teenagers glorify inappropriate behavior and sin, The Collectors Edition Starlore Legacy Box Set (Books 1–6) by Chuck Black from Perfect Praise Publishing is a refreshing change. Starlore Legacy is a Christian science fiction series that is an allegory of Biblical stories, set in the futuristic world of Aurora Galaxy.

What is the Starlore Legacy?

Occasionally, people say the Bible is boring and lacks any excitement or adventure. However, if you actually read it, there are wars, famines, miracles, conquests, and so much more.

Now, imagine you take the storyline of the Bible, starting with Moses, and set it in a futuristic science fiction setting.

The story of Moses is familiar to most Christians. But what if, instead of Ancient Egypt, he was born on the planet Jypton? Instead of being placed in a basket by his mother, he is rescued by a member of the ruling class when a drone shoots down his lower-class mother.

This box set will take you from Genesis to Malachi and the birth of Jesus, all through Christian science fiction.

Discover the Books in the Box Set

• Nova
• Flight
• Lore
• Oath
• Merchant
• Reclamation

The first book in the series, Nova, begins with a few chapters of world-building. They feel a little bit dense at first, but they set up the scene for the rest of the series and the amazing Biblically allegorical stories to follow.

In Nova, readers meet Daeson Lockridge, a young man raised to believe he belongs to the royal family. He soon discovers the truth: someone secretly adopted him after a drone killed his Raylean mother, whom the Jyptonians called a “Drudge.”

After several starcraft adventures, Daeson meets Raviel, a beautiful mechanic. He soon learns he has a greater calling. He is the one who must help his people escape the Jyptonians.

As the story unfolds, each book takes you further through the Biblical narrative. The reader can see the allegorical references to the exodus, including the years spent wandering through the desert, the Promised Land, and the time of the Judges.  The books even cover the Babylonian exile before moving towards the birth of Jesus and the wise men. John the Baptist also makes an appearance.

It’s all done without ever actually mentioning any of those people or places, but in a way that is clear enough for a Biblically literate preteen/teen to make the connections.

What’s Next?

This series continues through the New Testament and will eventually cover Revelation in book twelve. Books seven and eight, Creed and Journey, have been published. The other four books will be published as they are completed.

The Collectors Edition Starlore Legacy Box Set (Books 1–6) will take readers on a science fiction adventure through the Old Testament. This series will encourage and strengthen your teens’ faith, while also taking them on an engaging adventure through time and space.  

Visit Chuck Black and Perfect Praise Publishing to find out more and order your box set today!

FAQs

What ages would you recommend for these books?

While upper-elementary children may enjoy them as read-alouds, they are best suited for middle grades and above.

Who would love these books?

Readers of all ages who enjoy science fiction will love this Christian science fiction series. While it’s especially well suited for middle grades and teens, the engaging stories and Biblical allegory make it an enjoyable read for adults as well.

Is there any content parents should be aware of before reading?

The books are written as a Biblical allegory through the lens of science fiction, with no concern needed for inappropriate content. Still, they do include challenging topics such as death, slavery, and the loss of parents. Due to the nature of the story, there are some violent battle scenes, which, while not overly gory, could be scary for younger children.

Is there any romance in this series?

Daeson meets and eventually marries his soul mate, Raviel. The reader sees their interest in one another, sees them go through struggles, and eventually fall in love and get bonded (married). Other characters in the story also find their soul mates. However, romance is not the central theme of the series, and there is no discussion of the physical aspects of that relationship.

Are there cliffhangers?

While each book wraps up a part of the story, they will definitely leave you wanting to know what happens next.

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Dawn is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to Chris, and homeschool mom of five. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and write on her blog Schoolin’ Swag. She enjoys reviewing curriculum and helping moms find the right fit for their family.

