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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.

How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon

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.

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.

Curriculum from Amazon

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.

How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon

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!

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

How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Curriculum to Fit a Child’s Natural Abilities

April 28, 2020 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Choosing the best homeschool curriculum to fit a child’s natural abilities is not coddling a child. Also, it does not mean you’re not preparing him for adulthood. It has been quite the opposite in my experience.

Let me back up first to share a bit of my struggle. Learning how to choose curriculum other than my preference as teacher was not easy.

When kids are very young like in the toddler and preschool years, they all share common traits in their learning personality.

Kids learn through playing, tasting, and moving; they’re learning with every breath they take. This is barring any special need.

Understanding that curriculum should be developmentally appropriate at that age was something I had to learn.

For example, pushing a child to write or hold a pencil correctly before their fine muscles develop can cause damage. I’ve seen homeschoolers who’ve had to take their child to therapy to try to correct the shove to push too soon.

It’s like trying to make a child walk before he is developmentally ready. As a mom I understood waiting on a child’s development, but transitioning that mindset to myself as teacher was not as easy.

Aligning Homeschool Curriculum With A Child’s Strengths (and Weaknesses)

When I grasped that my children were unique individuals with inborn likes, dislikes, strengths, weakness, AND a time table for development, I shifted gears in how I chose curriculum.

I delved into choosing curriculum which fit each of my child’s strengths and weaknesses.

I have more to say in a minute about how aligning homeschool curriculum with a child’s strength or weakness is not codding.

How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Curriculum to Fit a Child's Natural Abilities

First, look at these 3 easy ways you can choose the best homeschool curriculum to fit a child’s natural abilities

One/ Understand How Homeschool Curriculum is Categorized

You homeschool because you have goals and your homeschool approach aligns normally with your goals.

Homeschool curriculum is organized by homeschool approach.

To help you quickly understand the different educational philosophies, I have explained each of the 5 popular approaches in this article Top 5 Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know.

Two/ Search Beyond Achievement and Aptitude Tests

Next, search beyond achievement and aptitude tests.

Although administering an achievement test can pinpoint areas of weakness in the curriculum, you will need to observe and discuss with your child his natural abilities, strengths, and weakness.

Aptitude tests are used to identify gifted and talented kids in school and diagnostic testing can be used in giving you a clearer picture in the skill subjects which are math and language arts.

A public school teacher with many students may need this type of information to know if her curriculum is working or if it’s weak.

Too, as a homeschooler, you may live in a state which requires testing and these tests can be a starting point on painting a picture of your learner.

If you’re thinking you want to administer those types of tests, look at this test comparison chart.

Also, look at Brewer Testing Services which provides testing for homeschool families.

The point is talents are almost impossible to capture in an achievement test.

However, tests do not take into consideration a child’s natural bent, his level of curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

Quite the contrary, but constant testing may shortchange out of the box thinkers if you only use testing as the absolute authority in how to choose curriculum.

According to research gate, they reported: test takers who are strong-minded, nonconformist, unusual, original, or creative are forced to suppress their impulses to conform to the norms established by the testers.

You can look here at the report by research gate if standardized tests penalize deep-thinking, creative, or conscientious students.

Three/ Observe your child during one-to-one time (and other times too)

Nevertheless, the best way to align natural abilities to homeschool curriculum is the same way we teach which is one-to-one.

Observing a child, asking him questions, and noticing what he is interested in talking about, what is he doing, and what consumes his time when you’re one-to-one with him and when he is NOT formally learning during his homeschool day is a huge indicator toward his bent.

Identifying Your Homeschooled Child's Learning Personality Online Self Paced Course

Did you know that I teach an online self-paced course to give you much insight into discovering your child’s learning personality?

Read about this AWESOME insightful course which is Identifying Your Homeschooled Child’s Learning Personality

Kids, like us, are influenced by their environment and that means they want to please you. They try to work with the subjects you chose for homeschooling and school in the places at your home you have set up for learning.

