You Can Design a Science Curriculum Tailored to your Elementary School Age Child

Keep in mind that science in the younger years should be focused on exploration and excitement. This is an essential component of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Children are naturally curious about the world so you need to provide abundant learning opportunities for them. A great way to do that is to have access to beautiful living science books that cover a variety of topics. Also, be willing to go outside and explore. This will allow your children to fall in love with the natural world around them!

How do I Design My Own Science Curriculum Based on My Child’s Interests?

If you are anything like me, you struggle to fit your kids into a box of pre-packaged science curriculum. I have decided to be the creator of my children’s science education. Now I know that not everyone wants to take the time to do this, but for those of you homeschool moms who are able, you first need to be open minded and flexible. You can put together a fun science curriculum that works with your child’s interests.

You can put together a FUN science curriculum that works with your child’s interests.

What Made Me Change My Mind-from textbook to Living Picture Books:

When I started homeschooling my kids, I was a firm believer in the need to use textbooks to teach science to my kids (I was coming from a career as a public School educator). It didn’t go so well, though. Trying to get my young children to sit still while I read from the science textbook was nearly impossible.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to start teaching classes once a week at a learning center. The purpose of these classes was to provide enriching learning opportunities-not what I was used to as a public school teacher. Using my background in curriculum instruction, I designed a buffet-style class around unique and rare animals as well as mysterious places. I called it “Mysteries and Marvels in Our World.”

The class introduced newly discovered creatures, unique creatures, and mysterious places to the children. For example, we learned about the Crooked Forest in Poland, the Cone Snail, Bombardier Beetle, and so many other amazing places and animals. The kids (and me too) were in awe of what we were learning about. It quickly became super popular and I was able to teach it 3 semesters in a row and each semester it was full. I loved that class for so many reasons. One of the main reasons I loved it was because it taught me that I could teach about so many subjects and content areas using these fun creatures and interesting places. Kids learn best when they fall in love with what they are learning. Who doesn’t love the adorable Blobfish?

The Blobfish was one of the first unique animals that we learned about. I had never even heard about this animal until I did the research for the class curriculum. It quickly fascinated me. Using this creature as a “learning base” we covered habitat, density, depth, geography (where it lives using maps), food chain, art (we had to draw it :-), classification, and so much more.

So I figured I could plan out my science curriculum for my own children in that same way. And that is just what I did and you can too.

Now I organize and plan out my own children’s science curriculum (as well as history- but that is another post and I integrate other subjects that they are learning. I even enjoy occasionally creating worksheets and activities that better suit my children’s interests. I am working on a tutorial that teaches other moms how to do that and will update a link to this post once I finish it (this will be especially for my fellow creative mamas!)

What is great about this strategy is that it also saves time in my homeschooling day. I don’t have to teach each subject separately. I can integrate reading, phonics, writing and so much more with core subjects like science and history. It also works for multiple ages.

Children LOVE Animals- Especially Unique and Interesting Ones- You Can Use that as a Hook!

This is a coloring book that I put together for my kids to go with the unique creatures we were learning about.

Creative Science- Learning about unusual creatures to cover a variety of science standards as well as other content areas.

Like I mentioned earlier, rather than teaching about animal habitats and adaptations as their own separate lessons. You can use content your child will be interested in and build their learning around that. First, go over the science topics and standards you want to teach over the year or semester for your child, then choose something that your child is super interested in. For example, you can choose an animal that your kids love. Use this animal as the “learning base” and make their education connected to what they enjoy.

Here are a couple of books that I used to teach about unique and creative creatures

Planning Out Your Year

When I plan for science for the year, I choose a couple of topics. I first talk to my kids and get an idea of what they are interested in. I take that into account, but I also know that there are some topics I will choose for them and I know that once they are exposed to the new topics and we learn about them in a creative and fun way, that they will fall in love with them. I use this planner to help guide what I teach my kids and make all the subjects connect as best as I can. It also helps me to focus on why I teach the way I teach.

You can also use this book by Rebecca Rupp called “Home Learning Year by Year”. It is a fantastic resource to help you organize and plan out your years of homeschooling.

