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Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours

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

Homeschool unit study spines can make or break your unit study.

While you can use any living book for a great unit study, some resources are more helpful than others to help you plan quickly.

Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours

Too, I’ve used many resources through my years of planning unit studies; choosing a spine is key to a successful unit study.

Before I jump into listing some helpful unit study spines, look below at the definition of a spine.

What is a Homeschool Unit Study Spine

A homeschool unit study spine can be a living book, magazine, mentor, reference book or chart, art or art object, play, musical piece, brochure, movie, encyclopedia, or any other type of book, object, or person which is the main reference or authority for your unit study topic.

In addition, a unit study spine is used to launch your lesson plans, topics, and sub-topics.

To easily plan, a superior spine will support additional ideas, projects, objectives, and concepts about the main topic.

It guides you down a trail to dive deep into the topic.

Look at my video How to Choose a Useful and NOT Useless Homeschool Unit Study Spine on my channel How to Homeschool EZ to understand what they are and how to choose them.

All research revolves around your spine; it is the backbone of your study and it is the main resource for your chosen theme.

Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours

Additionally, depending on the type of unit study, some resources will be more helpful than others.

For example, if you’re doing a literature unit study, a beautiful dictionary is a must.

Also, as I moved away from all-in-one language arts, I used bar charts and quick study guides to zero in on skill subjects. To learn the difference between a skill and content subject read What Homeschool Subjects to Teach and When to Teach Them? Part 1 of 3.

Now look below at a few handy charts which promptly get to the nitty-gritty of language arts skills.

  • English Grammar & Punctuation (Quick Study Academic)
  • Common Grammar Pitfalls & Mistakes (Quick Study Academic)
  • Essays & Term Papers (Quick Study Academic)
  • Literary Terms (Quickstudy Reference Guides – Academic)

Further, while comparing and choosing books, here are features I look for when choosing a superior resource:

  • Background information about the topic in the text.
  • Ideas for hands-on projects.
  • Anecdotes.
  • Words for vocabulary.
  • Diagrams or charts.
  • Questions in the text or at the end.

With that being said, look at the breakdown for the different types of unit study spines which help you to plan in a few hours.

The very first reference books I started with were DK Eyewitness books.

They’ve improved through the years; they’re timeless. A wonderful collection is an inexpensive way to prep for a unit study beginner.

Science Homeschool Unit Study Spines

One of my favorite and timeless publishers is Nomad Press. They have many books which make for great themes. Look at some of them below.

Another set of books are the DK Smithsonian Encyclopedia which are keepers for science unit study spines.

Look at some of the timeless ones we have used below along with some new ones.

17 Favorite Unit Study Science Spines

I love to pair a living book about a topic with a reference book to use as spines. Sometimes, it’s easier to use a reference book as a spine and add living books as we go along. These are some of my favorite science spines.

DK Eyewitness Collection 15 Books Set (Human Body,Ocean,Volcano & Earthquake,Animal,Planets,Periodic Table,Dinosaurs,Mythology,Ancient Egypt,Tudor,Victorians,Ancient Rome,Ancient Greece and More)

(Human Body, Ocean,Volcano & Earthquake, Animal, Planets, Periodic Table, Dinosaurs, Mythology, Ancient Egypt, Tudor, Victorians, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and More)

The Water Cycle!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Drip―Drop―Splash! Water is essential to all forms of life. So let’s learn all about it! The Water Cycle! With 25 Science Projects for Kids captures kids’ imaginations with a deep look at the world of water. Combining hands-on activities with history and science, The Water Cycle! invites kids to have fun learning about the water cycle, water resources, drinking water and sanitation, water pollution and conservation, water use, water folklore and festivals, and the latest in water technology.

Skulls and Skeletons!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What would happen if you had no bones? You might fall over flat on the floor!

Bones are those hard parts of our bodies that make up our skeletons and skulls, and we need them in lots of different ways. In Skulls and Skeletons! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers learn about the bones in their bodies and why we can’t live without them. And bones aren’t just good for humans―many animals can’t live without them! But do all animals have bones? No, they don’t! And why do fish look so much different from birds, even though both have bones? Organisms use their bodies in different ways to successfully live in different habitats. For example, a bird’s light bones are great for flying, but would not support them deep in the ocean.

Weather and Climate!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What’s it like outside? Is it a day for building a snowman, constructing a sandcastle, or planting a garden? Weather and Climate! With 25 Science Projects for Kids introduces kids ages 7 to 10 to the fascinating world of meteorology and all of the ways what’s going on in the atmosphere above our heads can affect us here on the earth! Plus, discover how weather and climate change are linked but not the same, and figure out ways to be part of the solution to the problem of global warming.

