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7 Best Budget-Friendly Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 7 best budget-friendly homeschool language arts ideas to pair with your unit studies.

Through the years, I’ve given the same long-standing advice. Spend first what money you have budgeted for curriculum on the core subjects. They are essential to a well-rounded education.

7 Best Budget-Friendly Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum

This is a sponsored post for Homeschool Buyers Co-op and I was paid for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off. All opinions are my own and for sure I will always tell you what is on my mind. Read my full disclosure here.

And its reading in the younger grades and literature in the older grades. Too, grammar and writing are vital pieces of a homeschool language arts program.

And it can become expensive quickly when you’re implementing the unit study approach using an all-in-one language arts program.

So, I was excited to share some budget-friendly homeschool language arts curriculum options.

Breaking down the language arts components worked best for me because like most kids, they are ahead in one subject and may need more time on another.

Mapping Out the Components of Language Arts

Picking and choosing the individual parts of a homeschool language arts program gives you a customized curriculum.

It’s a better match for your child’s learning style and a better value when you have a limited dollar amount to get exactly what you need.

►VOCABULARY

For vocabulary, I always try to pull words from what we’re reading about in our unit studies. Reading words in that context and using them in everyday speech is the best way to master them.

But I used the printed version of Wordly Wise 3000 with Mr. Senior to be sure I exposed him to word study as a way to enhance our unit studies. Kids can master more words than we think they can, and to cripple their vocabulary with limited vocabulary instruction can be detrimental.

Lessons don’t have to be long, but they should be comprehensive. Using Wordly Wise 3000, I can expand lessons or cut back according to each son’s need.

    1. WORDLY WISE

    Although I know Wordly Wise 3000 touts that the audio feature is great for struggling readers, I think it’s great for independent learners. I don’t have to supervise my sons to see if they are correctly pronouncing a word.

    I know you’ll love it if you’re looking for an interactive vocabulary program that is not boring.

    2. LITERATURE ADVENTURES FOR KIDS

    Then, literature adventures for kids is my VERY favorite stand-alone self-paced online language arts program. Pair a great book with your unit study.

    Are you a busy, sweet, overwhelmed homeschooler craving a consistent, dependable language arts curriculum that adds a little enchantment to your homeschool? We help homeschoolers just like you reclaim their time and reduce stress with our open-and-go courses that turn every lesson into an adventure

    ►READING OR LITERATURE

    When I started making my own unit studies, I would get a gallon size ziploc bag and put the book and literature guide together in one bag.

    3. PROGENY PRESS LITERATURE GUIDES

    Then, I would mark the reading level on the bag and organize them for the year, and I started off using printed versions of Progeny Press Literature Guides.

    7 Best Budget-Friendly Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum

    Too, I would even unfasten the literature guide so I could add just the pages that my boys needed to do for that year.

    HOMESCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS

    I printed what I needed that year with one son, and printed a different page or pages needed for another year.

    Now, the guides are interactive which means you don’t have to print; a child can type his answers directly into the document. That is a nifty time-saving tip for a high school teen with a rigorous academic load or a reluctant writer. But sometimes we like to hold our paper in hand so we print. And I still like pairing specific lessons on pages to themes in my unit studies.

    Look at a few things they offer:

    • FOUR LEVELS – Lower Elementary for Grades K-4, Upper Elementary for Grades 3-5, Middle School for Grades 5-8, and High School for Grades 9-12
    • 100+ TITLE CHOICES – We’ve put together SIX different 5-pack bundle choices for you! YOU CHOOSE your wish list from OVER 100 TITLE CHOICES! Choose from excellent reading titles such as Beowulf (*NEW*), The Eagle of the Ninth (*NEW*), Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Green Gables, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Secret Garden, The Hobbit, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Pride and Prejudice, The Screwtape Letters, To Kill A Mockingbird, and MANY, MANY MORE!

    ►GRAMMAR

    Grammar is a tool to best apply while writing so I’ve always kept it a separate subject. But grammar is also just the rules of any language. Teaching rules shouldn’t be complicated. Short lessons are best, which is why Analytical Grammar works.