For kids to let down their walls and give us an idea of how they want to learn, we need to observe them in their own setting.

I’m not saying we accept bad behavior, but in question asking, you can determine his natural bent.

During the formal time of your homeschool day, you may notice which subjects your child struggles in and which subjects they prefer to spend more time studying. If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time you already have a good indicator of how he learns.

For example, some more analytical people prefer to learn math just by a book. Others who may not be math inclined prefer a more video approach.

There are two easy ways you can identify strengths and weaknesses at home.

1.Informal questioning.

Look at some of these questions you could use for your kids who are upper elementary to high school because they can articulate better than real young kids.

  • Does your child prefer to learn alone in his room or with you and at a co-op? If he answers alone, this can be a leaning toward the Logical. If he prefers to be with people, this can be the Feeler who loves people or the Mover who loves an audience.
  • Does your child learn better with a guideline of what is expected or does your “relaxed” approach send your child into stress because he wants a more detailed plan for the day? If your child prefers a more general guideline he could be a Mover or Feeler, both of whom prefer general guidelines and not exacts. The Logical and the Planner do well with exact expectations and time slots for subjects or activities.
  • Does he prefer a desk or table or to lay on the floor or on the sofa? A desk or table could mean the Planner or the Logical who prefer more organized spaces and more light. The Feeler and the Mover sometimes prefer a more relaxed area.
  • Does he prefer to learn through stories or prefers to get the facts? A Mover and the Feeler like stories and to learn about the people. A Planner and the Logical sometimes want to get right to the facts.
  • And of course, what are his favorite subjects?

Selecting Homeschool Curriculum

After your child answers the quick survey above, I’ve created a table to show you how to narrow down to an approach which is the first place to start to match your child’s natural abilities to homeschool curriculum.

This table is just a very few of the indicators of these types of personalities.

You’ll want to take my workshop to get an in depth understanding of each learning personality.

Identifying Your Homeschooled Child's Learning Personality Online Self Paced Course

The Mover

  • needs to move to learn
  • normally prefers physical activity
  • prefers impulsive learning and seizing moments to learn

The BEST Homeschool approaches are:

  • Unit Study approach to give him time to move while mastering material
  • Charlotte Mason approach allows for plenty of outside learning.

The Planner

  • desires routine
  • prefers organized lesson plans
  • likes checklists

The BEST Homeschool approaches are:

  • The traditional approach because of routine.
  • Classical approach because of organization.

The Feeler

  • prefers social interaction
  • focused on relationships

The BEST Homeschool approaches are:

  • Classical approach because of the emphasis on language arts
  • Charlotte Mason because of the emphasis on fine arts

The Logical

  • prefers to work alone
  • prefers logic-related subjects like math and science

The BEST Homeschool approaches are:

  • Unit studies because of the desire to research.
  • Charlotte Mason because of the science leaning.

A Child’s Learning Personality Simplifies Homeschool Curriculum Choices

2. Have your kids draw a picture.

Here is the second easy way to help you determine how your child learns best.

This tip you can use for any aged child provided you don’t tell them what you’re doing. Ask them to draw their deal learning space, what subjects they want to learn, and what would be around them.

Here are the DOS and DON’TS of having your child draw his learning area.

  • Don’t act over official. Your child is smart. He knows something is up. Just relax and tell him that you’re changing up some things and there is no right or wrong, just what he thinks is what you want him to draw. There is no judging or grading.
  • Do not make this an art lesson unless a child wants it to be. The point is pencil drawing to creative to labeling is fine. A quick 5 minute picture is just as worth much as a 50 minute project turned art. Bottom line explain to him you just want a picture.
  • Don’t use the words let me see your school room or school desk.
  • Do say draw a picture of your ideal learning space or area. Where would you learn? Would it be inside or outside? Would you have lots of light or dim light? What would be around you? What subjects would you cover?

