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Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING

How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

July 30, 2021 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Knowing how to build high school curriculum directly from Amazon is a valuable skillset. You may not think so in the beginning, but you soon realize there is NO one right way to homeschool high school. So you need flexibility and options to change midstream.

Build High School Curriculum

Quickly, you can build a high school homeschool curriculum package which suits your teen.

Today, I’m showing you what is important to know right away and what you can decide later.

However, before I go on, here are my super helpful posts for How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon and How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon.

5 Steps to Build High School Homeschool Curriculum

Many states are flexible meaning you don’t have many requirements to fill for high school according to the law.

Step 1.
Meet Your State Law
.

State law is your first starting point.

Know exactly what requirements you need to meet.
Don’t make this harder than it has to be by using a measuring stick that is unbending. Simply, meet the state law. Your own measuring stick is different.

If you’re having trouble knowing or finding your local law, shoot me an email or post here. I’ll help you to be sure that you’re in the absolute know.

How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

Step 2.
Determine Credits by Choosing a Path – Career or College
.

Next, don’t get sideways like I did when my first teen told me he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. If your teen knows right away that he’ll choose a career or college track, then that is your perfect starting points for subjects to fill.

Ask the college about subjects if your teen is college bound; this is not as hard as it appears. Most colleges maintain a website for admission. Right away you can see the number of credits they require for each subject. Boom – done.

If your teen doesn’t know what he wants to do like a majority of adults today, then try to give him what I call a traditional high school experience. This keeps all doors open for whatever direction your teen chooses.

Next, a traditional high school experience will include these subjects below with 4 years being closer to what colleges want for a college bound teen and 2 to 3 years for subjects for a teen who is not college bound:

  • 2 to 4 years of Math. Intro to Algebra is now considered middle school, but in our parents time it started in high school. If a teen is pursuing a science or math major, then intro to Algebra begins in middle school and Algebra 1, 2 and Geometry and another higher course will be needed.
  • 3 to 4 years for English or I like the term Language Arts which we have used up to this time. English doesn’t just mean covering grammar or composition. It can be any theme or subject your teen likes that has to do with writing or speaking. For example, poetry, British or American authors, literature analysis, public speaking, world literature, vocabulary study, and etc.
  • 2 to 4 Sciences and with Lab. Typically Biology, Chemistry and Physics are what I call the main three areas to study. I have two sciences listed because kids that are not science majors may choose to do only two sciences; kids who are college bound will need more.
  • 2 to 4 Social Studies. Again, I don’t like this term but it’s the one used in colleges. I prefer the terms history, geography, social science, American government, world geography, etc. In addition, I again list only two years if your child is not college bound. If your child is college bound or you’re wanting to leave the door open for college, then stick closer to 3 or 4 years.
  • 1 to 4 Foreign Languages. Again what is accepted in one college may not be in another. Too, ASL is considered the study of a foreign language with some colleges. If your child is not college bound and there are no requirements for foreign language in your state, then you and your teen decide how many years.
  • 4 to 5 Electives. Electives are subjects that are subjective. This means you have much room to either add them to your teens load or focus more on core subjects like math, language arts, science and social studies.
  • 1 – 3 Fine Arts and Physical Education. Normally a few years to study fine arts is a good rule of thumb and like one credit for physical education unless of course these topics are your child’s college majors.

Step 3.
Determine a 2 – 5 year Graduation Plan.

Next, determine how long your teen will be in high school.

Some teens do a two year study and align the other years with an apprenticeship. Some teens prefer dual enrollment and still others need another year to mature.

Four years is not always the magic number for graduating; it’s a good guide. Moreover, grab my high school planning pages too and fill in as you go.

How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

Download the High School Planning Page below.

High-School-Planning.pdf (27 downloads)

Too, read Free Homeschool High School Planning Sheet (and pssst help for high school too) if you need more help on planning and then also grab the Editable High School Transcript.

Step 4.
Choose Core Subjects First, The Other Subjects Can Wait

Then, narrow down the overwhelm more by selecting first the books and courses need to fill the core subjects.

When homeschoolers use the word core it can mean various things. Some states divide subjects by core and non-core.

For example, some states require math, language arts, history and science as the core subjects.

When I talk about core, I mean the skill subjects which are the three Rs – reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. They have been your child’s 3 legged stool for an excellent education up to this time and they continue to be important in high school.

The point is unless your state requires other subjects, use your hard earned dollars for the skill subjects first. Unless social studies and science are required immediately, you can purchase those items in increments to give your budget a rest.

Step 5.
Choose Curriculum from Amazon by mixing and matching resource type.

Finally, you now have a big picture of the resources you need from Amazon.

In addition, to help you choose resources wisely, I have divided resources by topic or subject. Do not forget that many kids today learn well by videos and hands-on activities.

So don’t limit your choices to just textbooks or books. Look at the choices below for each subject.

Math High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

  • Algebra 1 Student Text by Math U See
  • Geometry Student Text by Math U See
  • Algebra 2 Math U see Student Text
  • Saxon Algebra 2: An Incremental Development, 2nd Edition
  • Advanced Mathematics: An Incremental Development, 2nd Edition
  • Saxon Calculus: Homeschool Kit w/Solutions Manual Second Edition
  • Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1 Kit, Version 2.0
  • Geometry: A Teaching Textbook, Complete Curriculum
  • Mr. Pen Geometry Set with 6 Inch Swing Arm Protractor, Divider, Set Squares, Ruler, Compasses and Protractor, 15 Piece Set
  • Hands-On Math Projects With Real-Life Applications: Grades 6-12
  • Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in One Big Fat Notebook (Big Fat Notebooks)

Science High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

  • High School Science: Chemistry by Steck Vaughn
  • High School Science: Biology by Steck Vaughn
  • High School Science: Physical Science by Steck Vaughn
  • Exploring Creation with Advanced Biology: The Human Body
  • Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition, Textbook
  • Exploring Creation with Chemistry 3rd Edition, Textbook
  • Carson Dellosa The 100 Series: Biology Workbook—Grades 6-12 Science, Matter, Atoms, Cells, Genetics, Elements, Bonds
  • Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook (Big Fat Notebooks)
  • HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2011 WORKBOOK GRADE 11
  • Must Know High School Physics
  • Must Know High School Chemistry
  • Focus On High School Chemistry Student Textbook (softcover)