    4. ANALYTICAL GRAMMAR

    In my beginning years, I used a grammar program which combined complex writing assignments with grammar.

    After homeschooling another 5 years, I realized that a grammar program should focus only on explaining grammar rules without time-consuming composition assignments as the only way to learn them.

    Yes, writing assignments are a great way to illustrate grammar rules, but shorter is better.

    Besides, I needed a grammar curriculum which would give me the flexibility to pull writing themes from topics that piqued my boys’ interest in our current unit study. More important, I wanted a program that helped us to use words in a way that conformed to the rules of grammar. I wished I would have used Analytical Grammar, for grades 4-12 earlier, but I’m glad I hopped on board when I did.

    ►WRITING OR COMPOSITION

    Next, identifying a writing program which was engaging for my sons and took them incrementally through the writing process was not easy. Institute for Excellence in Writing, for grades K-12 was our answer.

    Melding Homeschool Language Arts and Unit Studies

    It was a huge load of stress off after separating grammar and composition when I started using Institute for Excellence in Writing, grades K-12.

    7 Best Budget-Friendly Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum

    As you can see in the picture above, the boys were working on our FBI unit study. Dad was helping the boys make a crystal radio after they wrote about it.

    However, their essay followed the writing model learned in Institute for Excellence in Writing or (IEW). IEW makes it easy to choose your own topics to write about or they have writing topics for your children to choose.

    What I liked the most is that although grammar and writing are inextricably linked, it’s important to not overwhelm beginner writers.

    5. INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING (IEW)

    The veteran teaching tip is to make one skill or the other the focus at different times. IEW explained grammar while keeping the focus on writing and modeling to my sons how to compose their ideas.

    7 Best Budget-Friendly Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum

    Here is how IEW works: It takes a unique approach provides the structure that students need to develop confidence in the writing process, while gradually guiding them toward greater independence and creativity.

    They will learn nine structural models (note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essays, and critiques) to help them organize any type of composition.

    ►READING OR LITERATURE

    Then, buying living history literature guides gives me a two for one deal.

    Not only do I use living literature in my unit studies as a topic or theme, but it counts as the reading or literature aspect of the three Rs. Buying living history literature helps me to keep homeschooling affordable.

    6. BEAUTIFUL FEET BOOKS (HISTORY & LITERATURE)

    With living history literature by Beautiful Feet Books.

    Remember, since this is living literature, the vocabulary is not simplified, and it may be harder for some kids.

    Though I school for Biblical reasons, I don’t think you have to teach about it in every book.

    I do try to choose living history books which have a good story line, are intriguing, have a challenging reading level, include details about the time period, and can be easily implemented in a unit study which builds character without feeling preachy.

    It’s a lot to ask for in a book. I’m selective, but I love starting with Beautiful Feet Books.

    ►REVIEW AND ENRICHMENT

    Then I hear about the fear of gaps when doing unit studies. Having a way to fill in gaps or shore up weaknesses is a great feature of IXL Language Arts Practice, which is for grades K-12.

    You probably heard of their math, but their language arts is equally practical.

    7. IXL LANGUAGE ARTS PRACTICE

    Look at what they offer: IXL makes the world of words come alive with fun visuals and interactive questions. Build great writers through playful skills that pique students’ curiosity about language!  

    Then this next deal, which is Discovery Education, for grades K-12 is the one I’m about to pull the trigger on because we love media with our unit studies.

    8. DISCOVERY EDUCATION

    But did you know it’s so much more? It covers every content area.

    Look at what you get:

    It’s easy to see why homeschoolers rave about Discovery Education Streaming Plus and probably the most extensive and feature-rich educational video streaming service in the world.

    But it’s not just a collection of videos that you can watch from beginning to end. This library has been organized into useable video clips, organized and categorized, close-captioned, and supplemented with lesson plans, teaching guides, interactive simulations, images, audio resources, and other resources and materials that you can incorporate into virtually every aspect of your homeschool curriculum.

    What a comprehensive way to enrich a unit study with so many features like audio books, self-paced training, images, games and the ability to customize lessons at your fingertips.