The post Christian Science Fiction with Biblical Allegory appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

Parents unsure of how to teach America’s 250 have the opportunity to unfold the events that forged America’s freedom and democratic spirit in front of their children’s eyes with The Signers, a graphic novel by PragerU. Teaching children about the history of the Declaration of Independence and the founding principles of the United States does not have to be limited to the four walls of a classroom. Bring history to life in your living room, on a family vacation, under the shade of a tree at your favorite park, or in a lean-to constructed out of sticks in your backyard. Help your children understand how and why American freedom came to be, all while reading through a 120+ page graphic novel, while enjoying your own personal homeschool freedom. Within these pages, your child will learn about:

• The Men Who Made America
• How These Men Forged our Freedom
• America’s Commitment to Democracy
• American Individualism Within the Founding of the Country

If you ask your child what America is celebrating this July 4 and the answer is basic or non-existent, this resource will transport your child back in time to see firsthand what led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Why were the Founding Fathers so adamant about seeing a change? Your child will understand the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and get an inside glimpse into the cost of taking on this historic feat. Ask your student again after reading through the book to be pleasantly surprised at all the info that is retained.

Does a Graphic Novel Work Well In Education?

Facts. Dates. Quizzes. Tests. If these words make you nervous about teaching history in your homeschool, know that you have options. Every child learns differently; all you need is to know which resources will work best in your situation. Graphic novels use graphics, short and attention-grabbing text, and dialogue. This works perfect for children who have short attention spans. Content rich in dialogue is proven to help readers of all ages retain information. Add dynamic illustrations and a fast-paced storyline, and your child is ready for action.

How Do I Know that My Child Will Stay Engaged?

The Signers is not simply a resource filled with historical facts with a few added cartoons. This high-quality paperback book is the heroic story of the Declaration of Independence. Interact with John Hancock, in his blue superhero cape. Meet John Adams in his red, yellow, and blue gear, and do not forget about Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin who are always ready for action. 

Can I Use a Graphic Novel to Teach History?

Absolutely! The Signers was created to not only teach colonial American history lessons, but to make it memorable. In addition to the high-energy storyline of a blacksmith teaching his young apprentice named Jack about the meaning behind the reason fireworks are used on July 4, the following fun facts about American history are added for context. 

• The French and Indian War
• Independence Hall
• Fun Facts about Samuel Adams
• A Map of the British Colonies
• The Battle of Bunker Hill
• Fun Facts About John Hancock
• Fun Facts About Thomas Jefferson
• The Hidden Cost of Signing
• And So Much More

How Can The Signers Help My Family Celebrate America’s 250?

The Signers by PragerU is historically set shortly after the founding of America, celebrating 50 years of freedom. Children fall in love with mischievous Jack who learns about the founding principles of the United States and the key players. Children learn not only about the facts and events of the founding of America but the whys. Readers can easily relate to Jack if they are learning about the history of America’s 250th anniversary for the first time or eager to learn more. 

FAQ

What Age Is The Signers Geared Toward?

The Signers is a middle grade graphic novel. Middle grade resources are generally written for children ages 9–12. Additionally, parents can read this aloud to younger children and have them interact with the colorful illustrations. This is also an excellent resource for teen readers who engage well with comic book-style content. 

Does PragerU Have Any Additional Homeschooling Resources?

Yes! PragerU Kids is a leading resource teaching history to kids on a daily basis with millions of online views. Using intellectual bite-sized facts for kids, game show methods, and animated shows, PragerU Kids teaches financial literacy, history, civics, and more. 

Pick up your copy of The Signers today.

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Heather Vogler, her husband, and five children call the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia home where they homeschool and homestead. Heather has homeschooled her children from the beginning and enjoys an eclectic style of teaching. As a freelance writer, she has contributed articles to Focus on the Family Magazine, War Cry Magazine, and Brio Magazine. Heather holds a BA in Christian Ministries and currently writes at ThriftSchooling.com. 

