Are you looking for a homeschool curriculum that makes learning come alive, sparks the imagination, and integrates multiple subjects in a meaningful way? Then join the delightful world of literature-based homeschool curriculum.
Get rid of the boring textbooks and come in to a world where stories, characters, and ideas take center stage.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the magic of literature-based homeschooling. We’ll explore its benefits, go over some popular curriculum options, and I’ll give you some practical tips along the way.
Get ready to unlock the joy of learning as literature paves the way for an engaging, lifelong education.
*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the link. Please see my disclosure for more details.
What is literature-based homeschool curriculum?
A literature-based homeschool curriculum uses books as a basis to teach different subjects. While many curricula use textbooks, this approach uses engaging stories that make learning interesting.
Through related discussion and activities, these lessons are then expanded to cover several subject areas for a well-rounded curriculum.
Many literature based curriculum center around a topic in history or science. Quality books that cover this topic are used to teach this in an engaging way. These are often called “living books”.
Living books are often narrative in form, and give the facts while telling a story. These engaging books are often written by someone with a passion for the subject.
While reading these great books, there will be related activities and work to flesh out the learning in further ways. These could be questions, art projects, videos, or writing assignments. All based on the topics from the books you read.
Why use a literature-based curriculum?
Using a book-based homeschool curriculum keeps things relatable and interesting for your kids. Stories with rich language will help keep kids engaged while learning and gives context to the subject. It is often very easy to teach your kids together using this approach and simplifies your homeschool by integrating subjects.
When reading books written by authors with a passion for the subject, it’s hard to not engage in the topic.
How does a literature-based curriculum work?
A literature based curriculum is centered around books. Many will buy curriculum plans that already have books chosen and activities laid out. These are fairly easy to follow.
Generally speaking, book based homeschool curriculum will have a list of living books to be read, with one of them acting as the “spine” or back bone of the curriculum. Other books will branch off of that. The books could be fiction or non-fiction, but are usually narrative in form.
Activities and assignments are added as a way to bring other aspects of learning into the curriculum. These may be things like copywork, dictation, narration (summaries), and notebooking. Videos, art projects, cooking, and many other ideas to further learning could be used as well.
Perhaps you are learning about the American Revolution. You might read some historical fiction to help tell what it was like during that time. You may read biographical accounts of historical figures from this time and books about inventions and machinery used. You might then look at famous artwork and do a related project.
Along the way, your children may discuss with you many topics and ideas, and summarize what they have learned. You may have them copy sentences you read and then write a short report on a topic.
Through all of this, your kids will not only have learned about the American Revolution by hearing great stories, but they will also have learned some science, art, and even gotten in some language arts practice.
Top 23 Literature-Based Homeschool Curriculum Options
There are a lot of great literature-based homeschool curriculum options out there! I have compiled this list for you of some of the best picks.
Many of these curricula you can buy everything you need from their site, while others just sell their plans and booklist. I have noted this for each program along with the grade levels and subjects covered.
1. Sonlight Curriculum
preschool-12th grade | religious | full book packages available
includes all subjects
Sonlight is known for its comprehensive literature-based programs for all subjects and all grades. It comes with detailed instructor guides and great book selections. With a mix of Christian, classic, and modern literature, you can buy the whole package with all the books or pick and choose.
2. My Father’s World
preschool-12th grade | religious | full book packages available
math not included, high school does not include math or science
My Father’s World combines literature with history, hands-on activities, and Bible study. While Math is sold separate, this curriculum has much of what you need for all grade levels. You can buy a full set of books or piece together with books from the library.
3. BookShark
currently preK-11 | secular | full book packages available
includes all subjects preK-9, grades 10/11 is only history and language arts
Bookshark offers literature-based, secular curriculum packages for most grade levels. It features a wide range of great books with instructor guides you can buy all together or separately. They are still building out their high school levels but this secular literature curriculum option is already a wonderful option for all subjects prek-9th grade.