Connected and Cohesive Learning

While what I am about to cover is often more work for the parent or teacher, it is important that your child’s learning be connected and cohesive. Connected and cohesive learning is when cross-curriculum learning goes on. Allowing subjects to cross in your child’s learning such as history, science, reading, phonics, and even math. When learning is disjointed, it not only takes longer to complete your school day, your child is left with thinking that each subject is separate. This is unfortunate because in learning science, you can teach writing, phonics, grammar, history, etc.

I have created a Homeschool Unit Study Planner where you can plan your own unit studies based on your kids interest. See the post and access your Planner by clicking here.

But Shouldn’t I use a textbook?

I do not use textbooks to teach my kids science. I will leave that for Middle School and High School. However, I do purchase science textbooks to help guide me when necessary, such as a when we are learning about human anatomy. I believe it is important to use beautifully illustrated living picture books to teach science to young children, however. Either going to the local library or investing in new and used books online or at the thrift store is essential to exposing amazing content to your kids. Here is a youtube video where I explain the five ways to build your homeschool library on a budget.

Textbooks in my opinion shouldn’t be used as your primary teaching tool. They are often dull and dry and lack beautiful engaging content (not always, but usually that is the case). Quality picture books and other living books that teach science content are much more appropriate for younger children.

Here are just a couple of science picture book that I like, however you can check out a more complete list here or scroll down to see picture book lists by subject area.

I am a BIOLOGY NUT!!!! I could study biology every year with my kids. Last year I designed a biology curriculum for my kindergartner and second grader. While I used the textbook personally, how I taught each topic to my children was through living picture books. I followed a set of topics that I wanted to cover over the year, however I tried to engage my child’s interests whenever possible. And we slowed down when they came to a topic they were fascinated by.

We purchased a high powered microscope and began to learn about the microscopic world. We went on field trips that connected our learning even further. Opportunities for digging deeper into subjects will come often. For us it came when we arrived at the Kingdom Protista during our learning about the classification of living things. We purchased amoebas, paramecium, and euglena. We watched them move around under our microscope. Then we sketched them into our nature journals. Now that was memorable learning!

I created this printable for my kids to record their microscope observations. It is available on TeachersPayTeachers.com

Side note: Nature journaling can be done with the microscopic world too. Things unseen are fascinating!!!

If you are able and interested, investing in a high quality microscope is a great way to get your children interested in the microscopic world around them. I use an Amscope microscope, which is an amazing brand.

Some Microscope Essentials if you are interested:

Quality Living Picture Books are a GREAT Way to Teach Science Content to Your Child

This year we are continuing our life science learning. My kids who are now first and third will be delving into anatomy and physiology. I have a textbook for my own reference. A textbook allows me to have a better understanding of what I want to basically cover even some of the technical words we may come across. The textbook is NOT for my kids, however. The goal of my science instruction is to provide a buffet style education. I offer the content and we slow down and explore when their is a high interest. We checkout or purchase books that correlate to the topics we are covering and then do hands-on activities and labs.

We are also going to do a brief overview of Chemistry this year (my daughter asked for this because to her chemistry means experiments). I have planned it into our school year, but I may be a bit over zealous. I was able to find a basic chemistry textbook to guide me as I plan out my children’s lessons, however, we will be using living science picture books to learn the concepts as well as LOTS of hands-on learning. I will let you know how it goes

Use Real and Technical Words When you Teach or Talk About Science

It is always tempting to simplify the vocabulary from science. I admit, some words are tough. We wonder if our child can even understand them. While at first your child may look at you puzzled when you say a difficult science word. With repetition in context, your child will begin to pick these more difficult words up. I have been using the scientific technical words since the beginning.

I have a funny memory of being in the hospital after having my son and my daughter, who was two at the time pointing at the doctor and saying “stethoscope”. It left the doctor shocked and he even asked her to repeat what she had said. I just thought it was so cute to hear her cute little voice saying it.