    When you’ve chosen curriculum which gives your child a solid foundation in language arts and covers the significant areas, you can spend more time planning the fun part of unit studies.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS RESOURCES

    How to Buy It

    Products:

     ►Grammar: Analytical Grammar for grades 4-12.

    ► Self-Paced Language Arts for all grades: Literature Adventures for Kids

    ►Literature Guides: Progeny Press Literature Guides, pdf format, grades K-12

    ►    Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000

    ►Composition or Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing, grades K-12

    ►    Review and Enrichment:

    Video Streaming: Discovery Education grades K-12

    Language Arts Review: IXL Language Arts Practice, grades K-12

    ►Reading or Literature:

    Living History Literature: Living History literature by Beautiful Feet Books

    Also, look at these other homeschool articles to help you.

    5 Best Resources to Start a Homeschool Unit Study in a Few Hours, 24 Borderline Genius Ways To Relieve Language Arts Boredom and Unfolding of a Homeschool Unit Study – An Easy Mnemonic { I-SIP}.

    Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

    Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


    Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

    A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    These summer unit study ideas will keep kids of all ages having fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

    Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies.

    You can make them hands-on with outdoor activities or beat the heat with a trip to an air-conditioned library to pick out the books you’ll need.

    A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

    And if you pair a living book with a summer topic, you can have an easy summer learning activity.

    Too, many homeschoolers prefer to start their homeschool year during the summer.

    There are many advantages to beginning your homeschool year in the summer.

    Advantages to Begin Your Year in Summer

    For example, look at these advantages.

    • There is a slower start to the year.
    • You can cover one unit study for a few weeks before any other curriculum.
    • Also there is more time to give 1:1 to each child.
    • The day can be shorter to allow time for swimming and other fun summer activities.
    • In addition, some subjects like science and geography are better done outside during the summer season.

    Start with this ultimate list of A to Z Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas and let your imaginations run wild!

    A

    Summer Unit Study Ideas

    B

    C

    Summer Themed Unit Study Topics

    Next, add some of these fun living books to your summer day.

    Summer Reading List for Kids

    Add one or two of these books to your kid's summer reading list.

    D

    E

    More Summer Learning Activities

    F

    G

    H

    Summer Unit Study Ideas
    • Hiking
    • Hygiene

    More Summer Learning Activities

    • Hydration/heat
    • Herb garden

    I

    J

    K

    • Kites
    • Knots

    L

    M

    N

    O

    P

    Q

    R

    S

    And we always love nature walks anytime of the year and love this series of nature books!

    Our Journey Westward
    • Stars
    • Sun/sunscreen
    • Spiders

    T

    U

    • Underwater creatures
    • Underneath the ground
    • Underwear (history)

    Summer Unit Study Ideas

    V

    • Vision

    W

    X

    Y

    • Yaks

    Z

    You’ll love these other ideas:

    I hope this list of 100 ideas will get you thinking about hands-on A to Z summer unit study fun!

    This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

    Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!
    Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!

    Day 19 Guiding Homeschool Teens And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Guiding older children or homeschool teens is our topic for day 19 of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. 

    Teaching teens can be a joy. I know there are many nightmare stories about teens.

    And I too have experienced my sons’ surges of emotions, but I’ve breathed in every minute of enjoying their company.

    Day 19 Guiding Homeschool Teens And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

    However, I have also learned in helping other new homeschoolers that teaching teens whom you have homeschooled from the beginning is quite a different story than teaching a teen that has just been pulled out of public school.

    Academics have to be put on auto pilot if your relationship has suffered or is suffering.

    Guiding Homeschool Teens

    This is true whether you homeschool from the beginning or are just starting out. It is possible to restore and repair any strained relationships if you are willing to work on relationships at the same time as refining their school subjects.

    Also, teaching homeschool teens requires a bit more of diplomacy over discipline. So, I hope in sharing these tips from the trenches, you will benefit.

    Tips from the Homeschool Trenches on Guiding Teens

    When your children are young, you are making almost all the decisions on curriculum. It is not that way as they grow older.