Science Lab Component High School From Amazon

  • 40 Biology Lab Activities (Life Science)
  • AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit with Metal Body Microscope, Plastic Slides, LED Light and Carrying Box (M30-ABS-KT2-W),White
  • AmScope PS25 Prepared Microscope Slide Set for Basic Biological Science Education, 25 Slides, Includes Fitted Wooden Case Brown
  • Mark Twain – Forensic Investigations, Grades 6 – 12
  • EUDAX School Physics Labs Basic Electricity Discovery Circuit and Magnetism Experiment kits for High School Students Electromagnetism Elementary Electronics
  • Teacher Friendly Chemistry Labs and Activities

History and Social Studies High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

  • Geography of the World: The Essential Family Guide to Geography and Culture
  • The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade
  • Medieval History, a Literature Approach for Senior High
  • The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome
  • The History of the Renaissance World: From the Rediscovery of Aristotle to the Conquest of Constantinople
  • North Star Geography
  • TruthQuest History Guide: Middle Ages
  • The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia (Kingfisher Encyclopedias)
  • Exploring World History Text Vol 1 Notgrass 2014
  • Know Geography™ World Atlas Grades 9-12
  • LIFEPAC World History 10th Grade Complete Set
  • Switched On Schoolhouse 10th Grade Homeschool History Curriculum – World History – Full Year History Courses – USB Homeschooling Class for Grade 10
  • American History Timeline – USA Research Handbook: Do-It-Yourself – Time Travel Journal – Fun-Schooling with Thinking Tree Books

Language Arts High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

  • Glencoe Language Arts Grammar And Language Workbook Grade 9
  • Grammar and Language Workbook, Grade 10 (Glencoe Language Arts)
  • Quick Lit Student Workbook: Language Arts, Grades 9-12: The Study of Contemporary Short Story
  • Elements of Language: Student Edition Grade 9
  • Elements of Language: Student Edition Grade 10
  • Elements of Literature: Student Edition Grade 12 Sixth Course
  • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
  • Holt Elements of Literature: Student Edition, American Literature Grade 11
  • Lifepac Gold Language Arts Grade 9: Set of 10
  • Writing Fiction [in High School]: Bringing Your Stories to Life!
  • Daily Language Practice 9th Grade +: Use It! Don’t Lose It!
  • Do-It-Yourself – Homeschooling Handbook – Library Based Curriculum: Journal and Study Guide For Eclectic High-School Students

MORE Language Arts High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

  • Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: A cursive writing practice workbook for young adults and teens (Beginning Cursive Workbooks)
  • Advanced Cursive Handwriting Practice Workbook for Teens
  • High School British Literature: A High School English Student Text of Readings and Activities for a full-year British Literature Study (Writing Curriculum)
  • Language Lessons for the High School Student VOLUME 2 SET with Key
  • Easy Grammar.
  • Jensens Grammar.
  • Fix It Grammar. 
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing. 
  • Learning Language Arts Through Literature: The Gold Books.
  • Dover Thrift Editions. 
  • Wordly Wise 3000® 4th Edition Grade 9 SET — Student Book and Answer Key

High School Graduation and College Readiness Curriculum From Amazon

  • SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published
  • Diploma Cover 7×9 Smooth Imprinted “Diploma Of Graduation”Certificate Cover
  • Math for the Ages!: SAT and High School Math
  • Sat Math Workbook (Barron’s Test Prep)

Electives High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

  • Electives: Accounting : Home School Curriculum Kit (Lifepac)
  • Career Exploration for Homeschool High School Students
  • What Color is Your Parachute for Teens?
  • ARTistic Pursuits High School 9-12 Book One, The E
  • Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy
  • Auto Upkeep Workbook: Maintenance, Light Repair, Auto Ownership, and How Cars Work
  • Art: A World History
  • Consumer Mathematics – Abeka Highschool Personal Finance Concepts, Balance, Budget, Insurance Student Textbook

  • Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Eighth Edition (Wiley Self Teaching Guides)
  • Foundations in Personal Finance Workbook High School Edition For Homeschool by Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University
  • Geography Through Art
  • Money Matters Workbook for Teens (ages 15-18)
  • Practical Critical Thinking: Student Workbook – Problem-Solving, Reasoning, Logic, Arguments (Grades 9-12)
  • Personal Finance Doodle Notes: Brain Based Interactive Guided Notes
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Lab Manual – Abeka High School Home Economics Elective Lab Manual
Also, do not forget to visit my store on Amazon. 
I have Lists created by subjects so you can see more choices.

High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages

Last but not least, I have listed all-in-one programs below. Sometimes you just need to start with a framework. I’ve listed curriculum packages below.

Remember that you can always tweak them to suit your student’s needs. You don’t have to use all-in-one programs as it. I firmly believe all of them are to be tweaked even if just a bit to suit your teen’s schedule, needs, and goals.

All-In-One Programs

  • Switched On Schoolhouse 9th Grade Homeschool 4 Subject Curriculum Set – Full Year History & Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science Courses – USB Homeschooling Classes for Grade 9
  • Lifepac Grade 9 Christian Homeschool Curriculum 4-Subject Set Alpha Omega Publications Alpha Omega Publications
How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

Also, grab these other tips below to help flesh out any interests your teen may have:

  • How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science
  • 54+ Fun Books Turned Movies to Spark a Love For Reading
  • Online Homeschool High School Poetry (No Teaching Involved)
  • How to Choose the Best Middle School Literature And Favorite Resources
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
  • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)
  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • How to Begin Homeschooling A Teen Lagging Behind
  • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
  • Successful Entrepreneur-3 Best Homeschooled Teen Resources
  • 14 Fun and (maybe Frugal) Homeschool High School Electives

I know you can give your child a solid education when you build the curriculum yourself. Did this give you a starting point?