From the beginning I used real technical words to interact with my children about our surroundings. I don’t do it so they sound smart (remember Charlotte Mason encourages a humility in learning :-). Rather, I firmly believe that they are capable of using the real words that we all use daily.

Here Are Some of My Favorite Homeschool Planning Books

Get Creative

When teaching science get creative! Make lapbooks or fun books so that your child can document their learning. Check out this list of ways to get creative with science:

• dioramas
• stories
• newspapers
• news report for TV
• lapbook
• book
• art piece
• stop motion video
• song
• making their own board game or card game
• blog

You will notice that with each of these activities you can integrate your writing standards, reading standards, art, History, and so much more. At the end you will have an amazing contribution to your child’s learning portfolio. Let your child help pick out the best way to show their learning and allow some time for creativity.

SLOW DOWN and Let Children Take Their Time

Often textbooks chunk subjects into separate time blocks: 6 weeks for plants, 6 weeks for weather, etc. This is not how children’s minds learn. They need to be given their own time to explore and dive deeper into subjects that they find interesting. The goal is to make them fall in love with learning!

Where Do I Find Activities and Labs That Go With My Science Curriculum?

I like to research activities that I think my kids will enjoy. Pinterest is a great resource for homeschool science activities. It can be overwhelming however. Check out my Pinterest Board.

I am currently putting my Mysteries and Marvels Curriculum together so that I can share it with the world- well at least for those who love animals:-). Once that is ready I will post it.

Great Websites With More Fun and Creative Science Ideas

Creative Educator This site is full of fun ideas that you can integrate into your science teaching.

Home Science Tools is a fantastic resource for science activities. They are all about hands-on learning.

Check out these tips to build your homeschooling library on a budget:

How do you teach your children Science?

Have you found a curriculum that fits your kids? Have you found a textbook that your kids enjoy or that is useful to you as the educator?

Do you design your own science curriculum? What tips can you offer a homeschooling mom to help with teaching science to her children?

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The 9 Best Tips to Teach Your Child at Home

Many of us find ourselves in a new position of opportunity this year. The Coronavirus or Covid19 has brought upon many in our world to think of an alternative way to school our children. Some of us look at this alternative as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our family. Homeschooling is the option that many families are choosing this year. Are you one of those families?

I have been homeschooling for 5 years and I want to offer these tips for families who may be new to homeschooling. I remember the doubt and questions that began when I started. Let me encourage you and tell you that your are capable and are the perfect person to teach your own child!

Here are some important tips to keep in mind as you move your child from the classroom to your home:

Tip #1 Focus on Relationship

This is your child and you clearly love them and want the best for them. Sometimes we don’t focus on our relationships as much as we should, though. Homeschooling allows you to bond over learning. Read alouds are a perfect way to snuggle up with your kiddos, laugh, and enjoy one another. Don’t let frustration and anger seep into your homeschooling day. Remember that you are teaching someone who may struggle to understand a concept or not perform as you expect them too. Don’t belittle, put down, or shame them. But take every opportunity to encourage, love, and direct them.

There is so much freedom in homeschooling to allow for relationship building and to create beautiful lasting memories. While we are still confined to our homes because of Covid, we can get creative with learning opportunities (link to creative homeschool ideas).

Tip #2 Don’t Expect to be teaching 6-7 hours a day

School for your child will NOT take 7 hours!!! I used to teach in a traditional public school. A math lesson in my classroom, for example, could last up to 45 minutes (or more). However a math lesson for my daughter might only be 15 minutes (or less). There are several reasons for this. First, much of the time in a classroom is taken up for classroom management: passing out papers, making sure everyone has their supplies, maintaining order, etc. A teacher must pause often to check for understanding and address behavior issues in a class of 30-40 students.

How Long Should Our Homeschooling Day Be?

When you are homeschooling your own child, you only have 1 (or maybe a couple of more depending on the size of your family) to be concerned about. Because you are their teacher, you know when they understand a concept, if they need further explanation, and so on. You can teach a math concept to your child, practice the concept with them, and check for understanding in as little as 10 minutes. So, by the time you have touched on all of the core subjects (math, reading, writing, history, science, elective), your school day may be anywhere from 2-4 hours long.

