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Well-organized, flexible, with hands-on activities and projects, Layers of Learning offers a family approach to learning in several subject areas. Written for a wide range of grades (1-12), courses may be used independently or together for comprehensive instruction 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. 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.
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. Writing prompts are included for proficient writers or add Writer's Workshop for added instruction and activities. 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 and art/craft items. See each subject for more information on the scope of teaching. Courses and Printed Student Journals are sold separately or packaged together for your convenience. Purchase includes information to download a printable packet of student resources, which includes reproducible activity pages, images for the printed Student Journals, and more. 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 family use. ~ Deanne