2 CommentsFiled Under: Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: curriculum, high school, high school electives, high school literature, high school science, highschoolgeography, homeschool highschool, homeschoolcurriculum, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolhistory, homeschoolscience, sciencecurriculum, teens

35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

September 26, 2020 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up 35 simple, but powerful American history homeschool resources for kindergarten to high school.

Whether you’re trying to fill a state requirement or you want your child to have a well-rounded view of U.S. history, I know you’ll love these resources.

American History Homeschool Resources

First, because I have homeschooled over 20+ years, I have some great tips for you.

Look at these 10 ways to teach U.S. history out of the box. Besides, not every kid responds to an all-in-one i.e. boxed curriculum.

35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

10 Ways to Teach U.S. History Out of the Box

  1. Instead of trying to learn about all American History in one year, focus on one time period through the eyes of a founding father or another historical colorful character. We did this when we examined the life of Wyatt Earp. Look at Free American History Lapbook – The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp. This idea works for multiple ages because you can bring out much about the time period in American history and add fun hands-on activities too.
  2. In addition, when my first son reached high school, we learned about the FBI. It was a fun way to focus on learning about American government based on a topic he was interested in. So, take a topic or key event which piques your teen’s interest and build a study around it. Look at my FBI unit study.
  3. For older kids, study American history through original sources. Reading letters between friends and family helps to make what could be a boring time period in history come alive. Look at 7 Things to Try When a Homeschool History Curriculum Isn’t Coming Together (Hint: Try a Primary Source or Two).
  4. Learning through movies is another way to make learning any time period in history an event to look forward to. Look at 7 Educational Movies for Kids About Westward Expansion.
  5. Another slant is for art lovers. Learn about history through art. Look at Art History for Kids.
  6. Also, learning U.S. history through lapbooks is a fun way to learn important events. Look at my Free 27 Week American History Study through Lapbooking In Chronological Order
  7. One more fun slant is to learn about historical costumes. Look at Bring History To Life With Historical Costumes: Fun, Fashion and Unforgettable
  8. An especially fun way to bring meaning to history is to use a living book as a spine. A living book is a term used by Charlotte Mason to mean a book written in a story form which engages a reader as opposed to a boring textbook. Use a living book as a spine or the main book and add activities based on the reading. Toward the bottom of the article, I listed some living books which could work as a history spine.
  9. Another engaging and fun way to learn about history is through cooking recipes from the different states. Kids of any age love learning what other kids’ eat and how they live. Look at my post make chili when doing a state study on Texas.
  10. This last slant is to learn U.S. history through creating a timeline. Whether you want to focus on events or people, a timeline is a great visual of American history. Look at my post How to Teach With an Easy DIY American History Timeline.

American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

Next, I’ve rounded up tons of resources to give you a variety of options.

For me every year was different when I taught American history. Some years we dived deeper, other years not so much.

There are a variety of resources below from audio to living books to lapbooks.

Also, the resources and books or literature are listed from easiest or for the youngest learner up to high school.

Of course, grade level is subjective. You’ll want to mix and match history resources to make learning American history meaningful.

Further, readers mature at different rates. What is sensitive to one family or reader you and I know will be different for another.

So be sure you check out the readers because where possible and best I can remember, I give you a heads up if something may be sensitive.

As always, you’re responsible for previewing resources beforehand. I know you will.

Kindergarten to Sixth Grade American History Resources

Beginning with kindergarten to sixth grade U.S. history resources, variety is key.

Especially for young kids like prek and kindergarten, reading aloud, coloring, creating crafts, and activities helps to lay a foundation for what is American history.

Actually, do not forget that even older kids whose introduction to history has been boring could still benefit from activities, reading aloud, and games.

Look below for kindergarten to sixth grade American history resources roundup.

1. American History Dover Books for Coloring and Paper Crafts

Whether you have a younger or older child, Dover coloring pages have been a staple in our homeschool for years.

They’re not just ordinary coloring books, but coloring books that teach facts while having some creative fun.

Look at this United States Coloring Book.

Also, Dover has paper models for hands-on history. You don’t want to miss these fun ways to learn history.

Look at these Stand Up Presidents and White House Cut & Assemble.

2. American Kids in History Series

This next series is a fun slant on American history.

American Kids in History series is a series that just doesn’t use text but games, activities, and recipes to learn about Americans.

One or two of these books would make for a great mini unit study.

3. Early American History by Beautiful Feet

This next curriculum which I loved and used when my kids were younger and all the way through high school is by Beautiful Feet Literature.

The Early American History Jumbo Primary pack for first to third grade introduced my kids to American history makers through beautiful literature as opposed to a boring text book.

4. Stories of Great Americans For Little Americans

This next series Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans was written in 1895 at about a second grade level and reprinted and updated.

The illustrations are beautiful and little Americans are introduced to Boone, Washington, Franklin, and more. Also, Memoria Press reprinted it.

5. Magic Tree House Series

Another series The Magic Tree House has the Magic Tree House Books 21-24 Boxed Set which is American History.

The Magic Tree House series is a beloved set for teaching history for all time periods, but it has the American history set for the youngest readers.

This series aims for first to fourth grade.

History for Kids

6. The d’Aulaire Biographies

The first time I read one of the d’Aulaire historical books with my young kids, we were hooked.

Look at some of the titles to choose from.

  • George Washington
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Pocahontas
  • Columbus
  • Leif the Lucky
  • Buffalo Bill
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    $1.75
    Add to cart

7. American Story Series

Additionally, American Story is a beautiful series which has been around for a long time and for reason. The literature and illustrations are beautiful.

It is a secular approach to history, but not anything you can’t tweak one way or the other to your worldview.

You’ll love all the titles in the series. Here are a few below.

8. Who was? What was? Where is? Series

There is a reason this much loved Who was What was Where is series has close to 200 books. It was a hit when this series started.

Although it can be hard to find a grade level, this series is good for kids up to sixth grade. However, it aims for third to fifth grade.

But don’t let that stop you if you have kids a bit younger or older.

It’s a much loved series with so many topics and titles which makes it a great multiple age series of books to teach about important American history events and persons.