Should I follow a Schedule?

As a former elementary, middle school, and high school teacher, I know the importance of structure for kids. Having a schedule is nice so that you know what you are trying to accomplish in your day. But keep in mind that flexibility is important as well. Teaching at home allows for you to dig deeper into a subject than you originally planned for. For example, you are doing a science lesson on birds. You planned to work on science for about 30 minutes. However you notice that your child is super engaged, excited, asking questions, and is completely fascinated with hawks. Do you stop them because you have to follow your schedule? I say no!! You roll with your child’s excitement and press on with science. Get more books out (if you have them) about hawks. Help your child find the answers to their many questions about this species. Don’t move past this amazing learning opportunity.

Remember that your science lesson doesn’t just have to be a science lesson. You can incorporate some history, phonics or sight word searching, etc. When my daughter became fascinated with birds, specifically hawks and other raptors, it trailed into many other subject areas. She wrote stories about them, learned how to draw them, and researched them whenever she had a free moment. She even to this day has the dream of one day becoming a falconer (a dream that still lives today). This is all because we allowed for the freedom of a flexible learning schedule.

So, Should you follow a schedule? Yes, have a schedule, but don’t let it own you. You own it, so make it work for your family.

Here is a sample of my homeschooling schedule:

So, What Do I Do With All of this Extra Time???

Oh my friend, all of this extra time allows your child the freedom to be creative, explore their interests in a deeper way, and allows for playtime. Your child’s brain is developing in such an amazing way, so giving them this free time to think and explore is essential for their development.

Tip #3 Follow these Money Saving Tips for Homeschooling Curriculum and Supplies

There are a variety of ways to save money while homeschooling. There are several homeschooling websites that offer free curriculum and ideas. You can purchase used curriculum on sites like Ebay (check out my store here) for a better deal. Just remember that prices of used items will go up as the school year begins. The best time to buy used curriculum (I have found) is from November-February. The dollar tree is an amazing resource for supplies and materials. (See my post on Dollar tree hacks (coming soon).

Allinonehomeschool.com is an amazing website that offers free Christian curriculum.

KahnAcademy.org is free content for multiple subject areas and is a great resource for Homeschooling.

www.Ck-12.org is a website that offers LOADS of free curriculum and textbooks. This is a fabulous resource. I have used it mainly at the high school level, but I know resources are available k-12.

Guesthollow.com offers science curriculums mostly for free. There are a couple of items you may have to pay for but the site is very helpful.

Tip #4 Have the Right Supplies For Teaching Your Child at Home

Here is a list of supplies that every homeschooler should have:

1. Books, books, and more books! (link to our favorite homeschooling books)
2. Good quality art supplies (Click here for a link to my art and homeschooling article)
3. Pencils and sharpener (I am obsessed with Ticonderoga)
4. Lots of blank paper of all types (Colored, lined, blank, art paper)
5. Personal white board and markers (a magnetic whiteboard is a plus!)
6. Whiteboard markers
7. Journal
8. Art Notebook
9. How to Art Books
10. Curriculum (see above for free resources)

How to Organize your materials and Supplies

Depending on if you are a minimalist homeschooler, an eclectic homeschooler, or a very organized homeschooler, there are a few simple tips that will help you keep your supplies organized. I love the cube organizers for my books and baskets. I also love using rolling carts like this one, and this one. click here to see my youtube video (coming soon showing how I use this amazing rolling cart for my homeschool organization.

Tip #5 Create a Space Dedicated to Homeschooling

A homeschooling space doesn’t have to be an entire room, but make sure that you have a space where you can easily access your materials and books. I started homeschooling in my dining room when I began several years ago. I liked that we were schooling in a central area. I could make lunch in the kitchen and talk with my kids while they did their work. We invested in a small shelf and boxes for organizing and then we used a rolling cart for all of our supplies. This worked for us for a couple of years. However, when my husband was required to work from home due to Covid, we had to move into a spare bedroom because we were too loud for the conference calls my husband was on for work.