The post Teaching America’s 250: The Signers, the Declaration, and the Roots of American Freedom appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

Have you ever wondered if your child can receive college credit for the homeschool coursework he is already doing? Now he can! With Classical Conversations Plus, a concurrent enrollment homeschool option, your child can earn college credit while participating in classes already on the schedule. Although it might seem intimidating to teach high school courses that qualify for college credit, support is available with the Classical Learning Cohort to help reduce prep time and provide confidence and clarity. You might even consider enrolling in Classical Conversations, Inc.’s Master of Arts program yourself to receive a master’s degree in Classical Studies. All of these options are exclusive offerings for Classical Conversations families. 

What Makes Classical Conversations Plus Unique?

Many homeschool programs and colleges offer dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. Parents often share the pros and cons of these programs online. Some appreciate the flexible college credit homeschool options. Some families become overwhelmed when they must choose from a fixed set of course offerings. Additionally, some parents hesitate to place all instruction in the hands of a college professor because they are unsure which worldview will shape the course content. 

Classical Conversations Plus eliminates these concerns by providing an opportunity to earn college credit for the Challenge classes that students are already taking within their Classical Conversations academic community. Parents can be confident that their children will be learning the approved and vetted curriculum taught both at home and by the tutors of their trusted community. Classical Conversations Plus works well for students looking to simply get a course or two under their belts or for students with a full college degree in mind. This program is not the same as dual enrollment; it is a unique opportunity to earn college credit while taking Classical Conversations classes at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

How Can You Earn College Credit at Home?

Classical Conversations has partnered with Southeastern University, a Christian institution of higher learning, to help students in Challenge 2, Challenge 3, and Challenge 4 obtain college credit through concurrent enrollment.

With concurrent enrollment, students upload and submit their coursework to a college assessor as they work through their courses with the rest of their community. Students receive feedback, a letter grade, and college credit for each approved course. Southeastern University accredits these courses, and students can transfer the credits to many colleges and universities.

Classical Conversations members (who have been members for at least a year) can log into the Classical Conversations site and view upcoming course offerings. These are organized by Challenge year, course code, course title, and semester. Some courses are only available in the fall or the spring semester. Some are offered during both semesters so you can choose when you want to take each class. Most courses line up with the Classical Conversations academic calendar.

What About Cost?

While the average four-year university charges around $390 per credit hour, Classical Conversations Plus charges only $160 per credit hour, saving you over $600 per course. 

How Many Credits Will My Student Earn?

Most of the available courses are worth three (3) college credits each. Furthermore, students can earn up to sixty (60) transferable credits through their Classical Conversations community. By completing their existing coursework, they may reduce future college debt and accelerate their path toward a degree.

How Do I Get Started?

1. Be enrolled in a Classical Conversations community for at least one year.
2. Use your Classical Conversations login information to access the concurrent enrollment information.
3. Take a look at the various registration date options.
4. Check out when the next informational Zoom meeting will take place so you can hop on and have your questions answered directly, or use the information provided to set up an informational meeting that works for your schedule.
5. Visit the Student Information Portal, which provides valuable information about the Classical Conversations Plus experience, complete with the current academic calendar and video tutorials to help you get registered.

Which Courses Count for Credit?

The following Classical Conversations courses are available for concurrent enrollment through Classical Conversations Plus.

Challenge 1

• Composition 1
• College Algebra
• Latin 1
• Western Cultural History
• Biology

For Challenge 2 Students

• American History 1
• American History 2
• Chemistry
• Composition 1
• Latin 2
• Music Theory
• Speech
• Philosophy
• College Algebra

Challenge 3

• Composition 2
• Greek and Roman Literature
• Interpretation of Ancient Literature
• Christian Thought and Practice
• Old Testament and Its Interpretation
• Western Civilization 1
• Western Civilization 2
• College Algebra 
• Speech

Once logged in on the Classical Conversations site, take some time to click through a few of the courses that you know are coming up in your community to see which ones your student could count for credit. As you look through the courses, you will see specifically the type of content that will need to be uploaded and submitted in order to receive college credit, and which week each assignment will be due.

