The Definitive Guide to the Best Literature-Based Homeschool Curriculum

This post is your guide to literature based homeschool curriculum.

This post contains affiliate links and My Homeschool with a View, LLC participates in the Amazon Associates program. If you make a qualifying purchase through our links, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you . Thank you for supporting this site! You can read my affiliate and advertising disclosure here.

facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Getting a box of shiny new books is probably the best part of choosing literature based homeschool curriculum. Nothing makes me look forward to the homeschool year than a box full of beautiful, engaging literature based curriculum.

While it is completely possible to DIY your literature based homeschool curriculum, premade curriculum eliminates the need for planning and searching for books. Using a literature based homeschool curriculum can simplify your homeschooling. And I am all about simple.

In this post we will explore the benefits of literature based homeschool curriculum, and you will see the best literature based homeschool curriculum available.

Your Guide to Literature Based Homeschool Curriculum

What is Literature Based Curriculum

Let’s start with the basics and explore literature based homeschooling. As the name implies, the literature based approach to homeschooling uses great books as the foundation of homeschooling.

Some mix a literature based homeschooling approach with the four year history rotation of classical education. Others use a traditional homeschool textbook as their foundation while enriching with literature.

Literature based homeschooling can easily take an eclectic approach to homeschooling. I find I fall into this category. I pull things from all homeschool styles, but excellent literature is always at the forefront of My Homeschool with a View.

Best Literature Based Homeschool Curriculum

facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

You will find some of these in the Guide to Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum. Since Charlotte Mason is primarily a literature based homeschool method, I will add those to this list as well.

I use the booklists from many of the Charlotte Mason curriculum publishers when I am looking for great literature to add to our homeschool curriculum.

Christian Literature Based Homeschool Curriculum

Sonlight

Overview: Sonlight offers comprehensive literature-based homeschool curriculum packages for preschool through high school. Their programs integrate history, geography, literature, and Bible studies into cohesive learning experiences.
Highlights: Sonlight’s curriculum is known for its extensive book lists, global perspective, and the easiest to follow schedule.
Website: Sonlight Christian Homeschool Curriculum & Programs

Beautiful Feet Books

Overview: Beautiful Feet Books specializes in literature-based history homeschool curriculum. They offer thematic studies that combine history, geography, and literature for grades K-12.
Highlights: Beautiful Feet Books are known for their historical accuracy and engaging book selections, making history come alive through storytelling.
Website: Beautiful Feet Books

Ambleside Online

Overview: Ambleside Online provides a free, Charlotte Mason-inspired literature-based curriculum. The program includes detailed book lists and schedules for grades K-12.
Highlights: Ambleside Online’s emphasis on living books and narration makes it a rich, engaging curriculum for literature lovers.
Website: Ambleside Online

My Father’s World

Overview: My Father’s World combines the Charlotte Mason approach with a unit study method, incorporating literature, history, and hands-on activities. Their curriculum spans preschool through high school.
Highlights: The program integrates biblical worldview with literature-based learning.
Website: My Father’s World

WinterPromise

Overview: WinterPromise offers a blend of literature-based and hands-on learning, designed for preschool through high school. Their programs cover various subjects, including history, science, and language arts.
Highlights: WinterPromise is known for its engaging themes and interactive approach to learning.
Website: WinterPromise

Tapestry of Grace

Overview: Tapestry of Grace is a comprehensive literature-based homeschool curriculum that integrates history, literature, and Bible study. It covers grades K-12 and follows a classical education model.
Highlights: The curriculum is designed to teach all ages together, cycling through history periods.
Website: Tapestry of Grace

Heart of Dakota

Overview: Heart of Dakota offers a Christ-centered, literature-based curriculum for preschool through high school. Their programs integrate various subjects, including history, science, and language arts.
Highlights: The curriculum is designed to be user-friendly and flexible for different family needs.
Website: Heart of Dakota

Five in a Row

Overview: Five in a Row is a unit study curriculum that uses children’s literature as the basis for lessons. It covers subjects like social studies, science, and art for preschool through middle school.
Highlights: The curriculum encourages repeated readings of the same book to deepen understanding.
Website: Five in a Row

Simply Charlotte Mason

Overview: Simply Charlotte Mason offers a literature-based curriculum inspired by Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. Their materials cover a range of subjects for grades K-12.
Highlights: Focuses on living books, nature study, and narration.
Website: Simply Charlotte Mason

Secular Literature Based Homeschool Curriculum

All curriculum will have varying worldviews. Even within Christian curriculum there may be things that some Christians don’t agree with. Same goes with secular homeschool curriculum. Some may find that having a neutral worldview isn’t secular enough.

If you are basing curriculum choices on worldview, it’s important to do your research, look at publishers’ samples, and hear from the publisher about their perspective.

If you are looking for charter school friendly curriculum, some of the Christian publishers, like Beautiful Feet Books, offer packages with the religious content removed. It is always worth it to ask publishers directly if they can meet these requirements.