The activity in our atmosphere plays a critical role in our lives and in the health of our planet. Today’s weather determines what clothes you wear and what you are going to do after school, while the local climate influences what kind of car your parents drive, what kind of house you live in, and―believe it or not―what foods you eat!

Rivers and Streams!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Did you know that without rivers, human life might not have developed as it did? We might be a very difference species if it wasn’t for rivers, as would the other plants and animals who depends on rivers and streams for food, transportation, water, and power!

In Rivers and Streams! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers ages 7 to 10 dive in and discover how rivers change the shape of the land while plants, animals, and humans change the shape of
rivers. Through fun facts, engaging content, and essential questions, kids learn about the vital role that rivers and streams have played in human history and explore the ways rivers and streams might affect our future. Science experiments that promote critical thinking and creative problem solving encourage kids to make their own discoveries about the waterways they might pass every day.

Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities

Bring chemistry to your kitchen with a book that offers hands-on science activities that can be done with ingredients from your pantry and the refrigerator!

What’s going on when you cook in the kitchen? Science!

In Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities, readers ages 9 to 12 discover that the cooking, mixing, and measuring you do in the kitchen all has its roots deep in science―chemistry to be exact!

Explore Rivers and Ponds!: With 25 Great Projects

Explore Rivers and Ponds! with 25 Great Projects, introduces kids to the fascinating world of freshwater habitats and the creatures they contain. Combining hands-on activities with ecology and
science, kids will have fun learning about the freshwater biome, including lakes and ponds, streams and rivers, and wetlands. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary. Projects include assembling an ecologist’s field kit, creating a fishless aquarium, pouring casts of animal tracks, and building a watershed replica. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, museums, and science centers.

Robotics!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Where was the last time you saw a robot? Did you read about one in a book or see one in a movie? Maybe you saw one in a video game!

Some people think robots exist only in our imagination, but actually, robots are all around us right now. Robotics! With 25 Science Projects for Kids offers readers ages 7 to 10 an introduction to the history, mechanics, and future use of robots! Readers explore the history of robotics and discover how the first types looked and moved and what people expected they could do. Compare these early robots to those we have today, some of which don’t even have bodies! Kids discover how robots have changed as decades have passed and see how they now look, think, sense, move, and do things.

Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts: With Stem Projects for Kids

Hands-on space science projects help launch kids ages 8 to 11 into learning about fearless female astronauts who broke barriers across space and gender in this full-color book full of real-world connections!

Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it’s like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world’s most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena Auñón-Chancellor―all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.

Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power & How We Get It

Energy is a vital part of our lives. It powers our computer, lights our home, and moves our car. It also costs a lot of money and pollutes our environment. In Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It, kids ages 9–12 learn about the history and science of the world’s energy sources, from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Zoology: Inside the Secret World of Animals (DK Secret World Encyclopedias)

This visual reference book starts with the question "what is an animal?" and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head-to-toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features like the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral.This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

This inspiring children’s reference guide welcomes you to the animal kingdom where you can meet more than 1,500 species, ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between. Stunning pictures bring you face to face with giant predators you know and love, including polar bears and tigers, as well as mysterious microscopic life, including amoebas and bacteria.

Space A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the Moon, Sun, and planets of our Solar System to space exploration, black holes, and dark matter, this completely revised and updated children’s encyclopedia covers all you need to know about the cosmos. The most up-to-date images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA combine with info panels, timelines, interviews, diagrams, and activities you can do at home to help you understand the majesty and wonder of space. 

Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door with 25 Projects

BIOLOGY IS THE STUDY OF LIFE. Life is everywhere, thriving in the city and in the country, teeming in ecosystems around the planet—in deserts, oceans, and even the Arctic. And life is right outside your door! Backyard Biology invites children ages 9 and up to investigate living things —especially in yards, parks, nature areas, and playgrounds. Trivia and fun facts bring animals, plants, and microorganisms to life, in all their wonder.

Inventions: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

This stunning visual guide explores and explains the greatest inventions, ideas, and discoveries throughout the ages, and introduces their inventors. From fire, stone tools, and the wheel to ploughs and paper, discover the first inventions that shaped societies and grew mighty civilizations and empires such as those in ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and ancient China.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the first strokes of paint on prehistoric caves to contemporary street art in the 21st century, every artistic style and movement is explored and explained in stunning detail. Special features celebrate the lives of groundbreaking painters, sculptors, and photographers, from Dutch master Johannes Vermeer to photography pioneer Julia Margaret Cameron. Many best-loved pieces of art are showcased in iconic images. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, the most famous painted lady. March alongside China’s statues of the Terracotta Army, and gaze in awe at Barbara Hepworth's stunning Pelagos sculpture.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the shimmering surface to the darkest depths, this breathtaking visual encyclopedia presents our blue planet as never before. Stunning photography, accessible information, and fascinating facts are spilling over in this essential guide to the oceans. Take a dip in all the world’s waters to experience their incredible diversity. Make a splash in the icy Arctic waters before warming up in the tropical Indian Ocean. Experience the super size of mighty whales compared to swarms of tiny krill. Cast your eyes to the skies to see circling sea birds before diving down to meet mysterious creatures of the deep. 