For example, an Invention and Arrangement Exercise might be due during Week Four of English Composition. The description for the required submission might read something along the lines of: “Based on the essay prompt in your Challenge II guide, you will submit a thesis, introductory paragraph, and outline of your essay for CC+ credit.”

In this case, the entire essay is not required. Students may be asked in cases such as this to submit pieces of their work throughout the process at specific intervals. 

Classical Learning Cohort

Are you looking for more tools to help as you teach your child and tutor other students?

The Classical Learning Cohort provides bi-monthly sessions to aid you in your educational efforts—equipping you to guide children towards academic success. The cohort decreases prep time and helps you to focus on the main takeaway for each lesson. This offering provides you with an online or in-person group of six Classical Conversations members who meet bi-weekly  (six times a semester) for four semesters. During these meetings, members learn from a seasoned mentor who goes through sample lessons. Members are also given the opportunity to lead mini-lessons and practice giving assessments. 

Higher Education for Classical Conversations Parents

Classical Conversations parents who already possess a bachelor’s degree may be interested in pursuing a master of arts degree in classical studies through Classical Conversations. 

FAQ

Why Concurrent Enrollment? 

Concurrent enrollment helps students ease into the transition of college and/or work life. This option, available through Classical Conversations Plus, uses the courses that your student is already taking in Challenge 2, Challenge 3, and Challenge 4.  

Is Concurrent Enrollment the Same as Dual Enrollment?

No. This option is not dual enrollment. Dual enrollment permits your student to take college courses in high school. This option provides college credit for the Classical Conversations courses that your student is already taking.

Will My Student Earn an associate’s degree through Concurrent Enrollment in Classical Conversations Plus?

A student counselor can guide interested students through the process of pursuing an associate’s degree while in the program. 

Why wait, when you can start now? Connect with someone to find out more about Classical Conversations Plus and the Classical Learning Cohort today.

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Heather Vogler is a writer, speaker, and blogger. She lives on Garnet Creek Farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She has homeschooled for over fifteen years, with two homeschool graduates and three still homeschooling. Heather is the owner of Thrift Schooling, where she teaches families how to homeschool and homestead on a budget.  

The post Earn College Credit at Home with Classical Conversations Plus appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

This post is in collaboration with JAM with Latin in regards to their homeschool Latin curriculum.

English and Latin are deeply connected. A homeschool Latin curriculum strengthens a student’s foundation in English while teaching the fundamentals of Latin. Created by Alexis Carrico, a homeschooling mother of three, JAM with Latin equips students with the tools they need to succeed in both English and Latin. 

Introduction to a Homeschool Latin Curriculum

Beginner Novus 1 introduces children ages 11 and younger to the fundamental Latin concepts. This classical language homeschool curriculum engages students through fun videos, printable flashcards, private Quizlet flashcards, and a colorful workbook. Over the course of 24 weeks, students will learn Latin grammar, sentence structure, and cases while they build vocabulary through Latin. Class Novus includes a unique workbook containing the complete Novus curriculum, daily checklists, vocabulary practice, review charts, practice sentences, and an answer key.

Layout of Workbook

JAM with Latin is a parent-taught homeschool Latin curriculum featuring a thoughtfully designed and well-organized workbook that guides daily instruction, making lessons simple to follow day by day. The workbook is organized by week and day, with an easy-to-use daily checklist that keeps both parents and students on track. For example:

Week 1 Day 2

Directions:

• 1. Watch Video 2.
• 2. Review the sounds with the cards below. 
• 3. Practice yesterday’s vowels. 

The workbook features large, easy-to-read print and color-coded rules that help students visually recognize the building-block patterns of Latin.

A Homeschool Latin Curriculum That Complements Henle Latin

While JAM with Latin is a stand-alone curriculum, it was also designed to complement the Classical Conversations Henle Latin program. Novus 1 serves as an introductory course that lays a strong foundation for students before they begin the Henle grammar textbook. Students will build vocabulary through Latin while developing a deeper understanding of the connection between English and Latin, preparing them for future core classes. 

