Friday, June 28, 2013

Homeschool Methods: Literature Based


SmallbookThe term "literature based homeschooling" describes exactly what it is:  using literature as the base for your homeschooling.  Instead of using textbooks to drive the curriculum, in a literature based home school most subjects are studied through whole books; and even for those subjects that might be textbook based, literature is often used as a supplement whenever possible.  In the younger years, literature might very well be the base of the entire curriculum. 

Parents that wish to use literature based studies may develop their own plans by finding fiction and non-fiction books that bring the subject or topic alive for their children or they may choose to use a program that has done the planning part of the work for them.  There may be an overlap in learning about various subjects in a literature based home school (unit studies) or the parent may choose to follow a set scope and sequence for subjects (similar to a traditional method).   Whatever the route taken to planning, literature based home schools are filled with read aloud, independent reading and discussion time----vital components to literature based education.
The study of history lends itself nicely to a literature based approach, and you will often find it as the organizational center of many curricula.  It may be surprising to find that science and even math can be studied through literature, but it is possible.  It may take a bit more research and a thorough grasp of the subject yourself, but for those so inclined----it can be done.  There are so many good books available to us in our day, that the possibilities are limitless!
Some literature based* curriculum companies/guides are:
  • All Through The Ages (an excellent book which guides one in the study of history through literature)
Free Curriculum guides that are literature based:


This article is a part of series of overviews on different homeschool methods.  As many homeschoolers are eclectic in method and materials chosen, hopefully highlights from this series will offer insight into what is available to families educating children at home so that they might choose what will best meet the goals they have set for their family.

Clipart from:  http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/  Thank you!

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