Reduce Homeschool Curriculum Fatigue by Teaching to Strengths

Look at my reasons what adjusting your day and homeschool curriculum is not coddling your child.

  • A strong homeschooling foundation means we reject cookie-clutter education and accept that kids are individual learners. Research shows that colleges actively pursue homeschooled kids. NEHRI states: “The home-educated typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests. (The public school average is the 50th percentile; scores range from 1 to 99.)”
  • Instead of focusing just on what kids cannot do, we delve deep to tap into their inner strengths so we can nurture our kids to become who they truly are and not what society tries to form them to be.
  • Instead of labeling children, we teach our children to accept differences as strengths.
  • By teaching a child more than one way to take in information, he is eager to learn lifelong instead of struggling with why he doesn’t understand some subjects as well as he does others. A child knows his weaknesses and strengths like we do and is better equipped as an adult.
  • When a child knows he has strength and weakness, he appreciates that people communicate using their same strengths. It equips a child to have long-term relationships by learning to get along with someone who is opposite his learning personality.
How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Curriculum to Fit a Child's Natural Abilities

Learning personalities, inborn strengths and weakness means our kids come pre-wired and we accept them for who they are, not what we want to try to bend them to be.

What do you think? Do you have figured out you and your children’s learning personality?

Look at more of my tips:

  • The Dos & Don’ts When You Hit A Learning Plateau in Homeschooling
  • How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly?
  • BEST Curriculum by Homeschoolers for Homeschoolers
  • How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)
  • How to Use a Boxed Curriculum without Giving Up Your Homeschool Approach 

Hugs and love ya,

3 CommentsFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, How To - - - Tagged With: curriculum, homeschoolapproach, homeschoolcurriculum, learning, learningstyles

BEST Curriculum by Homeschoolers for Homeschoolers

August 1, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschooling today is different than it was when I started. Today, it seems all types of educational companies are wanting to make a buck off of homeschoolers. Don’t get me wrong. I love all the choices, but when it comes to teaching our kids at home some homeschool curriculum is superior to others. One area of curriculum that I’m thrilled to see an explosion in is curriculum by homeschoolers for homeschoolers.

3 Reasons to Love Curriculum by Homeschoolers For Homeschoolers

If you don’t already appreciate why that is important, look at these three reasons why you’ll love curriculum by homeschoolers.

I love all the choices, but when it comes to teaching our kids at home some homeschool curriculum is superior to others. One area of curriculum that I'm thrilled to see an explosion in is curriculum by homeschoolers for homeschoolers. CLICK HERE!Then, you’ll love the round up of homeschool curriculum which makes our job of teaching at home a delight.

One/ Curriculum written by a homeschooler assumes we don’t have a teacher’s background in a subject. You have to love that part.

When I started teaching my first son at home, I remember that the math book which was written for a public school was hard for me to understand.

Like most of you, I’m fairly capable of teaching any subject or at least tackling it if I knew a bit of the background information.

Curriculum written by homeschoolers can take more time to explain the foundation or background of a subject. Giving me a foundation or direction as to what I’m teaching educates me too alongside my kids. It gives me the bigger picture of what I’m aiming for when I teach.

Two/Curriculum written by a homeschooler understands our need to teach multiple ages of children at one time.

I always respect copyright on curriculum; I follow the direction of whether or not I can use it to teach more than one child. Most curriculum I’ve used understands our need to have a teaching tip for a grade up or below the level of the just purchased curriculum. This is a great time-savings tip when teaching our kids together.

Public school curriculum is set out to teach a classroom and the tips are to use for teaching the masses.

Three/Curriculum written by a homeschooler is normally priced better.

Budget is something we have to talk about. I’m not always about free because it’s true you get what you pay for. Again, though, curriculum written by a homeschooler understands our need to stretch our curriculum budget. They try to give us not only great options for purchasing, but deliver it in different formats to save costs.