Moreover, there are no shortages of books and references for nature; I prefer field guides which are concise nuggets while teaching a nature unit study.

Of course taking the guides to our outside classroom is the best reason.

Nature Homeschool Unit Study Spines

  • Peterson Field Guide To Medicinal Plants & Herbs Of Eastern & Central N. America
  • Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Eastern & Central North America
  • Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks
  • Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)
  • A Day in a Forested Wetland
  • A Field Guide to Mushrooms: North America
  • Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of North America
  • Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes
  • National Parks of the USA: Activity Book: With More Than 15 Activities, A Fold-out Poster
  • A Day in the Salt Marsh

Further, many times I’ve used two unit study spines as companions.

For example, the resources I’ve listed above are reference books. I find reference books are extremely easy in helping me to plan a unit study because they put topics in a nutshell.

Living Books For Homeschool Unit Study Spines

However, along with a reference book, some unit studies are better taught alongside a living book.

I find when I add a living book, language arts becomes a natural fit and not a forced fit.

Living books contain two main important things.

  1. The book is written by an authority on the topic; and
  2. They are written in a narrative form meaning a book would explain events and give vivid details in a story form which engages the mind of readers.

In addition, a living book should stir a reader’s emotion and imagination even doing so in a picture book.

However, one of the best features of a living book is that a reader doesn’t realize that he is learning facts in a natural way. Living books are opposite of textbooks.

Lastly, I look for classic books, but they aren’t always living books. Foremost I look for a well-written book which has a high literary quality.

Adding a living book alongside a reference book has been the key to my family covering almost all the subjects in a unit study.

Below, I’ve listed just a few books we’ve used through years; I want you to have examples of living books for the various ages.

I’ve divided the living books into three sections or lower, middle, and upper reading levels.

Also, keep in mind I’m giving you examples of them and then you can decide where to add them to topics.

Living Books for Beginning Reading Levels

  • Aesop’s Fables
  • The Story of Ferdinand
  • Paul Bunyan
  • The Boxcar Children Bookshelf (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
  • Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Classic Gift Set
  • The Frog and Toad Collection Box

Living Books for Middle Reading Levels

Additionally, look at these examples of living books for middle school.

  • Seabird
  • Pagoo
  • Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison
  • The Chronicles of Narnia
  • Minn of the Mississippi
  • The Sign of the Beaver

Living Books for Upper Reading Levels

  • J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
  • The Leatherstocking Tales (Complete and Unabridged): The Pioneers, the Last of the Mohicans, the Prairie, the Pathfinder and the Deerslayer
  • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Penguin Classics)
  • Frankenstein
  • The Count of Monte Cristo

Moreover, a series of books like the Shakespeare Can Be Fun introduces sophisticated literature to younger kids in a fun way.

Let a young learner’s introduction to Shakespeare be one he understands. There is plenty of time in middle and high school to learn about literary terms.

Next, I want to share a few more reference books which I’ve used plentifully. The books below are by Chicago Review Press.

  • World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities
  • Heading West: Life with the Pioneers, 21 Activities
  • Beyond the Solar System: Exploring Galaxies, Black Holes, Alien Planets, and More; A History with 21 Activities
  • George Washington Carver for Kids: His Life and Discoveries, with 21 Activities
  • Native American History for Kids: With 21 Activities
  • Nikola Tesla for Kids: His Life, Ideas, and Inventions, with 21 Activities
  • Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids: Her Life and World, with 21 Activities
  • Code Cracking for Kids: Secret Communications Throughout History, with 21 Codes and Ciphers

Even though these resources are some of my favorite, they are by no means an exhaustive list. My focus in this roundup is to give you visual examples of unit study spines which ease lesson planning by giving you a plethora of examples.

How Unit Study Spines Are Cost Effective

In conclusion, but certainly not less important is knowing the value of unit study spines. Homeschool unit study spines are cost effective for several reasons:

  • spines cover many ages and that means I divide the price by how many years I’m using it or by how many kids are using it for one year,
  • there is less waste of resources because we choose exactly what we want to study,
  • because unit studies are a mastery approach, less money is spent on covering one topic for several years, and
  • spending less time on curriculum which may not cover our specific educational goals and focusing exactly on my kids’ needs is not only a huge savings, but an outstanding education.