9. America First: One Hundred Stories From Our Own History by Lawton B. Evans

Then next America First: One Hundred Stories From Our Own History by Lawton B. Evans approaches history by using stories or the living history approach I love for all ages.

10. My America Series

My America series is a fictional series aimed at elementary aged kids.

My America series is a spinoff of the Dear America series and written in the same diary format.

From best I can remember there are approximately 20 books or so in the a series. Like the Dear America series, you have many choices of great books.

11. American Girl series

Also, what young girl doesn’t fall in love with Felicity, Kirsten, and Addy from the American Girl books.

I haven’t put my hands on the series in a while, but from best I remember the older versions of the books have a non-fiction section at the back.

There are period crafts and recipes you can add for each theme.

12. Childhood of Famous Americans Series

Then, Childhood of Famous Americans Series was also another life saver for me when the kids were young. It’s a biography series that was originally written in the 1940s.

The series has grown and expanded through the years and reprinted.

This was one of my kids’ favorite series because of the illustrations and short chapters for young readers.

13. History Pockets by Evan-Moor

This next resource which is History Pockets is such a wonderful hands-on resource that I feel you can use it even for kids in middle school.

Each book comes with a theme. Themed activities such as maps, timelines, minibooks and character descriptions are created for the history pocket.

If your child is not not ready to unleash his history creativity and wants something fun, but more laid out he’ll love the themed history pockets.

Again, some of the themes are for sixth grade, so I know older kids will love them too.

Middle and High School
American History Resources

Moving to teaching middle and high school can be challenging unless you have the right resources.

Don’t be afraid to teach American history with resources you have at your finger tips. It’s easier than you think to create a credit worthy course. Look at my tips How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)

Look at the resources which can be used for older kids.

14. Paradigm Accelerate Curriculum Worktexts

When I first looked at Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum, I wasn’t sure it would work for us. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it helped my kids to cover some topics we were lacking.

First, PAC booklets are a worktext. A worktext is different from a workbook.

Unlike a workbook, worktext does some teaching right in the workbook. Worktext are great for teaching kids to be independent. You don’t have to do all the teaching.

Usually some background information along with activities are all built into the lesson plan. It’s like having the textbook and workbook in one spot.

The American History I, America’s Founding Fathers, Events, and Documents (Supplement), are aimed for about eighth grade and American History II is for high school.

15. Guest Hollow High School American History

Guest Hollow is a two year program for high school kids.

If your kids love learning history through literature and good books, they’ll love this program.

16. A History of US Book Series by Joy Hakim

The A History of US series is an usual series that we loved. It’s written in a story form to older students.

The series touts to be for fifth grade to eight grade. I’ve found that even older kids can benefit from the material.

17. Time Travel Adventure with Exceptional Americans Series by Rush Limbaugh

Next, who’d think Rush Limbaugh would have a series of history books, but he does.

What kid or adult (me) wouldn’t love to read about traveling back in time? Historical fiction is a way to also revive a love of history by talking about time travel through history.

The Rush Revere Time Travel Adventure with Exceptional American series is aimed for grades fourth to eighth, but again you know grade levels are subjective. There are five books for now in the series.

18. 19. Modern and Early American History by Beautiful Feet

Beautiful Feet which is one of my favorite homeschool curriculum for living history books and has packs for middle school and high school kids.

The packs can be used anywhere from an advanced 7th grader to high school.

The curriculum has a twist, it’s mixed. It has American history and world history studied together.

This makes sense if you’re trying to connect American history to the bigger picture of how it fits into world history.

  • Modern American History and World History pack is geared toward middle school; and
  • Early American History is for 7th to 9th grade.

20. Dear America series by Scholastic

The Dear America series is for girls. The books are written like diaries looking at events in American history.

Although the book touts for a younger reader closer to a 10 year old girl, I find a few of the elements in some of the books are more suited for an older reader like 14 or 15 years old.

One book mentions something mysterious about a wedding night implying a sexual nature which is not necessary for a young reader.

I mean I have found nothing explicit so far, but feel that innuendo could have been left out if this was for a younger reader.

So I am putting this series here more suited for a middle or high school girl.

Multiple Ages Resources
And All-in-One

Next, there are many resources which can be used stand alone for teaching history, but there are also resources that make planning easy.

Multiple age resources and all-in-one curriculum are those types of helps.

There are advantages to using an all-in-one.

A few advantages of using laid out curriculum are

  • you have less planning;
  • some of them can be used for multiple ages;
  • sometimes plenty of background information is given which can lessen your prep work; and
  • if you need to track hours, it can be easier to do it with laid out curriculum.

Look at some of these resources below. Some are more scripted than others, but all of them are laid out easier than just using a book.

21. Home School in the Woods

This first one is Home School in The Woods because I loved having more ideas for hands-on history.

Like science, I feel history is better understood and appreciated when it’s hands-on or project based.

Sure it takes longer to do activities, but learning like this sticks.

22. Build Your Library Secular Based

Build Your Library is a secular literature approach to history.

You’ll have to purchase the books and the lesson plans are .pdf, but you can certainly combine kids with this unit study approach

. Also, if you’re trying to build a library this a great way to do it. Build your library is good if you’re trying to teach multiple children and want more of a general guide.

23. Notgrass History Christian Based

If you want a unabashedly Christian curriculum, then you’ll love Notgrass History.

Their history is told in a story form and you’ll love all the options for each grade.

24. U.S. History Secular Based By Blossom and Root

Blossom and Root has U.S. history for elementary and middle school kids. It is a complete secular history unit.

25. Memoria Press Uses a Classical Approach

Memoria Press has guides for first grade to high school and uses a classical approach to teaching U.S. history.

Using great books of the past they paired them with history guides to teach different topics of American history at each level.

26. Hillsdale Free U.S. History Courses

Hillsdale College offers free American history courses in the same

You’ll love the free courses on line.

Hillsdale offers courses from a faith-based approach. As stated on their website: “These free, not-for-credit courses are taught by Hillsdale College faculty and are patterned after the education offered on the Hillsdale College campus.”