Curriculum that is unique and hard to find suited for our purpose at home is easier with all the unique finds we have available today.

My reasons for loving special and unique curriculum by homeschoolers could be more expansive, but I wanted to give you a few treasures I’ve enjoyed through the years.

Look at a few of the homeschooling families I’ve come to treasure because of how much they have helped to give my kids an excellent education.

Homeschool Curriculum from the Pak Homeschooling Family

I remember the first time I saw something created by Amy Pak because I absolutely knew her way of teaching history, hands-on and engaging fit my idea of how I thought history should be taught.

Not only have I used their beautiful curriculum with my kids, but I’ve used it in a co-op setting.

After all, hands-on history is so much more fun when you have somebody to make a mess with.

Look here at Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too) to see how we had fun with the Great Empires Activity Study,

You’ll love ALL of their hands-on projects and will have a hard time choosing which ones to do this year and which ones to do next year.

Homeschool Curriculum from the Bauer Homeschooling Family

I’ve used a lot of resources by Susan Wise Bauer because they’re timely, rigorous, and easy to use. Did I mention she is a lovely person in person too?

The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading, Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind, Writing with Ease and Writing with Skill are just a few of the really helpful and rigorous language arts program.

From elementary to high school, you’ll love how the Bauer family at Peacehill Press lays out their curriculum in a friendly way for the homeschool educator.

Look at her curriculum here on my elementary age language arts Amazon board here, my middle school language arts Amazon board here, and my high school language arts Amazon board here.

Homeschool Curriculum from the Berg Homeschooling Family

Also, from the Russel and Rea Berg homeschool family, you’ll fall in love with all of their products.

I’ve used many of them for years. Be sure you start early collecting their products because I feel at times there are not enough years to homeschool to use them all. I’ve sure tried.

Beautiful feet books is about combining living history with history, geography, or even science to make it meaningful. Look at a few of their beautiful products that you’ll go crazy over.

BEST Curriculum by Homeschoolers

You’ll want to browse all of them from K to High School.

Medieval History Adv. Int. & Jr. High Pack

Early American History Primary

History of Science.

Geography through Literature

Homeschool Curriculum From the Kautzer Homeschooling Family

I remember the first time I used WriteShop, I thought I was in cupcake heaven. Oh, maybe saying that was corny, but I felt like that teaching writing. It was as easy as baking cupcakes.

Many years, we used WriteShop because of all the teacher empowerment tips they give along with planning ideas. I attribute WriteShop with my first son’s love for writing.

WriteShopAdventure Builder StoryBuilders

Homeschool Curriculum From the Hogan Homeschooling Family

The Hogan family has created many helpful programs like their science programs and geography programs. You’ll want to look over the curriculum which just like the others is created to open and easily use.

I love their curriculum because I could get several of it in digital format so that as my sons got older they could keep it on their device.Geography BundleThen, I’ve really been excited about these next two homeschool families because they have filled a void I’ve had for a while when it comes to making literature studies interactive and finding electives.

Homeschool Curriculum From the McVey Homeschooling Family

Literary Adventures for Kids helps parents and students to dig deeper, go on rabbit trails, and add a little adventure all while enjoying great literature.

Facebook and Twitter

And I especially love the high school help.
Poetry and a Movie PIN

Oh I’m not finished yet.

Don’t you love knowing that there is curriculum written by homeschool families with an expert background in just about every subject?

Talking about every subject, we don’t want to leave out enrichment.

Homeschoool Curriculum From the Mayo Homeschooling Family

Anything Gena puts her hand to for enrichment only adds beauty to your homeschool.

You’ll love all of her programs. Below are just a few of them.

Be sure to look over all the courses.

https://learn.musicinourhomeschool.com/courses?affcode=50562_c5avrhro

A lot of easy formatted books like ebooks for science have been a life saver for me too both when we moved overseas and just when I was limited on storage. You’ll love some of these easy science finds too.