Programs are divided into sections that align with each level of the Classical Conversations curriculum. In preparation for the curriculum changes coming in the fall of 2027, JAM with Latin will provide additional tools and support to help families navigate the new lessons. These resources will include a combination of JWL’s pre-recorded instructional videos and live tutoring. 

Homeschool Latin Curriculum Core Classes

JAM with Latin’s homeschool Latin core classes are intended for students ages 12–16. Each course contains daily instructional videos and a printable workbook that breaks Henle Latin down into manageable, easy-to-understand lessons. All classes include a lifetime family membership, allowing students to learn at their own pace without the pressure of a strict timeline. Students may also revisit and retake lessons whenever needed. Since it is a lifetime family membership, all of your children will have access to the course with a single purchase. 

Designed for Every Learning Style

When Alexis’s son struggled with Henle Latin, she created her own supplemental curriculum to help him succeed with the Classical Conversations Henle Latin program.

Before long, they both found themselves enjoying this homeschool Latin curriculum together. After her son graduated, she decided to develop a program that would help others enjoy Latin as much as they did. Realizing that every child learns differently, she designed a simplified curriculum using engaging videos, easy-to-understand assignments, and bite-sized lessons. This program is also dyslexia-friendly, with a visual, step-by-step approach designed to support a wide range of learning styles, including students with learning challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I really teach Latin at home? 

A: Yes! You can teach Latin at home. JAM with Latin was created specifically to guide parents step-by-step, even if they don’t have a background in Latin themselves. 

Q: What if my student needs extra help or is struggling to understand the material? 

A: If your student needs additional support or is struggling to understand the material, private Zoom tutoring is available. 

Q: Is it affordable?

A: Yes, JAM with Latin is an affordable homeschool curriculum for families. With one family membership, all of your children can use the course, making it a cost-effective way to teach multiple students.  

Give your family the tools to succeed with a homeschool Latin curriculum designed for every learning style. Whether your student is preparing for Henle Latin or just beginning their journey, JAM with Latin provides the strong foundation they need to succeed. Visit jamwithlatin.com to learn more. 

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Rodna Allman, her husband, and son, live in Macomb, Oklahoma, on a beautiful piece of property where they homeschool and homestead on a small scale. Rodna has two grown children that she also homeschooled. She greatly enjoys the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. Rodna loves spending time tending to her chickens and goats and enjoys writing reviews and articles in her free time.

The post How to Teach Latin at Home While Strengthening English Skills appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

This post is sponsored by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum in regards to their homeschool government curriculum.

Do you want your children to have a good understanding of our government and grow up to be informed, productive citizens? An excellent high school-level homeschool government curriculum and economics class can be a great first step.

Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum (PAC) offers a course that includes Principles and Precepts of Government and Principles and Precepts of Economics, providing a full-year credit and a solid study of both government and economics. This curriculum offers an effective, stress-free way to incorporate government and economics into your homeschool. 

“Principles and Precepts of Government is designed to equip students with an understanding of the evolution of various forms of governance, and thereby gain an appreciation of the workings and myriad benefits afforded in their American Republic, the sacrifices to bring it to fruition, and the requirements of involvement to preserve it.”

What Sets Principles and Precepts of Government and Principles and Precepts of Economics Apart?

A homeschool parent wears many hats and often tries to juggle multiple students, a variety of subjects, and other obligations and pursuits. Parents want to make sure they are providing a strong, well-rounded education, but they also need to be able to take something off their plates. 

This curriculum allows students to learn these important concepts through independent work and study, with minimal input from parents. It is straightforward and simple to use, open-and-go for both parents and students. 

Homeschool Government Curriculum: What Is Principles and Precepts of Government?

The Principles and Precepts of Government homeschool government curriculum includes three text booklets and three coordinating activity booklets. There is also a teacher’s resource kit with tests and quizzes. This portion of the program is worth .5 of a social studies credit (one semester).

Course Overview

The text booklets are approximately 60–75 pages long. Each booklet contains three sections divided into five topics.