BookShark

Overview: BookShark provides a secular literature-based homeschool curriculum. They offer programs for pre-K through middle school, focusing on using high-quality literature to teach various subjects.
Highlights: BookShark’s secular approach makes it suitable for diverse families. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities and critical thinking.
Website: BookShark

Moving Beyond the Page

Overview: Moving Beyond the Page offers an interdisciplinary, literature-based curriculum for ages 4-14. Their programs integrate literature, science, social studies, and language arts.
Highlights: This curriculum is designed to challenge gifted learners and those who thrive on a hands-on, project-based approach.
Website: Moving Beyond the Page

Oak Meadow

Overview: Oak Meadow offers a flexible, literature-based curriculum that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking. Their programs cover pre-K through high school.
Highlights: Known for its holistic approach, incorporating art and nature into the learning experience.
Website: Oak Meadow

Build Your Library

Overview: Build Your Library provides secular, literature-based homeschool curriculum for grades K-12. The curriculum uses a wide range of books to teach history, science, and language arts.
Highlights: Emphasizes critical thinking and global awareness.
Website: Build Your Library

Torchlight Curriculum

Overview: Torchlight Curriculum provides a secular, literature-based homeschool curriculum for grades K-5. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness.
Highlights: Integrates diverse and inclusive book selections.
Website: Torchlight Curriculum

Guest Hollow

Overview: Guest Hollow offers a variety of literature-based curricula for different subjects and grade levels. Their materials include history, science, and language arts.
Highlights: Known for its engaging and interactive approach to learning.
Website: Guest Hollow

Literature Based History Homeschool Curriculum

If you like to mix and match homeschool styles, history is my favorite way to add literature based homeschool curriculum. Even better, you can throw in some hands-on units or history timelines from Home School in the Woods to create a super fun literature based history curriculum.

facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

BiblioPlan

Overview: BiblioPlan offers a literature-based history curriculum that covers ancient to modern times. Their materials are designed for grades K-12.
Highlights: Emphasizes a Christian perspective on history.
Website: BiblioPlan

History Curriculum by TruthQuest History

Overview: TruthQuest History offers literature-based history curriculum guides for various grade levels. The guides provide book recommendations and discussion points to create a comprehensive history study.
Highlights: This curriculum emphasizes a Christian perspective on history.
Website: TruthQuest History

Literature Based Curriculum Resources

This one isn’t really a curriculum but totally worth a mention. This is a great place to start if you are dipping your toes into adding great books to your homeschool.

Read-Aloud Revival

Overview: While not a full curriculum, Read-Aloud Revival provides resources and book lists to integrate more literature into your homeschool. It offers guidance on choosing read-aloud books and creating a culture of reading.
Highlights: Focuses on building family bonds through shared reading experiences.
Website: Read-Aloud Revival

Frequently Asked Qestions (FAQ): Literature-Based Homeschool Curriculum

1. What is a literature-based homeschool curriculum?

A literature-based homeschool curriculum uses books, both classic and contemporary, as the primary method of teaching various subjects such as history, science, and language arts. This approach emphasizes rich narratives and storytelling to engage students and foster a love of reading.

2. How does a literature-based curriculum differ from a traditional curriculum?

Unlike traditional curricula that rely heavily on textbooks and worksheets, a literature-based curriculum uses living books—narrative-rich texts that bring subjects to life. This method encourages deeper understanding and critical thinking through immersive reading experiences.

3. Can I use a literature-based curriculum for all grade levels?

Yes, literature-based curricula are available for all grade levels, from preschool to high school. Many programs offer comprehensive packages that grow with your child.

4. How do I choose the best literature-based homeschool curriculum for my family?

Consider the following factors:

Educational Philosophy: Align the curriculum with your educational values and goals.
Learning Style: Choose a curriculum that matches your child’s preferred learning style—whether structured or flexible.
Subjects and Grade Levels: Ensure the curriculum covers the necessary subjects and is appropriate for your child’s grade level.
Book Selections: Review the book lists to ensure they include engaging, high-quality literature.
Budget: Compare costs and consider utilizing libraries or used curriculum sales to save money.

5. Are there secular literature-based homeschool curriculums available?

Yes, several publishers offer secular literature-based homeschool curriculums, such as BookShark and Build Your Library, which focus on high-quality literature without religious content.

6. Where can I buy literature-based homeschool curriculum?

Curriculum Publishers’ Websites: Directly from publishers like Sonlight, BookShark, and Beautiful Feet Books.
Online Retailers: Amazon, Rainbow Resource Center, and Christianbook.com.
Used Curriculum Sales: Homeschool co-ops, local groups, eBay, and Homeschool Classifieds.
Libraries: Borrowing books from your local library can reduce costs significantly.

7. Can I customize a literature-based curriculum to suit my family’s needs?

Absolutely! Many literature-based curriculums are designed to be flexible. You can adapt the book selections, pace, and supplementary activities to better fit your child’s interests and learning style.

8. What are some recommended literature-based homeschool curriculum publishers?

Here are a few notable ones:

Sonlight
BookShark
Beautiful Feet Books
Moving Beyond the Page
Ambleside Online
Oak Meadow
Build Your Library
Simply Charlotte Mason
Tapestry of Grace
BiblioPlan

9. Are literature-based curriculums suitable for high school students?

Yes, many literature-based curriculums offer comprehensive programs for high school students that cover advanced subjects and prepare them for college. These programs often include classic literature, in-depth history studies, and rigorous academic challenges.