Layers Of Learning

Description

As a firm believer in the value of unit studies for homeschool families, I was delighted to have the opportunity to review this well-written, family-friendly curriculum. Written for a wide grade range of 1-12, parents with younger children will easily have enough materials to include their little ones in the topical studies, making this truly a unit study for all ages!

Well-organized, flexible, with hands-on activities and projects, Layers of Learning offers a family approach to learning that follows a chronological, four-year cyclical approach to history. Families may choose to use subjects independently or together for a one-year comprehensive curriculum in social studies (history and geography), science, writing, and the arts. Just add phonics/reading, spelling, and mathematics at grade level to complete your homeschool year. The curriculum is in the process of being revised, with Year One and Two currently available.

Layers of Learning courses are divided into nine units, each subject's unit includes teaching notes, library lists, activities, and enrichment ideas. Within this, activities are further divided into three grade levels: 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Parents can easily move between levels to meet student needs, making this a great option for a struggling or gifted learner! Main concepts are explained and include numerous suggestions for library books, websites, and You-Tube videos. Updated weblinks are also found at the publisher's website. You choose what fits your family's learning goals! Additional layers (carefully selected rabbit trails) are included to go deeper into one topic. Religious events are studied for historical value. Integrated throughout, the Writer's Workshop contains writing lessons and suggested writing prompts are included for proficient writers. Corresponding Printed Student Journals are available for each subject (used throughout a four-year cycle) or use a notebook of your choice. Add quality children's history and science encyclopedias to your bookshelf, a few library books, and ordinary household or art/craft items. Purchase includes information to download a printable packet of student resources, which includes reproducible activity pages, images for the printed Student Journals, and more.

Recommended and used in each year are the Printed Student Journals (or 3-ring binder), and the following reference books: Usborne Encyclopedia of World History (#018005 or #000979), the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia (#003618), a student atlas (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 unable to find one of these options, any quality Children’s Encyclopedia will work–parents will need to align lessons with chapters and page numbers. 

Year 1 begins with the First Civilizations and concludes with Ancient Roman History; covers maps and globes through continents and the oceans in People and Planets (Geography); the history of science and an overview of its branches are covered in Science; with Art looking at the purpose, supplies, and elements of art as well as ancient art from early history. 

Year 2 studies the Middle Ages from Early Medieval Europe Byzantine Empire and concludes with the Renaissance. Historical peoples and places studied include the Islamic Caliphates, Asian Empires, Pacific Peoples, Medieval Britian, North American Peoples, African Kingdoms, and the Renaissance (Italian, Northern, and English). Mapping Our World focuses on the geographical areas of Europe (Western and Eastern), the Near East, Southeast and Central Asia, Pacific Islands, Northern South America, Mainland North America, and West Africa. Through the year, Biology is studied and provides a rich hands-on, lab-based experience. Evolutionary theory is covered with parents given encouragement to discuss alternative views. Aligned topically to the history text, Middle Ages Art explores art forms and artists, architecture, stories, dance, and literature of the time.

Limited quantities of the classic Layers of Learning individual units are available. Each unit is designed to take two weeks, although based on the number of resources included, these could easily extend into longer periods of learning. The units are divided into 4 areas: Explorations (hands-on activities), Experiments (Science), Expeditions (field trip suggestions) and Explanations (additional teaching notes). Written to be a comprehensive, yearlong unit study, some families may prefer to utilize this holistic learning process to supplement textbook learning. With the ability to purchase each unit independently, this is an excellent way to try out the program, to supplement your current curriculum with hands-on activities or to manage your homeschool budget. Recommended for the study are a 3-ring binder, a children's encyclopedia (for example the Usborne Encyclopedia of World History (#018005 or #000979 or the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia #003618), a student atlas (DK Student Atlas #057764), and a Science Encyclopedia (DK Encyclopedia of Science #004894).

As a mom who loved to incorporate thematic learning and unit studies, I appreciate the author's attempts to make the courses easy to use, engaging and adaptable for family learning. If you are struggling to teach all subjects to all your kiddos, take a close look at Layers of Learning! It might just be what's been missing in your quest for success! Reproducible for families. ~Deanne

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.