myWorld Interactive Social Studies Gr. K-5 (2019)

Compared to the previous edition of MyWorld, the 2019 interactive edition relies more on the online component. The online resources make it easy for a student to work independently without being on the vastness of the internet. That said, there are some fantastic resources in the worktexts! Using Level 5B as my reference, there is an entire unit on Geography/Map Skills in the front, a Writing Workshop, lists of people to know (biography potential), loads of graphs and charts, and primary sources, where students can read the documents themselves – not someone’s version of it. There is a multi-sensory element to this program that will appeal to a variety of learners. I also found it to be thoughtfully inclusive in the images and viewpoints shared. Sold as a homeschool bundle that includes a student text and one-year access to the Savvasrealize.com digital platform. In Grades K-5, the student has a softcover, consumable student worktext. In Grades 6-8, the student has a hardcover, non-consumable textbook.

The Student Book provides the lesson readings, comprehension checks and other fill-in-the-blank activities. As the student works through the lessons, they are prompted to use resources online. Icons for video content, interactivity (online assignment), audio, games, assessments, and the student e-text are clearly noted. For example, chapter 9 starts with a video about the Civil War, a group activity, and an audio rap about fighting for freedom with several highlighted vocabulary words. Then you get into the meat of the lesson with an illustrated timeline to preview the content, creating a sentimental song after researching music of the era, reading several pages about the cause of the war, and answering questions to show understanding. Lessons are lively and suitable to a variety of learners. You could also treat this as a more traditional text if you like (skip the songs). I found many group activities which a homeschooler may have to adapt or skip. The writing assignments ask higher order questions. For example: What are the options? What are the consequences of each option?

Online resources include the previously mentioned student resources, assessments, and e-texts in Spanish. Interactive templates for the elementary courses, (K-5B) encourage children to create a historical story using PowerPoint technology (or download and save into an editable PDF.) Teacher resources are only available on the digital platform and include a wealth of helpful resources including a full teacher guide with lesson plan summaries; editable student worksheets and chapter tests; hands-on activities; leveled readers with lesson plans; and other general resources such as graphic organizers, maps, and correlations to national standards. Answers are found in the Teacher Edition e-text or more conveniently under each chapter or topic section. Students do not have access to answers. ~ Sara