27. Truthquest History Christian Based

Truthquest history is a literature-based curriculum which can be used for multiple ages.

Instead of having day to day lesson plans, you’re giving guides for each topic. Using real books, this history is more of a unit study approach. If you want to have a guide, but go down bunny trails this curriculum may work for you.

28. All American History Christian Based by Bright Ideas Press

All American History by Bright Ideas Press is a staple in the homeschool community. Homeschool Buyers has it for a considerable discount.

From the site, it says American History is a complete year’s curriculum when combined with the Student Activity Book PDF and Teacher’s Guide. The first volume covers Exploration through 1840.

American History Spines

Living Books, Audio, Video, CD, Online Courses for American History Resources

Last, I’m sharing some other wonderful resources which helps kids with different learning styles and needs. Too, sometimes you need to mix and match as I talked about earlier.

Too, I want you to understand what is a history spine because it’s a fun, but very practical way to teach a content subject like U.S. History.

A spine is a resource you use as your main reference to teach a subject. A spine refers to a backbone. So it’s a resource which can be a living book or reference book which is the backbone of your course of study.

A spine has many advantages and is different than an all-in-one in many ways.

Look at the 5 advantages of using a history spine.

  1. When you choose a history spine, you can narrow your focus. Instead of teaching all of American history in broad strokes, sometimes you need a few key events or people for a deeper study.
  2. In addition, you may want to move quicker on topics if your goal is broad strokes. A general history spine instead of day to day laborious lesson plans may fit your needs this year.
  3. A spine like a living book written in story format helps kids young kids to associate what could be abstract to concrete people and events.
  4. In addition, a history spine can be tweaked to fit exactly the needs of your kids, i.e. rabbit trails.
  5. There is no feeling of being behind when studying American history. You’re just at where you’re kids are at. Then you move on when you’re done.

With that being said, in this section, I have included

  • history living books;
  • audio books for those who want to listen and not so much read;
  • online free courses in video form;
  • and videos using public domain books.

Many years I preferred to use books that were classic and written pre politically correct.

History has the good, the bad, and the really ugly and I wanted to convey all those parts to my kids as I felt they could understand it.

I’d love to rewrite history in some places, but I can’t. So I explained to my kids how some people in the past and why some in the present may still feel one way. Explaining point of views becomes important while using any history resource.

29. The Rainbow Book of American History by Earl Schenck Miers

The Rainbow Book of American History was published in the 1950s and is a book you can use for a spine.

Remember that vocabulary and terminology are different for that time; keep that in mind if you use a classic book.

DIY American History Resources

30. America: The Last Best Hope

America: The Last Best Hope is another series loved by homeschoolers for a spine, but I haven’t used it. But you recognize the name William J. Bennett for his book The Book of Virtues which is a compilation of moral stories.

31. My America Story Book Audio Using Public Domain Books

Well-educated heart has audio of stories from pre-1924 books in the public domain. Your child can listen or read, It’s free.

32. Drive Thru History Adventure Video/DVD Series

This is a fun twist on history. It’s a 12 part video series on history by “visiting” places. Too, it’s offered in DVD form because not everyone has a great internet connection.

He has different time periods, but the American: Columbus to the Constitution is for American history and the whole family can watch and learn.

33. This Country of Ours by H. E. Marshall

This Country of Ours is another timeless history keeper. We loved the story format of this book and this is one that you could use for multiple ages too. I feel it’s geared more toward elementary to middle school.

34. American History Stories by Mara Pratt

Again American History Stories by Mara Pratt is what I consider a living book approach to history.

It’s a story format and I would use it for younger kids.

I do think an older kid would benefit from it if they haven’t had a good introduction to history.

Big List of U.S. History Curriculum

35. Jim Hodges American History Audio

This next resource is such a fun one.

Whether you want some help for all the reading aloud you’ve been doing or your child learns better by listening and loves stories, you’ll love Jim Hodges Audio Books.

From Ten Girls from History to American History Stories and True Stories of Great Americans for Young Americans and the Modern U.S. History bundle, you’ll find tons of great resources.

35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

36. Khan Academy Online Free Videos

When Khan Academy entered the homeschool world it was popular and have gained even more popularity through the years.

Although some teachers used Khan Academy as a stand alone curriculum a lot of homeschoolers supplement with it. Either way you have another option for your learners.

37. Crash Course Online Free Videos

Crash Courses are another favorite of homeschoolers. They too have been around for years with educational videos on many different subjects.

Crash Course has many different history topics you’ll love including the American history section.

This list is by no means the total list of all the resources I’ve been exposed to, but it’s a comprehensive list of homeschool favorites. Pssst! They work.

What else do you like to use for teaching American history to your kids?

Look at these other American history lapbooks, unit studies, homeschool curriculum and tips here to help round out your study.

  • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)
  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • American Revolution Unit Study and Lapbook 1775 – 1783
  • BEST Westward Ho Unit Study and Lapbook!
  • Daniel Boone – North American Explorer
  • French and Indian War 1754 -1763
  • Iroquois Confederacy
  • Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Plains Indians. Unit Study & Lapbook
  • RMS Titanic Unit Study and Free Lapbook
  • The Trail of Tears 1820 – 1845 Unit Study & Lapbook
  • War Between the States Unit Study and Lapbook

Hugs and love ya,

2 CommentsFiled Under: History Resources, Teach Homeschool History, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: american history, book lists, books, early American history, elementary, high school, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschool curriculum, homeschoolcurriculum, homeschoolhistory, middleschool

How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options

September 13, 2020 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

How to choose the best homeschool middle and high school language arts curriculum can be intimidating unless you have a road map.

Knowing the elements of language arts is important; knowing that not every teen needs the same amount of instruction for each component is equally important.

Using free language arts curriculum before you make a purchase can be especially helpful for many reasons:

  • Budget friendly curriculum allows you to assess problem areas in greater detail without busting the budget;
  • A free curriculum can be used as a reference alongside a purchased curriculum;
  • Your teen may need review in just a couple of areas and you can save your hard earned dollars to buy language arts where he requires in-depth focus or help;
  • Returning to free curriculum resources throughout the middle and high school years helps your teen review quickly; and
  • Let’s face it. Teen curriculum resources can be pricey, so having many options at your fingertips helps.

Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts

Let’s start with a language arts road map.

Step one is knowing the language arts components.

Step 1. Identify the Language Arts Components.

The easiest, but most useful definition is that English language arts is any subject to do with written or oral communication, including listening.

Right away you can see that some things are not formally taught or don’t have to be taught in isolation.

For example, from the time your teen was a toddler, you started speaking to him in full sentences. He learned your language through the art of conversation and discussion. That part still continues in the teen years.

Too, especially at the middle and high school years, teens need to make sense out of what they have been learning.

Combining language arts elements makes language arts practical and gives teens a reason to understand it.

For example, grammar can be revised or used while a teen writes an essay.

Next, let’s dive into the subject breakdown of what is language arts so you know that you’re covering it and that you choose the subjects your teen needs.

Language arts includes all facets of English: phonics, reading/literature, spelling/vocabulary, grammar, composition, and penmanship. In addition, it includes oral speech.

By this age your child has probably learned to read and write.

So penmanship turns to composition and reading becomes literature. Phonics is now spelling.

Step 2. Isolate the Language Arts Components Needed for Middle and High School Teens.

To help clarify this even further, here are the language art subjects for middle and high school grades.

  • Literature which is reading and could include literary analysis
  • Grammar
  • Spelling (if still needed)
  • Vocabulary
  • Composition

These subjects are the ones that most language arts all-in-one programs cover.

Next, now that you know the subjects that fall under the language arts umbrella, look at some of these homeschool language arts curriculum for middle and high school kids.

Step 3. Choose the EXACT Components Your Teen Needs OR Choose an All-in-One Curriculum.

Before you choose language arts, pay attention to the details to see if it’s an all-in-one program which covers most of the subjects for language arts OR if it’s just one component.

I have organized the elements for you so you can quickly see the choices for your child.

Grammar Homeschool Curriculum For Teens

Too, some of the resources can be used as a guidebook to assist your teen in his writing.

The first one I’m diving into is grammar. Grammar is the rules of a language.

Your teen has learned some of the rules naturally, so some of these resources can be used as a reference. Other resources can be used as separate curriculum to shore up any weakness

Look at this list of homeschool grammar curriculum.

  • Rod and Staff English. Solid no fluff worktext for doing grammar stand alone or use for a reference. The books in the high school years made great reference books for us. It’s a faith-based curriculum, but I found it easily tweaked for faith-neutral approach.
  • Easy Grammar. This goes all the way to high school. It’s a secular view and a traditional approach.
  • Jensen’s Grammar.
  • Daily Grammar.
  • Fix It Grammar. Takes a Charlotte Mason approach and goes to high school. Your child reads a story and fixes it by applying the grammar rules.
  • Purple Workbook: A Complete Course for Young Writers, Aspiring Rhetoricians, and Anyone Else Who Needs to Understand How English Works (Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind) This program is a bit more rigorous.
  • KISS Grammar.
  • Udemy – The Elements of English Grammar.
  • The Winston Grammar Program: Advanced Level, Student Workbook. This program is more hands-on.
  • GrammarFlip and these
  • Daily Paragraph Editing workbooks from Evan-Moor are nifty must-haves.

Although I feel grammar is best covered in conjunction with writing so a teen sees the value, there are some teens who need grammar in isolation.

Before looking next at the composition options, keep a few key points in mind. If a teen is struggling with penmanship remember that he can type his essays.

Try to not make composition always about penmanship. Yes, it’s about doing neat work, but that is for the final draft.

Composition is about learning how to compose his thoughts. So if you have a teen struggling in both penmanship and composition, focus on one or the other until he gets more practice. Go gentle in what you require of him if he is struggling.

Composition Homeschool Curriculum For Teens

Now, look at some of the composition choices.

  • Essentials in Writing. One of my favorite programs we used.
  • Paper is Power Common Core for Middle School.
  • Brave Writer.
  • Khan Academy.
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing. One of my favorite programs we used.
  • Cover Story. For kids who love to write.
  • Write Shop I and II. One of my favorite programs we used.
  • Beautiful Feet History. This is a great slant to combine literature and history; this is another one of my favorite programs which my teens liked.
  • Lightning Literature and Composition series.
  • GrammarFlip.

Literature Homeschool Curriculum For Teens

  • Learning Language Arts Through Literature: The Gold Books. A very gentle Charlotte Mason approach to literature using living books.
  • Bob Jones. You can just purchase the literature component separately or purchase the all in one.
  • Masterbooks. You can purchase the literature component separately.
  • Glencoe. Free downloadable study guides.
  • Penguin. Has free study guides for books.
  • Lightning Literature and Composition series.
  • Progeny Press.
  • Essentials In Literature.
  • Total Language Plus
  • Memoria Press.
  • Beautiful Feet History. This is a great slant to combine literature and history; this is another one of my favorite programs which my teens liked.
  • Dover Thrift Editions. This was another big hit in our home unabridged book and comprehensive study guide are together in one book.There are many titles to choose from. Read Homeschool High School Literature Guides to see how we used them.
  • The Evan-Moor Daily Reading Comprehension are good for middle school.
  • Outschool.
  • And we loved How To Teach Your Homeschooled Children Shakespeare.

You would think it would be easier to choose an all in one program which covered a bit of most of the components of language arts. It may or may not be.

The problem at this level is that most providers are assuming that your teen has had a fair amount of each component of language arts.

If you’ve switched homeschool approaches or resources, like most of us have, then you want to be sure you’re clear on what is the focus of the all-in-one language arts curriculum.

For example, it’s been my experience that curriculum may focus more on composition, while another one covers more literary analysis. While yet another resource may focus heavily on grammar.

All-In-One Language Arts Homeschool Curriculum for Teens

So the important point I’m making is look over the scope and sequence so that you make a good fit for your teen.

Next, look at the options for all-in-one language arts programs.