4. Oak Meadow
preK-12 | secular | full book packages available
includes all subjects
Oak Meadow offers a literature-based curriculum with a holistic, nature-inspired approach that integrates subjects and encourages creativity. This secular literature-based program includes all subjects and is available in complete packages for all levels.
5. Build Your Library
K-12 | secular | books sold seperately
math not included
Build Your Library offers a secular curriculum package for all levels with literature-rich units and integrated subjects. The curriculum plans are history based, and include most subjects. The books will need to be purchased separately, but links are provided.
6. Memoria Press
preK-12 | religious | full book packages available
includes all subjects
Memoria Press provides classical education curriculum packages that incorporate literature, Latin, and rigorous academic content. This classical choice covers all subjects for all levels. Their literature booklets are popular even for those that don’t use their whole program. Full packages are available on their site.
7. Beautiful Feet Books
k-12 | religious | full book packages available
mainly history and literature only
Beautiful Feet Books focuses on history-based literature, featuring engaging books that bring historical periods to life. Their programs cover all levels, but will need to be used alongside other programs for additional subjects. Their beautiful booklets are available in packages with books included.
8. Ambleside Online
k-12 | religious | books sold separately
includes all subjects
Ambleside Online follows the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy, providing a FREE literature-based curriculum with a focus on living books, nature study, and character development. All levels of this program are provided on the website along with planning suggestions for all subjects. While many of the books are linked online for free, many may prefer buying hard copies elsewhere.
9. Tapestry of Grace
k-12 | religious | books sold separately
mainly history and literature only, with some writing
Tapestry of Grace offers a classical approach, using literature to explore history, geography, and the humanities. This program can be pieced together or used as a full “tapestry” curriculum for all ages. Some supplementation may be needed for a full curriculum, and literature books are sold separately.
10. Winter Promise
preK-12 | religious | some books included
will need math and some supplementary language arts
Winter Promise focuses on thematic units centered around literature, incorporating hands-on projects, notebooking, and a gentle approach to homeschooling. Though it covers all levels, some supplementation may be desired for certain subjects. Many of the books required can be bought on their site.
11. Simply Charlotte Mason
grades 1-12 | religious | books sold separately
mainly history and literature with some language arts
Simply Charlotte Mason provides a literature-rich curriculum that incorporates living books, narration, copywork, and nature study, following the principles of Charlotte Mason’s approach. While it covers grades 1-12, some may desire supplementation for certain subjects. Books needed are sold separately.
12. Moving Beyond the Page
currently k-9 | secular | full book packages available
all subjects included for k-6, add math to 7-8, high school is language arts only
Moving Beyond the Page provides literature-based units that integrate language arts, science, and social studies for different age levels. This secular program currently offers levels for Kindergarten through 9th grade with varying subjects still being added.
All subjects are included for kindergarten through 6th grade. Math is needed for 7+, and high school is currently language arts only. Full packages are available.
13. Logos Press (Noeo Science)
grades 1-8, some high school | religious | full book packages available
all subjects included for 1-8
Logos Press offers Christian literature-based curriculum options rooted in classical education principles, combining quality literature with language arts, history, and other subjects. It is currently for levels 1-8 with all subjects and books included. Some options are offered for high school as well.
Noeo Science is their popular literature-based science curriculum. It is included with their full programs or available as a separate purchase.
14. History Quest and History Odyssey from Pandia Press
grades 1-12 | secular | additional books sold separately
includes history, geography, literature, and writing only
History Quest and History Odyssey are comprehensive history curriculum options that provide a chronological, literature-based approach to studying world history. Following the classical cycle, these programs from Pandia Press include a great history curriculum with some language arts.
History Quest is Pandia’s newer program that has replaced the first few levels of its History Odyssey curriculum. Combined, the two programs can span from grades 1-12. Most books needed are sold elsewhere.
15. A Gentle Feast
grades 1-8 | religious | books sold separately
additional math needed
A Gentle Feast follows a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach, combining living books and short lessons in various subjects. It is currently offered for grades 1-8 covering most subjects. Books needed are sold separately.