What do you think? Are you ready to give unit studies a try?

You’ll love these other unit study helps:

  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • What You Must Know to Teach High School Unit Studies
  • 5 Simple Ways to Enhance a Homeschool Unit Study
  • How to Grade a Homeschool Unit Study for an Older Child (& high school assessment)

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies, Homeschool Simply, Homeschooling Tagged With: book lists, historyspine, homeschool curriculum, homeschool planning, homeschool subjects, homeschoolanguagearts, homeschoolapproach, homeschoolcurriculum, homeschoolhistory, homeschoolmultiplechildren, homeschoolplanning, homeschoolscience, teachingmultiplechildren, unit studies

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

September 26, 2020 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up 35+ simple, but powerful 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.

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

    0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    $1.75
    Add to cart

7. American Story Series

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

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

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

  • The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 (The American Story)
  • Liberty or Death: The American Revolution 1763-1783 (The American Story Series)

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.

  • Who Was Harriet Tubman?
  • Who Was Thomas Jefferson?

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.

  • Who Was Alexander Hamilton?
  • Who Were the Wright Brothers?

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.

  • My America: Freedom’s Wings: Corey’s Underground Railroad Diary, Book One
  • My America: Season Of Promise: Elizabeth’s Jamestown Colony Diary, Book Three

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

  • As Far As I Can See: Meg’s Prairie Diary, Book One, Kansas
  • A Fine Start: Meg’s Prairie Diary (3)

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.

  • Kaya: The Journey Begins (American Girl Historical Characters
  • Kirsten: An American Girl : 1854 (The American Girls Collection/Boxed Set)

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.

  • Wilbur and Orville Wright: Young Fliers (Childhood of Famous Americans)
  • Sacagawea: American Pathfinder (Childhood Of Famous Americans)

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.

  • History Pockets: Moving West, Grades 4-6+
  • History Pockets: Colonial America, Grades 4-6+

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

  • 35 Simple But Powerful US History Homeschool Curriculum Resources K to 12
  • The Best Fourth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Easy Hands-On Science: Label the Atom Playdough Activity for fourth grade
  • 5 FREE and FUN Hands-on Science Activities for Homeschooled Kids. Free Science Guides.
  • Do Homeschoolers Need to Know What is a Scope and Sequence 4th Grade
  • The Dos and Don’ts of Homeschool Objectives – fourth grade writing objectives

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.

  • A History of US: Eleven-Volume Set
  • A History of US: Ten-Volume Set

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.

  • Limbaugh’s 5-book RUSH REVERE series — Rush Revere and the . . . Brave Pilgrims / First Patriots / Star-Spangled Banner / American Revolution / Presidency
  • Rush Revere and the First Patriots: Time-Travel Adventures With Exceptional Americans (2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Dear America series by Scholastic

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

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

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

  • I Walk in Dread: The Diary of Deliverance Trembley, Witness to the Salem Witch Trials (Dear America)
  • The Winter of Red Snow (Dear America)

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

  • Homeschool Secular History Curriculum Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography
  • 8 Best Classical Style History Curriculum for a Classical Learning Style

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.

  • American History Stories: You Never Read in School, but Should Have
  • American History Stories, Volume II (Yesterday’s Classics)

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

  • Homeschool Secular History Curriculum Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography
  • 8 Best Classical Style History Curriculum for a Classical Learning Style

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?

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

How to Choose the Best Middle School Literature And Favorite Resources

September 20, 2020 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today in how to choose the best middle school literature I want to help you conquer the overwhelm by giving you a few seasoned homeschooler secrets.

Best Middle School Literature

When I approached the middle school years, there was no lack of middle school literature lists.

I loved having the lists, but I quickly learned that having tips on how to choose literature for my teen was better.

So first, look at these four questions asked and answered full of tips to help you decide which books are best for your family.

Four Middle School Literature Questions Asked and Answered

How to Choose the Best Middle School Literature And Favorite Resources

Question 1.
Should I Read Every Book My Child Reads?

The answer is complicated. It’s both yes and no. The way you determine if it’s a yes or no is your purpose.

For example, if you’re wanting to use literature for analysis and to engage your child with understanding an author’s purpose it’s hard to do that unless you read the book.

Middle school is the time that most kids can do some introductory analysis. If you’re wanting to fill the literature requirement for just reading or for enjoyment, the answer is no.

I couldn’t read every book my kids chose, but focused on reading the few we would used for analysis. That secret tip helped me conquer the literature overwhelm in middle school.

In addition, this site for Banned and Challenged Books gives you an idea of the theme or worldview behind some books.

Question 2.
How many books should my kid read each year?

That is another subjective answer. Some kids are voracious readers others not so much.