    1. Preparing for Adulthood Means Your Teen Gives Input Now.

    Give up some of the control without giving up the authority as a parent.

    Include your child in some of the research, scheduling and selection of curriculum.

    It will be hard for them to learn how to weigh a heavy decision when they are an adult like choosing a job or marriage mate when they are not allowed to make a decision on books, science experiments and teacher’s manuals.

    Learning to make decisions and accepting consequences for decisions made are best learned under your roof and while they are still living with you.

    Day 19: Guiding Older Children. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

    If your teen seems to be behind in every subject now that you are a full time homeschooler, don’t be discouraged.

    2. Relationship Over the Three Rs – reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic

    but take time to work through the lower grades. You’d be surprised at how fast a teen can get caught up when he is inspired and has your support.

    This is one time in their life when a relationship means more than the 3 R’s. A good heart will be of far more lasting value than not learning how to do math on their fingers.

    Besides, I know a lot of brilliant people who still do math on their fingers.

    Capture his heart for the doing of good and all education will be used for that. We want to teach our children to be self-less, not self-serving when it comes to helping others. We don’t want to lose that goal in the academic road that lies ahead.

    Your teen may not look like they need you now and even to other people may look like an adult, but now is the time they your solid and consistent principles are needed more than ever.

    Toddlers require a lot of physical work and it can be exhausting. Teens require a lot of meaningful conversations that seem to drain me at times faster than any physical activity.

    Day 19: Guiding Older Children. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

    Then I remember I have a few short years left now and don’t want to waste any opportunities and discuss all that is on their mind.

    My household has changed now and I find it weird and strange to ask things like did you remember to shave before we leave for a field trip.

    3.Relationship with Others Outside the Family is a Must

    Teens need a network of true friends outside their family. Having friends adds to the joy of living and many homeschoolers do not want their children to be loners. A lot of homeschool teens enjoy their life and it is natural to want friends.

    I read one article that said learning how to make friends is like riding a bicycle and neither one can be learned from a book. We encourage our sons to make friends with persons of all ages. Long lasting friendships are priceless treasures. While they are with you and are honing in on how to size up a man by his character, you can guide them about social relationships.

    Do their friends have the same values? Do their friends like them for who they are and not what they can get from them?

    Day 19 Guiding Homeschool Teens And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

    Even though their life in the next few years will have plenty of demands of adulthood, don’t close the gap on the care free days of being a young man or young woman too soon. They will pass through this stage and enter adult hood which has it own weighty responsibilities soon enough.

    One day I will exhale, but for now I’m savoring every moment of guiding my teens.

    New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

    1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

    8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

    15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

    Day 19: Guiding Older Children. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

    How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

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    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 skill set when you want to know how to homeschool well. Check out my how to Homeschool High School page for awesome tips.

    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.

    How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

    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.

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

    5 Steps to Build High School Homeschool Curriculum

    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.

    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.

    Build High School Curriculum

    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 (77844 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.

    How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

    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

    Science High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

    Science Lab Component High School From Amazon

    History and Social Studies High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

    Language Arts High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

    MORE Language Arts High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

    High School Graduation and College Readiness Curriculum From Amazon

    Electives High School Homeschool Curriculum From Amazon

    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

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

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

    35 Simple But Powerful US History Homeschool Curriculum Resources K to 12

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today, I’ve rounded up 35+ simple, but powerful US history homeschool curriculum and 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.

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

    35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

    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.

    US History Homeschool Curriculum Tips

    How 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 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 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.

    5 More Ways to Teach U.S. History Out of the Box

    1. 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
    2. One more fun slant is to learn about historical costumes. Look at Bring History To Life With Historical Costumes: Fun, Fashion and Unforgettable
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

    Resources K to 12 US History Homeschool Curriculum

    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.

    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.

    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

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

    And 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 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.

    FOURTH GRADE HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

    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.

    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.

    More US History Homeschool Curriculum

    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.

    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.

    35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

    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.

    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.

    More US History Homeschool Curriculum

    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 US history homeschool curriculum do you like to use for teaching American history to your kids?