Being in a separate room has its advantages. We can make a mess and close the door behind us. We can stop at a lesson and carry on with it the next day. However the draw back for me was feeling like schooling was disconnected from the main part of our house. If I had to make lunch, I had to walk to a separate part of our home. If the children had questions, I wasn’t readily available.

Tip #6 Seek out Encouraging People as you Embark on this Homeschooling Journey

This is super important. Right now during the pandemic homeschooling is a bit more of an “accepted” form of school, but when things are normal, be prepared for contention from others as they learn about your choice to homeschool. I have heard it all from loved ones to complete strangers at the store. My favorite was my pharmacist handing me my medication and letting me know that my children would be socially awkward if I continued to homeschool them. When you face adversity or are having a bad season in your homeschooling, it is nice to have a place of refuge where you can share your heartache. I have a handful of friends and two family members that I know will encourage me when things get tough.

Some of your encouragement may come from friends that you know, however you can also look for online resources such as blogs and professional websites about homeschooling. I have also received a lot of encouragement from Reading good homeschooling books as well. I always try to have one book about homeschooling on my nightstand. Right now I am reading through: “Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of your Child,” By Anthony Esolen

Here are some other amazing homeschooling books that I recommend. Let me know what you think about them or what your favorite homeschooling book is.

Tip #7 Be Willing to Change

Sometimes we choose a curriculum and have high hopes, but as we get into the school year, the reality is that the curriculum just doesn’t fit our child’s learning style. When My daughter started kindergarten I purchased a particular reading program that was recommended by a friend. I put everything together and began to use it. After a couple of months it became obvious that it was too redundant for my daughter. She was bored and didn’t want to do the lessons and the activities that came with it. Because we had already informally completed some reading and phonics lessons prior to kindergarten, the curriculum wasn’t meeting her educational needs. I kept with it as long as possible because I didn’t want to waste the money, but in the end, we moved on to something more challenging and at her level. I was glad we did. I saw a positive change in my daughter and she had a renewed desire to read and be challenged.

So, it is okay to switch your curriculum if it isn’t working for you. Try to stick with it for a couple of months and if there is no improvement, start asking around and researching for something better suited to your child’s needs.

Tip #8 Don’t Forget Breaks and Snack Time

It is so fun to take a break from learning and eat a tasty snack. This can be something simple like water in teacups with pretzels on the side, or something a bit more fancy such as homemade donuts with tea. Whatever it is your family likes to serve up and eat, don’t forget to take those little breaks from learning to refuel. Go outside and eat a snack and play. You can even resume some of your lessons outside if the weather is nice.

Tip #9 Have Fun!

This seems so easy, but it takes some of us moms a little more effort. I admit, I tend to be more serious and task oriented. This is unfortunate for my playful and happy children. I say things like: “hurry up, just get this done, we need to finish, blah blah blah.” I need to keep my eyes open to have fun while we learn. One of the goals of homeschooling my children is to create a love for lifelong learning. I desire for my kids to never look at learning as a boring task. This sometimes requires me to go a bit above and beyond to make sure that we are having fun learning. Can I turn our lesson concept into a song? Can we play a learning game to memorize math facts? Can I play dress up with my kids to act out a time in history? There are so many fun and engaging ways to make homeschooling fun for our children. There are so many resources to help you out as well.

Read this Article about simple ways to add creativity to your homeschooling day.

Click here for my Sample PDF Schedule

Teaching your children at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these tips as you get started. Don’t be too hard on yourself to learn everything at once. Give yourself grace as you figure out what works for your family. Once you get into a homeschooling groove you will be able to take a step back and see what a privilege it is to be your child’s teacher. My hope is that homeschooling will draw your family closer together and that you will see the silver lining in choosing an alternative style of schooling during the pandemic.

So, although life will be different for everyone during this coronavirus pandemic, take heart, you can teach your child at home! You are qualified for this important job.

Let me know how your homeschooling year begins? Do you have any tips for others that are new to homeschooling? Do you have any questions? I am here to help!

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