But if you’re using the literature to fill a credit (yes you can get high school credit in middle school), you’ll want to set your goal for a realistic amount.

Looking over some literature lists for middle schooled kids, I’ve seen some unreachable numbers.

Whatever the number of books you come up with lower it. It’s so much better to get through a handful of books with meaningful discussions than to overestimate and rush through them.

That is disheartening for both teacher and kid. Remember you can always add more literature for analysis anytime during the year.

I’ve had different requirements with each kid as my circumstances were different each year, but a good rule of thumb at this age was to analyze between 4 to 6 books or less.

Some years we did more, other years I struggled to get through three books, but it was still solid language arts.

The other books were pure pleasure and met my reading requirement.

Reading for Middle School

Again, this is NOT all your child will read, but it’s the amount you want him to read to help him with the critical thinking part of literature.

Question 3.
Do I want my child to integrate other subjects or skills or to use literature as stand-alone?

My answer is to integrate as much as possible. My preference from the time I learned about how to integrate was to use this method for all literature.

Integrate means to combine several skills or to combine subjects. By integrating skills or subjects,

  • your child learns the practical application of grammar, vocabulary, or writing in a way that makes sense;
  • the areas of language arts that your child is weak at can be strengthened. For example, he sees the correct spelling of a word in literature and applies it to his writing;
  • your child can choose literature choices based on his interests or to cover a subject he may not like as well. Unlike public school, your child doesn’t have to follow arbitrary lists. Too, if he is not passionate about history, then well-written fiction prose can help him to fill a history credit. Literature can make a history time period come alive while filling both a literature and history requirement in a more fun way; and
  • one unexpected benefit was that my kids learned study skills and research skills.

Literature Analysis for Middle School

Question 4.
Should I require my child to write book reports?

Although it’s not necessary for kids to write book reports, understanding the purpose of a book report lets you decide if it’s for your family.

Book reports, oral or written, are the blueprints for high school literary analysis.

The point is not whether you assign a book report or not, it’s that your child understands things like elements of fiction, genre, and figures of speech.

Whether you choose to do this orally, through a book report, a lapbook, or reading journal, it’s your choice. I have only one kid that loved book reports, but I orally reviewed with each kid the assigned books.

Next, look at this list of questions to include in a written book report or to go over them orally:

  • Was it better that . . . ?
  • What do you think . . . ?
  • In your opinion . . . ?
  • How would you change the character to . . . ?
  • How is ____ tied in or related to ____?
  • What choice would you have made ____?

Now that you have a quick overview of some of the general tips about how to choose middle school literature, look at this list of books.

Remember that you can choose classics, follow a history theme, favorite author or do a balance of genres. There are many genres to choose from.

Of course, if your child is college bound you will want to do a variety of genre even in junior high.

Reading for Middle School Homeschool

And one final thought there is a huge difference in maturity between sixth grade and eighth grade.

Keep that in mind in looking over this literature list as I provided options for different reading levels. This list below is a mix of literature that works well for this age, but you can always add to it.

  • The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
  • Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Ann Frank
  • Hitty Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field
  • Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff
  • The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Sounder by William H. Armstrong
  • Johnny Tremain by Esther Hoskins Forbes
  • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
  • Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • All Creatures Great and Small: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World’s Most Beloved Animal Doctor by James Herriot
  • Redwall by Brian Jacques
  • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
  • Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
  • The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley
  • The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

Books for Middle School Kids

  • The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
  • Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien
  • America’s Paul Revere by Esther Hoskins Forbes
  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM by Robert C O’Brien
  • Number the Stars by Lois Lowery
  • Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds
  • Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
  • The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
  • The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  • The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
  • Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
  • The Borrowers by Mary Norton
  • Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 
  • Tales from Shakespeare by Charles Lamb
  • The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann D. Wyss

Alternatively, you may want to use something besides just a reader or the literature.

Teacher Guides, Themed Guides and All-in-One Curriculum

For my first time teaching literature at the middle school level I loved using teacher helps and many times I used them as life happened. Why reinvent the wheel?

You can choose a book along with a teacher guide to help you teach the important parts of the book or use an all-in-one guide or curriculum.

Look at some of your options below.

How to Choose the Best Middle School Literature And Favorite Resources

I love Lightning Literature and they’re perfect for the older grades because they have a schedule which helps when you’re first beginning to teach literature.

Still, I had the tendency to over teach literary analysis, but key to keeping it fun is to do a bit each day.

Then, Language Arts Through Literature series is timeless. Their middle and high school grades are solid.

It is a Charlotte Mason gentle approach to literature and fits a lot of my likes; it takes an integrated approach which aligns with how I feel beautiful literature should be learned.