Did I mention it’s usually affordable when it’s in a digital format?

Homeschool Curriculum From the Goodwin Homeschooling Family

Not having a science background, I appreciate these families who have a strong science background. They make it easy for me to teach.

Not only do they appreciate I’m a homeschool mom who wants to be involved, but I like things easy for me too.

Hands-On Science Bundle

Homeschool Curriculum From the West Homeschooling Family

I’ve used Cindy’s science living books for multiple ages to save my mind. Easily downloadable and with activities for any season, you’re ready to go with minimal preparation.Look at a few links of how I used her curriculum:

Hands-On Nature Study: Bird Color Bar Graphing Activity, Hands-On Nature Study: Make a Fun Bird Nesting Bag, and Easy and Fun Nature Study: Beautiful Birds.

I love all the choices, but when it comes to teaching our kids at home some homeschool curriculum is superior to others. One area of curriculum that I'm thrilled to see an explosion in is curriculum by homeschoolers for homeschoolers. CLICK HERE!

Too, I want you to know that I believe in supporting families that support our homeschool lifestyle and always look to them first when choosing curriculum.

Not only is their homeschool curriculum easy to use, but it’s superior at times. Now you know the secret of how to easily homeschool.

You’ll love these other resources:

  • How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon
  • Digital Homeschool Curriculum – Big Ol’ List 
  • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

Hugs and love ya,

 

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Choose Curriculum Tagged With: boxedcurriculum, composition, curriculum, earthscience, grammar, history, homeschool grammar, homeschoolcurriculum, language arts, life science, multiple children, science, sciencecurriculum, teachingmultiplechildren

How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

July 5, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Building middle school curriculum directly from Amazon has been a life saver for me more than one time. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

Let’s face it. We have homeschooled kids with unique needs and being able to build creative homeschool curriculum directly from Amazon is a huge benefit.

Not only do we get it quickly, but we love the savings.

Too, I love being able to return any supplies or curriculum that don’t work for us.

Although, I love homeschool conventions, there have been some years that I just couldn’t go.

It takes time to build curriculum for older learners and I love the flexibility of being able to choose curriculum specifically for my kids.

Many times through the years, my selections for middle school curriculum have been from different companies.

We have homeschooled kids with unique needs and being able to to build creative homeschool curriculum directly from Amazon is a huge benefit. Click here to see how to build unique curriculum for your middleschooler!

At this age and grade most kids have strengths that have emerged and weaknesses too.

I know it can be challenging and overwhelming to make choices and also to be sure you cover everything. So I’ve taken time to create different lists or boards in my Amazon store and have selected items which I have either used personally or have some experience with.

Organizing them by boards or lists (you know my fixation with lists) will help you to quickly see flexible choices.

Also, I wanted you to know I have these posts also which are How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon and How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon.

I have created the following lists and will continue to add to them as I come across things that have worked for me:

  • Middle School Math List
  • Middle School Language Arts List
  • Middle School Literature
  • Electives for Middle School
  • Middle School Science
  • Middle School History
  • School Supplies – Older Learners

To be sure you’ve covered the bases for subjects, use my checklist for curriculum resources. You can download an editable copy over at STEP 5A of my free 7 Step Homeschool Planner.

Unique Homeschool Middle School Curriculum

I think you’ll love my Amazon storefront as I will be updating my likes and finds that have worked well for me through the years.

For more help check out my Homeschool Helps page where I’ve listed resources for K to 12. I’ve homeschooled a long time and have used lots of great resources.

You’ll also want to look at these tips:

  • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)
  • 7 Budget-Friendly Language Arts Curriculum to Pair with Unit Studies (with printable)
  • 5 Best Resources to Start a Homeschool Unit Study in a Few Hours
We have homeschooled kids with unique needs and being able to to build creative homeschool curriculum directly from Amazon is a huge benefit. Click here to see how to build unique curriculum for your middleschooler!