  • Easy Peasy All-In-One
  • Powerhouse or Acellus Academy.. They are both by same company. However, Acellus academy is accredited and more expensive, but Powerhouse isn’t accredited. Both are online and offer everything.
  • The Good and The Beautiful.
  • Essentials in Literature.
  • BookShark.
  • Bob Jones
  • Christian Light Publications.
  • Sonlight.
  • Everything You Need To Ace Middle School English 
  • Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts

Step 4. Combine Many Components of Language Arts for Lasting Benefits.

Finally, the most important benefit of teaching language arts to our teens is so that it sticks with them. Understanding the mechanics of the English languages connects our teens to great minds of the past.

In addition, teaching valuable thinking skills is an important part of communication whether verbal or written.

For language arts to have lasting benefit and to teach thinking skills, combining the components of language arts is a superior way to teach.

When a teen works with a piece of literature, he focuses on grammar, writing, vocabulary, and spelling to name a few.

We want our teens to have a solid foundation for language arts whether he chooses a career track or college track.

Look at these other posts for homeschooling middle and high school teens.

  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • How to Begin Homeschooling A Teen Lagging Behind
  • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
  • Get It Over and Done: How Do Homeschoolers Graduate Early
  • How To Homeschool Middle School – Why Eclectic Of Course!
  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • Homeschooling Stubborn Teens: Not for the Faint of Heart
  • How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)
  • 3 Beginner’s Tips: Homeschool High School Literature

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, How To - - -, Middle School Homeschool, Teach Homeschool Language Arts, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: grammar, high school, high school literature, homeschool, homeschool highschool, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolreading, language arts, languagearts, literature, middleschool

How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon

July 11, 2020 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

How to build elementary homeschool curriculum directly from Amazon is easier than you think.

Whether you’ve homeschooled from the beginning or suddenly have been thrown into homeschooling, you’ll love the flexibility of being able to choose from Amazon.

I love supporting vendors who sell homeschool curriculum, but in person conventions did not happen everywhere this year because of the pandemic.

Having an option to build your elementary homeschool curriculum is vital and I made this easy for you by creating lists in my Amazon store.

Also, I have options for middle and high school. Click here for How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon and here for How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon.

How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon

Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon

First, the essential subjects that you want to teach in the elementary years are language arts, math, history and science.

Of course this doesn’t mean these are the only ones, but those four are the basis for a solid foundation.

Too, in the elementary years one-to-one tutoring does not take as long as the academic load that homeschooled kids in the upper grades carry. While it’s true a younger child may need more breaks, the workload is still pretty flexible in the elementary years and you have time to add other subjects for enrichment.

Now that you understand the 4 BIG ones as I call them, you also need to know how to break down language arts components.

Here are the components of language arts and based on your child’s age, ability, or level, you need to decide which ones he will need to do.

  • Reading. This includes reading aloud.
  • Phonics. Normally you want to do this until about 4th grade.
  • Spelling. Phonics is the precursor to spelling. Don’t be so quick to teach formal spelling because a child needs input first which phonics does.
  • Penmanship (no this is not composition). This is just what it means, learning how to write. It’s done in the early grades.
  • Composition comes after penmanship and it is about teaching a child how to compose his thoughts.
  • Grammar. Normally you start this in the second or third grade.

Language Arts Curriculum from Amazon

Keep in mind the subjects you cover in the elementary grades are just a rule of thumb.

Because kids can be all over the place on levels, I am giving you the big picture so you know how to choose.

It’s worrisome to not know which subjects to introduce and when to introduce them. I want you to be in the know.

So look at the subjects below based on grade level.

  • If your child is at grades 1 or 2, you want to choose a reading program, a phonics program, and a writing program.
  • If you child is at grades 3 to 4, you want to choose a reading program, a phonics program, a spelling program, a writing program or composition program and a grammar program.
  • If your child is at grades 5 to 6, you want to choose a reading program, a composition program, a spelling program, and a grammar program.
  • Science and history can be as easy as reading a book in the earlier grades and then progress to taking more time like from 3rd grade on.

Also, to be sure you’ve covered the bases for subjects, use my checklist for curriculum resources below

You can download an editable copy over at STEP 5A of my free 7 Step Homeschool Planner.

Additionally, I have this super helpful post How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly.

Now, look at lists I’ve created for you to give you choices on the different variety of curriculum.

By using the guideline above where I explain what to choose in each grade, you’ll be sure you won’t miss any vital curriculum for a grade.

  • If you’re teaching a new reader, choose a phonics program from the Elementary – Phonics (Up to 4th Grade) List and beginning readers from the Elementary – Teaching Reading & Beginner Readers.
  • Click here for the Elementary Spelling List.
  • Click here for the Elementary – Writing (Penmanship OR Composition) List.
  • Look at this Elementary – Reading List to get you started. Pick a few books along with what your child is reading for history and science and you have an excellent reading program.

Homeschool History and Science from Amazon

In addition, history and science are considered core subjects in some states.

Here is the Elementary – History & Geography List and here is the Elementary – Science List.

After you add the Big Four core subjects, you can add other subjects. By starting with the Big Four, you know that you have the essentials covered.

If you have many learners under the age of 7 or 8, then covering the Big Four for the day is solid. As your little ones get older and as you have time, you can add other subjects which interest your kids.

Sometimes lesson plans can be too lofty for the elementary ages, but remember play is still a huge part of the learning day too. There is no need to fill your day with too many subjects.

The Big Four subjects a.k.a. language arts, math, science and history are the same ones all the way to High School. There is a lot of years to cover those subjects so include plenty of hands-on activities too.

Elementary Homeschool Curriculum

Look at these other tips I have for you:

  • How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • 6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading
  • 6 Tricks for the Kid That’s NOT in Love with Reading!
  • How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
  • 10 Fun Things You Can Teach Using Geronimo Stilton Books
  • Homeschool Colorful Reading Journal to Motivate Kids
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon

The beauty of choosing curriculum directly from Amazon is that you not only can meet your kids’ needs, but also meet state guidelines if you have them.

You’re off to a great start this year!