However, one of my VERY favorite resources for middle school kids was created by another homeschool mom.

You’ll love Literary Adventures for Kids which is online and self-paced. You choose the books and course and your child goes at his own pace. All the stress and prep for learning about literature was taken out.

If you’re looking for something that your child can do on his own, or you don’t have time to read every book, you’ll love Literary Adventures for Kids.

Also, Progeny Press Study Guides have been timeless.

My kids can pick the book they want to read and we find the accompanying study guide. The guides cover background information, vocabulary, literary analysis, and more.

In addition, be sure you check out the discounted resources at Homeschool Buyers Co-op Language Arts section. There are many discounted providers for literature guides.

More Resources for Middle School Tips

  • How to Transition a Child From Reading to Literature
  • Modern U.S. and World History High School Literature
  • 3 Beginner’s Tips: Homeschool High School Literature
  • Homeschool High School Literature Guides
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • 6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading
  • 8 World War II Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
  • 5 BEST Books to Create an Around the World Unit Study (and Hands-on Activities)

Homeschool Helps for Middle School

Another favorite has been the literature unit guides by Teacher Created Resources. Although they are created for a classroom, I’ve been able to get many ideas to flesh out with my kids.

Additionally, Memoria Press literature guides are grade level literature units which also have helped me at this age.

Next, Beautiful Feet literature are some of my favorite themed literature units.

Covering history and literature simultaneously helped us to learn how to utilize our time and widen our reading diet.

If your child loves history, then integrating history and literature together makes practical use of your child’s time.

Did I mention that reading doesn’t become a chore, but becomes a time you and your child look forward to during the day?

Finally, paying attention to detail looks different for each book with each child, but that is the purpose of literature analysis. Too, our children can come to view each book loved as an artistic expression. It’s quite possible.

What books are you using for literature analysis for middle school kids?

Hugs and love ya,

2 CommentsFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Multiple Ages of Children, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Middle School Homeschool, Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: book lists, books, homeschool, homeschoolanguagearts, homeschoolcurriculum, homeschoolreading, language arts, languagearts, middleschool, reading, teaching multiple children, teens

15 Old-Fashioned Useful Skills Homeschoolers Love To Teach

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

Here are 15 old-fashioned useful skills homeschoolers love to teach. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Whether you didn’t learn these skills in school or you’re determined to give your children the best education you’ll love these useful skills to teach.

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

15 Old-Fashioned Useful Skills Homeschoolers Love To Teach

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

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

Old-Fashioned Skills for Today’s Kids

1. Cursive writing.

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

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

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

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

2 Finance

3 Accounting

4 Budgeting

5 Money Management

6 Writing a Check

Yes they are all very different skill sets.

Although they are connected learning to budget and run a household is different than money management.

Money management is not only a skill used in personal life but can be applied to a business.

You want your children to have as many as they can get while living with you.

Today’s kids learn early how to use a debit or credit card without knowing what is a budget or knowing ways to rein in their spending.

Subjects Not Taught in Public School

Distinguishing between a need versus a want is an extremely valuable skill to teach kids.

Not teaching a kid about finances while in middle or high school or even earlier may set him up for much debt later in life.

Too, many places of business still use paper checks.

Teaching our kids both how to write out a check and how to make a bank deposit in person are necessary skills for adulting.

Next, look at these books about money and look at Whatever Happened To Penny Candy?: A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need for Success in Your Career, Business, and Investments.

8 Rad Money Resources to Teach Money For All Ages

Grab some of these money resources to teach your children about how to save and budget money.

Not Your Parents' Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money

For the first time, financial guru and TODAY Show regular Jean Chatzky brings her expertise to a young audience. Chatzky provides her unique, savvy perspective on money with advice and insight on managing finances, even on a small scale. This book will reach kids before bad spending habits can get out of control. With answers and ideas from real kids, this grounded approach to spending and saving will be a welcome change for kids who are inundated by a consumer driven culture. This book talks about money through the ages, how money is actually made and spent, and the best ways for tweens to earn and save money.

The Toothpaste Millionaire

Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is betting that he can make a whole gallon of toothpaste for the same price as one tube from the store.
There’s just one problem, he has to solve real-life mathematical
equations first! With help from his good friend Kate Mackinstrey, can
these two entrepreneurs keep up with the high demand for their popular product? Beloved children’s author Jean Merrill introduces readers to the ins and outs of a budding business, from costs to profits, in this exciting tale about perseverance, ingenuity, and underdogs.

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game

  • MONEY GAME FOR KIDS: Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line
  • MONEY SKILLS: Learn valuable money skills through fun game play
  • PLAY MONEY: Includes game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice

Smart Money Smart Kids - Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money

In Smart Money Smart Kids, financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze equip parents to teach their children how to win with money. Starting with the basics like working, spending, saving, and giving, and moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life, paying cash for college, and battling discontentment, Dave and Rachel present a no-nonsense, common-sense approach for changing your family tree.