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: curriculum, homeschool curriculum, middleschool

Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

June 14, 2018 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are many reasons to use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum and the best reason is that all the planning is done for you. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more ideas.

Whether you’re new, feel like you don’t have time to lesson plan, or just need a teaching break, you’ll want to know these boxed curriculum providers or all-in-one homeschool curriculum providers.

Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

First things first.

There is a lot of confusion that swirls around the definition of what is an all-in-one curriculum. It is the same as a boxed curriculum.

That may not tell you anything either because you may think that means it comes in a box. It may or may not.

What Is an All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum

Look at my easy definition below so you sound like a seasoned veteran when you curriculum shop.

An all-in-one homeschool curriculum or boxed curriculum means that all of your core subjects like the 3 Rs and content subjects like science and history are included in the program.

The Definition of an All-In-One or Boxed Homeschool Curriculum

It means just what it says in that all of your basic subjects are covered. In addition, most all-in-one providers have teacher’s manuals or teacher notes along with suggested schedules on how to cover the material.

Like a boxed cake mix, the curriculum comes with everything you need to begin homeschooling for a school year. Normally, you need very little extra supplies to start.

The curriculum may consist of part physical books, part online, part dvd, or all physical book or all on line.

A lot of the options with this approach can be considered public school at home or workbook approach.

However, all-in-one curriculum providers have really changed since I’ve started and some take another homeschool approach like Charlotte Mason or even a unit study type of approach.

Because accredited has nothing to do with the rigor of the curriculum, you’ll want to be sure to read Accreditation Removing the Shroud of Mystery.

Advantages of All-In-One or Boxed Curriculum

Additionally, it’s important to understand the advantages of an all-in-one to see if it’s a good fit.

  • It’s all laid out which means the lesson planning is done. Some new homeschoolers are not comfortable with their freedom to homeschool and feel better having a pattern to follow.
  • Contrary to popular belief, they can save you money in the long run because you learn what you like or don’t like about teaching. You don’t spend years switching curriculum because you took the time to learn how to teach.
  • Not having to worry about lesson planning frees up your time to hone in on the weaknesses of your children that may need to be addressed this year.
  • Most companies provide you with a schedule on how to fit it all in for the day. It can be a great guide for time management and you can avoid the stress of over planning.
  • If you live in a state that has stricter homeschooling laws, an all-in-one curriculum can help you to comply with the laws of you state.

There are some disadvantages to any curriculum, but I’ll save those for another time because I want you to see the plethora of choices. I’ll add a few notes as I go along too.

Choosing Curriculum When You’re New

And if I have a savings for one or two below, I’ll let you know too.

And remember these are curriculum providers NOT schools!

Workbook Approach You Know in Public School

*Unless noted all of these are a traditional or workbook approach.
* Also, don’t be uniformed because curriculum is not accredited, only schools. Be sure you read my post about accreditation above if you need to understand the difference.

A Beka.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Accredited or Independent Study
  • Print-based and computer-based

A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education).

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Accredited
  • Colorful printed packs enhanced with CDs, DVD and computer software

Also look at my video What Is An All In One Homeschool Curriculum a k a Boxed Curriculum

Acellus.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • K to 12
  • Computer based online
  • Note: Homeschoolers have a love hate relationship with them. Some lessons are short and to the point, others seem overly easy or unnecessarily complicated. There are glitches at time and scheduling seems to be a problem. Overall, homeschoolers like the flexibility of homeschooling when they want to just login and go.

Alpha Omega LifePac., Switched-on Schoolhouse.
Alpha Omega Horizons.
Alpha Omega Weaver.

(Note: You save 10% by buying it from the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op). Four different programs with different approaches and purposes from the same publisher.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Accredited
  • Note: Weaver is a unit study approach and not a workbook-based approach.
  • Print-based, computer-based, and online homeschooling curriculum.

Bob Jones Press.