Hugs and love ya,

1 CommentFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Homeschool Simply, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, Lesson Plan, Teach Homeschool Math, Teach Homeschool Science, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: curriculum, cursive, elementary, homeschoolreading, language arts, languagearts, math, phonics, reading

15 Old-Fashioned Useful Skills Homeschoolers Love To Teach

May 17, 2020 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Whether you didn’t learn these skills in school or you’re determined to give your children the best education, there are 15 old-fashioned useful skills homeschoolers love to teach.

Besides, teaching only academics and not life skills is a huge flaw in the educational world. We don’t want to repeat that same nonsense thinking.

Old-Fashioned Skills for Today’s Kids

So we choose to intentionally teach what other educators view as vintage or old-fashioned because we know some obsolete skills prepare today’s kids for adulthood.

Look at these 15 skills, academic or otherwise which homeschoolers still love to teach.

1. Cursive writing. Unless a child has a special need, most homeschooling parents know that learning to write and cursive writing are valuable skills.

Beyond the fact that most early documents were hand-written, cursive writing supports hand-eye coordination and can reduce letter reversals.

Look at some of my tips below about how I teach writing.

  • How to Teach Cursive and Composition With A Fresh Perspective
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids

2.,3.,4.,5.,6. Finance, accounting, budgeting, money management and writing a check. Today’s kids learn early how to use a debit or credit card without knowing what is a budget or knowing ways to rein in their spending.

Subjects Not Taught in Public School

Distinguishing between a need versus a want is an extremely valuable skill to teach kids. Not teaching a kid about finances while in middle or high school or even earlier may set him up for much debt later in life.

Too, many places of business still use paper checks. Teaching our kids both how to write out a check and how to make a bank deposit in person are necessary skills for adulting.

7. How to do taxes. My kids started working while in high school and although they didn’t make enough to have to prepare a tax return, we still helped them prepare one.

When a child is living on his own he’ll have a basic understanding of tax deadlines and taxes. He manages adult responsibilities way better than if you had never introduced basic tax how-tos.

8. How to cook from scratch. The pandemic of 2020 is a perfect example of how life can throw a huge curve.

Because we want our kids self-sufficient, teaching them to cook from scratch like baking basic bread or from what is on hand saves money, teaches independence, and can be healthier.

Look below at a few ways I incorporated this into our learning day:

  • Make victory soup when studying about the countries of World War II.
  • Make soups from South America.
  • Make butter while learning about the Life of Wyatt Earp.
  • Make Zopf (Swiss Style Bread): Day 3 Hands-on Learning

School Doesn’t Prepare Us for Life

9. How to fill out a job application and how to do a job interview. When I helped my first teen fill out a job application, it was hilarious.

Although he knew what it was from the exploring career opportunities course in high school, preparing one was quite different. To this day, he still thanks me and his dad for helping him to look at his set of skills both strengths and weakness realistically.

However, nothing compared to seeing him get ready for his first job interview. He was pretty comfortable looking to apply for a job that required a dress jacket. Just a word of advice, be sure your teen knows how employees are expected to dress after you go over your dos and don’ts for a first-time job interview.

10. Learn to read a map. I love GPS too, but if you’ve ever hiked or walked in a remote area your cell phone is not really a good bet.

Besides learning about scale and distances, a map can teach local geography and can teach us what is around us. No cell phone service needed.

Things No Longer Taught in School

Maps are engaging and foster a love of learning about places along the way instead of just getting to a point like a gps. We can use both in our everyday and not let a generation grow up equipped without engaging with a map.

11. Diagramming a sentence. To understand how words need to be arranged in a sentence to make their thoughts clearer, kids need many ways to learn word arrangement.

When kids have to break down or diagram each part of a sentence it leaves no room for ambiguity. This teaching technique still helps many students.

12. Auto upkeep. Whether the tires need air or not, when and how to change the oil, and basic upkeep to maintain your safety and the life of a vehicle are important skills to know.

13. Home Economic skills. I know home economics courses are now called some fancy name like Family And Consumer Sciences. That is another post for me, but kids need to know how to read recipes, count food portions, food storage, food prep ideas and how to eat healthy. And while we can teach these skills separately, it’s much easier to teach them while on the job.

Assigning your kids the responsibility to make a grocery list or a meal for the family works. I started with easy meal ideas for my kids to make for the family and as they grew, so did the cooking skills.

Benefits of Life Skills

In addition, teaching a kid basic sewing can be a lost skill. Back in the day learning basic sewing skills was a must because all clothes were hand-made. Learning how to sew on a button is still a valuable skill.

14. Latin. Latin used to be taught at in a lot of public schools Today, not all homeschoolers teach Latin, but a lot do.

We see the value of teaching our kids the roots of modern-day language and how to analyze root meanings. The deductive reasoning used while learning Latin helped my kids to know how to critically think.

15. High School Shop Classes. Classes like woodworking, metal, and drafting classes seem to be dwindling.

Those types of hand skills are being lost. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are valuable skills needed in our community.

Also, these classes were taught in high school so that a teen had time to pursue passions and some of the classes were segues to a higher degree.

These skills are not outdated in our home, but they are skills which propel our kids to the future. A future where our kids are truly prepared for whatever comes their way.

Old-Fashioned But Timeless Skills

How can a kid learn about the human body without preparing a meal?

How can a kid value how fast human history changes unless he can read the thoughts of the founding father in their handwriting  – cursive?

How can a child not be saddled with debt and stress the rest of his life unless we teach him now how to save and when to spend?

Look at some of these other reads:

  • How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly?
  • How to Mesh Your Personality With Homeschooling When They Collide
  • Homeschooling Kindergarten : What Subjects to Teach and For How Long?
  • Teach Your Homeschooled Teen the Art of Studying (without nagging)
  • 6 Best Homeschool Hacks Teaching Multi-Aged Children

We don’t have to make a choice between academics or old-fashioned practical skills a child should know. We want them both!

Hugs and love ya,

2 CommentsFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Build Character in Homeschooled Kids, Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Multiple Ages of Children, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, How To - - -, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool highschool, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool mistakes, homeschoolcurriculum, life skills

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