I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond

The perfect gift! Give the gift of financial literacy to your teen - they will thank you for a lifetime. You are not alone; it is often difficult to reach young adults on the topic of money management, but look no further. I Want More Pizza finally has teenagers excited about personal finance and is giving them the confidence that they can succeed. This resource is being used in classrooms around the nation as young adults enjoy the pizza model for learning about money management. Now available for the first time for you to bring into your home, give your young adult the gift of financial literacy and they will thank you for a lifetime. Primary topics discussed include saving, spending, prioritization, goal setting, compound growth, investing, debt, credit cards, student loans, mental blocks, and taking real world action.I am sure you have heard a few of these: "I don't need it", "I'm too young", "I need to spend my money on _____ ", and the list goes on. The pizza model for learning personal finance breaks down those barriers because, well, everyone loves pizza! Just because money management is extremely important doesn't mean that it has to be extremely complex. I Want More Pizza leaves them in complete control to find the plan that works for your young adult - it's their choice. If they don't enjoy math or don't like to plan, no problem, we've got them covered as well. And it's only ~100 pages, which young adults love given their busy social calendars. Money doesn't have to be stressful. Finally reach your young adult and help them become financially literate for a lifetime. After all, there is a lot of pizza in life to enjoy!

Managing Your Money (Usborne Life Skills)

This down-to-earth guide is filled with practical advice on everything from how to budget and be a smart shopper to student loans, mortgages and insurance. An essential book for equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their money now and in the future. Includes links to websites with more tips and advice.

12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money - A Budding Entrepreneur?

Long before they are of age to start working, kids want their own money. And whether they count bricks at a construction site as a kid like my entrepreneur husband did or just want some spending money, kids are looking for creative ways to earn their own bucks.

Economics for Beginners

Nobody has everything they need, all the time – so how can we make do with what we have? Economics is all about understanding the choices we make to solve this problem. With bright, infographics pictures, this informative book describes why markets are so important, how businesses work out what to sell, and how governments choose how to run a country. Includes Usborne Quicklinks to specially selected websites for more information.

And look at my post 12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money – A Budding Entrepreneur.

7. How to do taxes.

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

When a child is living on his own he’ll have a basic understanding of tax deadlines and taxes.

He manages adult responsibilities way better than if you had never introduced basic tax how-tos.

8. How to cook from scratch.

The pandemic of 2020 is a perfect example of how life can throw a huge curve.

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

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

  • How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources
  • How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study.

9. How to fill out a job application and how to do a job interview.

When I helped my first teen fill out a job application, it was hilarious.

School Doesn’t Prepare Us for Life

Although he knew what it was from the exploring career opportunities course in high school, preparing one was quite different.

To this day, he still thanks me and his dad for helping him to look at his set of skills both strengths and weakness realistically.

However, nothing compared to seeing him get ready for his first job interview.

He was pretty comfortable looking to apply for a job that required a dress jacket.

Just a word of advice, be sure your teen knows how employees are expected to dress after you go over your dos and don’ts for a first-time job interview.

10. Learn to read a map.

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

Besides learning about scale and distances, a map can teach local geography and can teach us what is around us.

No cell phone service needed.

Things No Longer Taught in School

Maps are engaging and foster a love of learning about places along the way instead of just getting to a point like a gps.

We can use both in our everyday and not let a generation grow up equipped without engaging with a map.

11. Diagramming a sentence.

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

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

12. Auto upkeep.

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

13. Home Economic skills.

I know home economics courses are now called some fancy name like Family And Consumer Sciences.

That is another post for me, but kids need to know how to read recipes, count food portions, food storage, food prep ideas and how to eat healthy.

And while we can teach these skills separately, it’s much easier to teach them while on the job.

Assigning your kids the responsibility to make a grocery list or a meal for the family works.

I started with easy meal ideas for my kids to make for the family and as they grew, so did the cooking skills.

Benefits of Life Skills

In addition, teaching a kid basic sewing can be a lost skill.

Back in the day learning basic sewing skills was a must because all clothes were hand-made. Learning how to sew on a button is still a valuable skill.

14. Latin.

Latin used to be taught at in a lot of public schools.

Today, not all homeschoolers teach Latin, but a lot do.

We see the value of teaching our kids the roots of modern-day language and how to analyze root meanings.

15 Old-Fashioned Useful Skills Homeschoolers Love To Teach

The deductive reasoning used while learning Latin helped my kids to know how to critically think.