  • Christian
  • K3 to 12
  • Accredited
  • Print-based and video-based

Easy Peasy All In One.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Note: This is completely FREE and I will suggest it at times for new or struggling homeschoolers to start with this to see what will work and not work for you as the investment is only your time and whatever you choose to print.
  • Note: Easy Peasy All in One is a Charlotte Mason approach with a gentle workbook based approach.
  • Computer-based online.

Designed by Lee Giles beginning 2011 as she put assignments down for her children and saved them for the younger ones. It has grown in popularity over the years.

BookShark.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and some items computer- based
  • Note: BookShark is a literature-based approach.

Calvert Education.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Accredited
  • Print-based or digital-only format with e-textbooks.

Christian Light Education.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based

Christian Liberty Press.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Accredited
  • Print-based

MasterBooks.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based (committed to putting ink on paper) or pdf downloads for about 90% of the products
  • mix and match bundles

Moving Beyond the Page

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based or computer-interface and you print lessons.
  • Note: Moving Beyond the Page is a literature-based unit study approach with a twist of classical, Montessori and unschooling approaches.
  • mix and match bundles

My Father’s World.

  • Christian

  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Note: My Father’s World is a Charlotte Mason approach with a unit study twist.
All About Spelling

Oak Meadow.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Accredited
  • Note: Oak Meadows incorporates nature-based learning and a Waldorf influenced approach.

Rod and Staff.

  • Christian
  • 1 to 10. (Their belief affects grade level meaning they feel most concepts should be learned by tenth grade.)
  • Print-based

Sonlight.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Note: Sonlight is literature-based with a Charlotte Mason approach.
  • mix and match bundles

The Good and the Beautiful.

  • Non-denominational Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Note: Follows a Charlotte Mason approach.

Time4Learning.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Computer-based online

Timberdoodle.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular AND Christian options
  • PK to 12
  • print-based
  • mix and match bundles

Veritas Press.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and online courses
  • Note: Veritas Press is literature-based with a Classic approach.

WinterPromise.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and pdf. option
  • Note: WinterPromise is literature-based with a Charlotte Mason and unit study approach.

Homeschool Providers Worthy of Mention

Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

Add a subject or two to make them complete.

These curriculum providers below are also popular because of their flexibility and excellent literature quality.

They require maybe one or two subjects to make them complete. I’m putting them here so you can have them as an option.

Beautiful Feet Literature.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and downloadable pdf.
  • Note: Beautiful Feet is literature-based with a unit study focus on history.
  • Need to purchase: Math program and depending on your child you may need to purchase a composition, grammar, and spelling program.

Build Your Library.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 10. TBA 11, 12
  • Downloadable teachers guide, you buy your own literature
  • Note: Literature-based with a Charlotte Mason and eclectic approach.
  • Need to purchase: Math program and depending on your child’s need you may need to purchase separate spelling and grammar programs.

Torch Light.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • K and 1 only available now
  • Downloadable teachers guide, you buy your own literature
  • Note: Literature-based with a Charlotte Mason and eclectic approach.
  • Need to purchase: Math program and depending on your child’s need you may need to purchase separate spelling and grammar programs.

You’ll also love these other tips:

  • BEST Digital Homeschool Curriculum – Big Ol’ List
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
  • Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • 8 Components of a Boxed Curriculum 
  • How to Use a Boxed Curriculum without Giving Up Your Homeschool Approach 
  • The Big List of Unit Study Hands-on (and Hands-off) Curriculum
Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed). There are many reasons to use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum and the best reason is that all the planning is done for you. CLICK here to grab this list!
Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed). There are many reasons to use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum and the best reason is that all the planning is done for you. CLICK here to grab this list!

4 CommentsFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, Plan For & School Year Around, Teach Homeschool History, Teach Homeschool Language Arts, Teach Homeschool Math, Teach Homeschool Science, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: boxedcurriculum, curriculum, homeschool curriculum, new homeschooler homeschool curriculum

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