 
The content begins with the evolution of government, going back to historic empires before Christ. Then it moves on to the Roman government before introducing the colonies and the beginning of the US government.

The second booklet is an in-depth look at the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the branches of government. The final booklet covers state and local government, the election of the president, rights and responsibilities, and parliamentary procedure.

Text Layout

Each topic is only 3–4 pages long, making it manageable to cover in a day. At the beginning of each topic, a vocabulary list covers essential vocabulary from within the text. Within the text vocabulary appears in bold text. 

There are black-and-white illustrations and maps sprinkled throughout the text for both visual interest and topical clarity.

Most sections also include a life principle and an important quote about government from a famous historical figure. For example, one section is by Francis Bacon. “If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.”

Activity Books

The activity books are organized into the same chapters, sections, and topics as the textbooks, making pairing them seamless. Each topic has a page or two of questions, mostly fill-in-the-blank and multiple-choice.

Sometimes, there are places to write down quotes or important content, such as the preamble to the Declaration of Independence.

While the company labels these as activity books, most homeschool families would recognize them as workbooks because they focus entirely on written questions rather than hands-on activities. 

Teacher Resource Kit

In addition, this course includes a teacher resource kit. The resource kit has a table of contents, activity book answer keys, section quizzes, and chapter tests. There are also answer keys for the quizzes and tests included in this set. It is provided loose-leaf with the pages hole-punched for a three-ring binder. 

PAC also includes a coupon code for a free digital version of the teacher resource kit if you would prefer to have that saved as a digital file instead of a paper copy.This resource kit makes this course super easy for the parent and provides everything you need to check for student learning and collect grades.

What is Principles and Precepts of Economics?

The Principles and Precepts of Economics course is set up in the same style as the Principles and Precepts of Government. There are three text booklets, three activity booklets, and a teacher resource kit.

What is Covered in Principles and Precepts of Economics?

This independent homeschool course starts with an overview of economics, then covers the history of economics, and finally examines various economic systems (communism, socialism, etc.).

Finally, the course dives into practical economics.

This Includes:

• Banking
• Insurance
• Investing
• Starting a Small Business
• College
• Trade Schools
• Military Service

This gives students a good framework for understanding both the political and personal ramifications of economics as well as practical tools for applying these economic principles in their lives.

Why Should I Use These Courses?

These courses prepare high school students for both independent study and co-op learning environments. They also support independent learners while requiring very little input from the parent or teacher. 

Simply provide the materials to your student, give them the quizzes and tests as scheduled, and use the included answer keys to check their work.

However, you could easily add family/class discussions or activities to make it more interactive.  

Find out more about this homeschool government and economics curriculum, as well as their many other independent learning courses, on the Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum website.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Homeschool Government Curriculum

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Dawn is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to Chris, and homeschool mom of five. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and write on her blog Schoolin’ Swag. She enjoys reviewing curriculum and helping moms find the right fit for their family.

The post A Homeschool Government Curriculum for Independent Learners appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.

If the words “creative writing” cause your courageous homeschooling heart to tremble, you aren’t alone. If you add the words “middle school” to the picture, you may decide to surrender the idea completely! Although creative writing can be challenging, it should not be avoided. Good writing skills are vital in business, in education, and in general life. Teaching your child to express himself effectively through the imagination and creativity of writing is is a worthwhile endeavor. Thankfully, there are curriculum resources available to homeschooling parents to make this goal possible while maintaining good humor and sanity in the process! Common Sense Press developed Wordsmith as a middle school writing curriculum that alleviates the frustrations associated with writing. Students improve their writing, and educators are equipped to direct and evaluate the writing projects. 

What age group is Wordsmith intended for?