15. High School Shop Classes.

Classes like woodworking, metal, and drafting classes seem to be dwindling.

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

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

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

Old Fashioned But Timeless Skills

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

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

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

Look at some of these other reads:

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

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

Hugs and love ya,

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

2021-2022 Beautiful Homeschool Planning Forms

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

I have the color choices for the 2021 to 2022 homeschool planning forms ready today.

Homeschool Planning Pages

Long range planning is key to sticking to homeschool, so I know you’ll love getting these color choices early.

Remember, I create both academic and planning calendars. Although they may seem similar, they are not.

I create 3 different sets of calendars each year.
One set is a homeschool planning your year calendar;
one set set is a regular calendar for reference;
and one set is a two page per month calendar which have big boxes for writing in.

When you take a closer look, you’ll see that each calendar has a different purpose.

The form today (STEP 5A) is for you to PLAN your school year and track the number of days and weeks your kids are doing school.

Remember the PERMANENT home for this homeschool planning form is Step 5a. Choose Unique Forms JUST for You if you miss it when I release them each year on my blog.

Curriculum Planning Pages

I have all 12 months on one page which means you can start on any month that you begin homeschooling and move forward to plan your year.

Important Note: For this school year I started the forms on June and end May instead of July and end June. Of course, it doesn’t matter when this form begins because you can start planning with the first month you begin.

Plain calendars (okay, they are not so plain) are just for noting dates and for your reference. I don’t create them to write appointments on them OR to track your school.

Plain calendars are always on Step. 2. Choose Calendars/Appointment Keepers. 

The 2 page spread appointment keepers are for appointments and have more room for writing.

DIY Homeschool Planner

The form today is to plan your homeschool year with days off, teacher planning days and holidays to take off. It gives you a glimpse of your homeschool year. Plan and track your school year on it.

Because this form is not a calendar but more of a planning tool, I keep it each year at Step 5a. Choose Unique forms JUST for You!

If you need to see how to use it go to that step Step 5a. Choose Unique forms JUST for You! to look at my sample copy.

This form today is NOT the 2 page spread calendar. You can grab that too. Plus, look at these other pretty forms I have to make your DIY 7 Step Homeschool Planner unique!

  • Glam It Up Package

    Glam It Up Package

    $4.99
    Add to cart
  • 2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    $5.99
    Add to cart
  • Editable Homeschool Lesson Planning Pages - Mink Over You

    Editable Homeschool Lesson Planning Pages – Mink Over You

    $2.50
    Add to cart
  • Editable Weekly General Planning Page

    Editable Weekly General Planning Page

    $1.99
    Add to cart
  • Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $5.00
    Add to cart
  • Doodle Curriculum Planner Cover Store 1 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus 600x

    Doodle Coloring Curriculum Planner Cover

    $1.75
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  • Sunkissed Curriculum Planner Cover

    Sunkissed Curriculum Planner Cover

    $1.75
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  • 0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    $1.75
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  • 00. Ancient Civilization History 20 Coloring Pages

    00. Ancient Civilization History 20 Coloring Pages

    $3.50
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  • 1. The Best Undated Dynamic Daily Homeschool Planner

    1. The Best Undated Dynamic Daily Homeschool Planner

    $8.25
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  • Awesome Reading Aloud Tracking Time Homeschool Form

    Awesome Reading Aloud Tracking Time Homeschool Form

    $2.75
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  • Editable Front Cover - Coral Inklings

    Editable Front Cover – Coral Inklings

    $1.75
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Grab the free and fun homeschool planning pages below:

2021-2022 Beautiful Homeschool Planning Forms
Download Here Color Choice Petal
2021-2022 Beautiful Homeschool Planning Forms
Download Here Color Choice Cliff

Homeschool Planning Form

7 Easy Steps DIY Homeschool Planner – “Tons of Options & Pretty Color” Begin building your planner

Step 1. Choose a Pretty Front/Back Cover

Step. 2. Choose Calendars/Appointment Keepers

Step 3. Choose Goals/Objectives

Step 4. Choose Lesson Planning Pages Right For You!

Step 5a. Choose Unique forms JUST for You! Not a kazillion other people

Step 5b. Choose MORE Unique Forms JUST for You!

Step 5c. Choose MORE MORE Unique Forms Just for You!

Step 6. Personalize It

Step 7. Bind it! Love it!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, 2. My FREE Organizing Printables {Any topic}, Curriculum Planner, Homeschool Planner, Tina's 7 Step DIY Customized Curriculum Planner Tagged With: curriculum planner, freecalendars, homeschool, homeschool curriculum, homeschool curriculum planner, homeschool planner, homeschoolcurriculum, homeschoolplanner, lesson planner, lessonplanning, planner, planning

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