16. Biblioplan
preK-12 | religious | books sold separately
mainly history and literature only
Biblioplan is a literature-heavy history program, providing chronological literature guides and resources for all grade levels. The main spine texts are sold on the site along with other activity books and resources, but other literature options are sold elsewhere.
17. Blossom & Root
currently preK-5 | secular | books sold separately
will need math and supplementary language arts, history
Blossom and Root offers a literature-based, secular curriculum with a gentle and holistic approach, integrating nature study, art, and hands-on activities. Currently only offered for levels up to grade 5, this program may need some supplementation.
The company is currently working on a history program as well, with only volume 1 released so far. Additional books needed are sold elsewhere.
18. Torchlight Curriculum
currently preK-5 | secular | books sold separately
will need math and language arts supplements
Torchlight Curriculum offers secular literature-based curriculum packages inspired by the Charlotte Mason and classical education approaches, integrating rich books with hands-on activities and gentle learning. Some language arts supplementation may be desired along with Math. This program currently goes through grade 5 and books needed are sold separately.
19. Guest Hollow
k-12 in some subjects | secular | books sold separately
math and other supplementation needed
Guest Hollow provides literature-based curriculum options with a focus on science and history, incorporating a variety of resources and activities. This company offers unique options for various levels, including many for high school. While the owners are Christian, the curriculum seems to be fairly religious-neutral. Curriculum will not cover all subjects and books are sold elsewhere.
20. Five in a Row
age 5-12 | secular or religious | books sold separately
math and language arts supplementation needed
Emphasizes close repetitive reading of high-quality books, incorporating multiple subjects through discussions and activities. Bible curriculum is sold as a separate purchase so the base curriculum is non-religious. Some supplementation will be needed and books ar sold separately.
21. Heart of Dakota
preK-12 | religious | full book packages available
math and grammar not included
Heart of Dakota offers literature-based curriculum packages for all age levels, emphasizing Biblical training as the center. Most subjects are included with a unit study feel and hands-on activities. Full book packages are available on their site.
22. Trail Guide to Learning
k-8 | religious | full book packages available
no math included
Trail Guide to Learning focuses on literature-based unit studies, integrating multiple subjects around a central theme or historical period. It currently goes through 8th grade and does not include math. Full book packages are available.
23. Homeschool Legacy
grade 2-12 | religious | books sold separately
math and additional language arts needed
Homeschool Legacy offers unit studies that use living books as the basis for hands-on projects, discussions, and once-a-week family activities. Units for grades 2-12 are aligned with badgework for American Heritage Girls, Boy Scouts, and TrailLife USA. Math and additional language arts may be needed. Books are sold separately.
Secular literature-based homeschool curriculum
Among the curriculum options mentioned earlier, the following are generally considered secular:
- BookShark
- Build Your Library
- Oak Meadow
- Pandia Press
- Blossom and Root
- Torchlight
- Guest Hollow
- Moving Beyond the Page
- Five in a Row (Bible sold seperately)
While these curriculum options are usually considered secular, it’s important to review each one to be sure it lines up with your preferences and requirements.
Christian literature-based homeschool curriculum
Among the curriculum options mentioned earlier, the following are generally considered Christian or religious in nature:
- Sonlight
- My Father’s World
- Memoria Press
- Beautiful Feet Books
- Ambleside Online
- Tapestry of Grace
- Winter Promise
- Simply Charlotte Mason
- Logos Press
- A Gentle Feast
- Biblioplan
- Five in a Row (Bible sold separately)
- Heart of Dakota
- Trail Guide to Learning
- Homeschool Legacy
These curriculum choices incorporate Christian perspectives, the Bible, and other faith-based content into their programs. But it’s important to look over each curriculum to see if it aligns with your beliefs and goals.
Also note that you may be able to remove or skip over some of the more religious aspects with some of these curriculum options if desired.