Wordsmith is a stand-alone creative writing curriculum published by Common Sense Press available in three different levels:  Wordsmith Apprentice for grades 4–6; Wordsmith for grades 6–9; and Wordsmith Craftsmen for grades 9–12. The course only requires two books: the all-inclusive Student Workbook and the Teacher’s Guide, making it an affordable option. (Notebooks or extra paper are also necessary.) Because this curriculum is designed to fit a range of grades, homeschooling parents can determine when to most effectively incorporate creative writing into their family’s scope and sequence. Families can intersperse their regular grammar curriculum with each level of Wordsmith to consistently strengthen their student’s writing skills. Each of these books can be previewed and purchased on their website. 

Is this a grammar curriculum?

Wordsmith creative writing is not intended to be a complete grammar curriculum. Instead, it builds on the grammar that students have already learned and teaches them to use it effectively. The first portion of the book reviews the key parts of speech, not just by identifying them in sentences but by improving them through precise, colorful word choice. One of the strengths of this course is that it actively encourages the student to write and edit sentences, not just to mark parts of prepared sentences. Daily assignments typically provide sample sentences to rewrite, avoiding the struggle of starting with original sentences while allowing students to see the improvement their changes make in a sentence. 

Students start the year by improving their sentence structure. By the second quarter of the year, they are improving full paragraphs and progressing toward larger assignments. The bite-sized, sequential progression is natural and steady; by the end of the year, students will have written a variety of narratives, dialogues, interviews, and a short story. Parents and students alike will look back at the work written at the beginning of the year and be excited to see the improvement in their final products by the end of the course!

Is Wordsmith middle school writing curriculum designed for independent work?

Wordsmith’s creative writing course does require teacher participation, though the level of participation can vary depending on the student’s maturity and motivation levels. Teaching writing can be daunting to some parents, especially if they feel that they lack experience in this skill. Thankfully, one of the distinctives of this middle school creative writing course is that it provides excellent daily lesson comments for the teacher. The first several pages of the Teacher’s Guide is dedicated to explaining the purpose and approach of this particular curriculum. It also provides helpful guidelines and a clear mental framework for parents to incorporate as they evaluate their child’s work. The teacher’s version of the daily assignment often includes commentary on what to look for in the written work or key discussion tips for helping the students to evaluate their work constructively.

What is the course schedule?

Wordsmith is a four-day a week, full school year, 36-week course. This schedule allows for homeschooling families to adjust it to their family’s personal needs. By adding a fifth day of work each week, the coursework can be completed earlier, thus abbreviating the school year. Alternatively, the fifth day can remain open for completing unfinished assignments or for providing built-in flexibility to accommodate daily homeschool life.

What are some of the distinctives of Wordsmith?

Wordsmith adopts a relaxed, conversational style in the textbooks with the intent to engage the student’s imagination. The author includes creative story prompts with each writing assignment to help circumvent the dreaded “writer’s block” and ensure success. Some topics easily incorporate all five senses so that both the writer and the reader are fully engaged. Sometimes the author provides preparatory questions that stimulate the writers to more carefully analyze the person or situation that they are writing about. Project guidelines often provide reminders and specific tips to help the writer avoid common writing pitfalls. 

Wordsmith’s middle school writing curriculum will definitely challenge a student to exceed his current comfort level and to improve his ability to write and evaluate his own work. It can be challenging to find original ideas and to express oneself creatively, but through examples, guiding questions, and step-by-step processes, Wordsmith advances a student past the stage of “I don’t know what to write!” Students can graduate from this course able to competently, creatively express their thoughts and experiences in writing. In the meantime, parents will emerge with a greater confidence in their own ability to prompt, discuss, and evaluate their middle school student’s writing projects. That’s a worthwhile endeavor! 

Quick Facts About Wordsmith

HomeschoolingFinds.com Author

Jennifer Potter is the wife of an assistant pastor and the mother of six homeschooled children. They make their home near the Texas Hill Country. Both she and her husband were homeschooled K-12, so they share a deep commitment to passing that educational legacy on to their children. In the few spare moments she finds, Jennifer finds refreshment in reading, gardening, and sewing.

The post Middle School Writing Curriculum for Homeschoolers appeared first on HomeschoolingFinds.com.