Layers Of Learning presents a unique, family-centered approach to homeschooling, structured around a captivating four-year chronological history cycle. This well-organized and adaptable curriculum is brimming with hands-on activities and projects designed to deeply enhance learning. Families have the flexibility to explore subjects individually or weave them together into a comprehensive year-long curriculum encompassing social studies (history and geography), science, writing, and the arts. To complete a full homeschool year, simply incorporate phonics/reading, spelling, and mathematics at the appropriate grade level.
The Layers of Learning curriculum is thoughtfully divided into nine units per year. Within each unit, and for every subject, you’ll find comprehensive teaching notes, curated library lists, engaging activities, and enriching extension ideas. Activities are conveniently categorized into three grade bands: grades 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. This layered approach empowers parents to seamlessly adjust between levels to cater to each student’s unique learning pace and needs, making it an exceptional choice for both struggling learners and gifted children alike. Lessons are built upon carefully crafted “Explorations,” which function as complete lesson plans. Within these explorations, parents are provided with a clear topic overview, extensive suggestions for library books, along with relevant video links and website resources. You will also discover exciting hands-on projects and stimulating discussion points to further deepen understanding. For up-to-date weblinks, the publisher’s website serves as a valuable resource.
The beauty of Layers of Learning lies in its adaptability – you choose what best aligns with your family’s specific learning objectives! Additional layers, presented as carefully selected “rabbit trails,” are incorporated to allow for deeper dives into particular topics that spark student interest. Religious events are examined for their historical significance within the curriculum. Interwoven throughout is the Writer’s Workshop, offering structured writing lessons and inspiring writing prompts designed to nurture proficient writers. Corresponding Printed Student Journals are available for each subject, intended for use across the four-year cycle, or you can opt for a notebook of your choice. To fully utilize Layers of Learning, supplement with quality children’s history and science encyclopedias for your home library, a selection of library books, and readily available household or art/craft supplies, and you will be well-equipped for a rich learning experience. Your purchase includes access to download a printable packet of student resources, which features reproducible activity pages, images designed for the Printed Student Journals, and a wealth of other helpful materials.
The curriculum recommends and utilizes the Printed Student Journals (or a 3-ring binder), alongside key reference books each year. These recommended resources include: Usborne Encyclopedia of World History (#018005 or #000979), the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia (#003618), a student atlas (such as the DK Student Atlas #057764), the DK Encyclopedia of Science (#004894), the Usborne Science Encyclopedia, the Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia, and The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia (#046728). If procuring these specific editions proves challenging, any reputable Children’s Encyclopedia can be effectively substituted; parents will simply need to align lessons with corresponding chapters and page numbers.
Year 1, focusing on Geography, embarks on a journey starting with the First Civilizations and culminating in Ancient Roman History. This year provides a comprehensive overview of globes, continents, and oceans before delving into individual continents, diverse people groups, and varied landscapes. In Science during Year 1, the history of science and a survey of its branches are explored. Art in Year 1 investigates the purpose of art, essential art supplies, and the fundamental elements of art, as well as examining ancient art from early historical periods.
Year 2 delves into the Middle Ages, commencing with Early Medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire, and concluding with the Renaissance. Historical figures and civilizations studied in Year 2 encompass the Islamic Caliphates, Asian Empires, Pacific Peoples, Medieval Britain, North American Peoples, African Kingdoms, and the Renaissance (Italian, Northern, and English). “Mapping Our World,” the geography component of Year 2, concentrates on the geographical regions of Europe (Western and Eastern), the Near East, Southeast and Central Asia, Pacific Islands, Northern South America, Mainland North America, and West Africa. Biology forms the core of Science in Year 2, providing a rich, hands-on, and lab-based learning experience. Evolutionary theory is addressed, while also encouraging parents to facilitate discussions around alternative perspectives. Aligned thematically with the history studies, “Middle Ages Art” explores diverse art forms and artists, architecture, narratives, dance, and literature characteristic of this era.
Year 3 shifts the focus to Colonial History, spanning from the early Age of Exploration (1400s) through the Enlightenment period in Europe (1800s). Alongside prominent explorers and the complexities of colonialism, students will learn about the Reformation, India and the Mughal Empire, the Far East, the Aztecs, Incas and Conquistadors, Africa and the Slave Trade, and the South Pacific. Enlightenment philosophers and influential figures are also studied. Colonial Period Arts in Year 3 examines corresponding art styles, including Baroque, Classical Music, African arts, Folk Art—encompassing fairy tales, folk tales, and folk music—and Neoclassicism Art. World Cultures introduces children to the breadth of human culture from regions across the globe, employing a hands-on, experiential approach. For this study, you will need to provide basic craft supplies, a student atlas, a world map or globe, and common household items. Chemistry is the focus of Science in Year 3, offering a carefully balanced introduction to core concepts suitable for younger learners while simultaneously providing robust book and video recommendations and lab experiences that meet the academic rigor of high school standards.
Drawing upon my personal experience as a homeschooling mother who embraced thematic learning and unit studies, I’ve found Layers of Learning to be remarkably adaptable and user-friendly for homeschooling families. If you’re seeking a curriculum that can effectively engage children across different ages and subjects, Layers of Learning could be the missing piece in your homeschooling journey. Its layered and cyclical design makes it a truly versatile and enriching educational resource.