How can I make literature-based curriculum more affordable?
One of the things many people notice when they look at literature-based curriculum is the price. But one thing many don’t know is that you don’t ever have to purchase all of the books for the program! Most companies offer the plans separately, as well as customizing which books you purchase.
Because it is a literature based curriculum, there are many books included in the program. But you don’t have to buy them all. The main thing you will want to buy are the plans from the publisher. Just buying this is significantly more affordable than buying the whole package.
These curriculum plans will show what books to use and when. It will likely also include all the added activities, projects, and assignments to go along with the books read.
But when it comes to the books, there are many ways to save your money. Here are a few:
- Just buy the plans, but not the books
- Get books from the library
- Buy the books (and plans!) used
- Use the book lists to build your own curriculum and plans
Benefits of a literature-based homeschool curriculum
Homeschool literature-based curriculum has many benefits. Here are a few:
- Strengthens relationships by reading and enjoying stories together
- We learn best through stories
- Learn from passionate experts
- Makes subjects more relatable
- Adventurous stories are more interesting
- Easy to teach multiple kids together
- Hear and read rich language
- Learn topics in context
- Simplifies your homeschool by integrating subjects
- Information is diffused into interesting stories
- You may not realize you’re learning!
Frequent criticisms of a book-based approach
Here are a couple criticisms of a literature-based approach to homeschooling.
Possible knowledge gaps
Some think that when you are using only literature and not a textbook, that you will inadvertently skip some topics. A more structured curriculum with a textbook base could help with this. But great comprehensive books do not have to be textbooks.
Many literature-based curricula use a more comprehensive book as a “spine” or backbone of the curriculum, helping to guide you through, with other books and projects branching off as you go through the spine. These do not have to be textbooks, but can still be comprehensive in nature while still using a more narrative-based approach.
Also note that our goal as homeschoolers should not be to teach everything to our children by the time they are 18. That’s impossible. If we guide our kids to love to learn, then they will continue to learn their whole lives.
The literature-based approach also gives the freedom to go in-depth on topics that interest your kids, while quickly moving through other topics. We will never know everything there is to know, so learning gaps don’t need to be a huge worry.
It’s time-consuming
Some critics think that a literature-based approach can be time-consuming, as it requires reading and discussing large amounts of literature. Because of this, it could limit the time available for other activities and subjects.
This can be true. Many book-based curricula get through quite a bit of books each year and it can be overwhelming. But when homeschooling, we have the opportunity to do what we want with the curriculum we choose.
You don’t have to do all the books or activities scheduled. Skipping or condensing the books in the list may be necessary for your family.
Also, you may read some together, then have your kids read some on their own.
However, one interesting thing about many of these programs is that they incorporate many subjects together. While it may be literature you are reading, at the same time you will be learning about topics in science, history, and geography through it. Then often language arts assignments will be completed using that literature as well. Then activities will spin off all that.
In the end, by combining many subjects together, it can actually end up taking less time than other programs that do everything separate.
But even if it does take longer, in the end, who says that spending your time reading quality literature is not a valuable way to spend you time?
How to incorporate literature into your homeschool
Even if you’re not completely sold on literature-based curriculum, you can still incorporate all of the benefits into your homeschool. Here are some ideas to incorporate literature into what you already do in your homeschool.
- Supplement history with living books and historical fiction
- Supplement science with living books
- Start a morning basket
- Read with your kids
- Listen to audiobooks together
- Model being a reader
- Have a quiet reading time each day everyone takes part in (even you!)
Best literature-based homeschool curriculum
Using literature-based homeschool curriculum helps us learn about the world through stories. These curriculum options will ignite a love for learning using rich language, teaching subjects in an easy integrated way. Whether you choose Sonlight, Build Your Library, Beautiful Feet Books, or any other curriculum on this list, you can easily teach your kids together with ease. Embrace the magic of literature and create a lifelong love for learning.
Which literature-based curriculum do you use? Let me know in the comments below!
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