Layers of Learning is a family-style, unit study approach to homeschooling that uses a chronological, four-year cycle of history. Designed to be used together with children of different ages, it combines History & Geography, Science, Writing, and the Arts into one rich integrated curriculum. Families simply add phonics/reading, spelling, and math at each child’s grade level.
Integrated throughout the course, the Writer’s Workshop contains writing lessons and suggested writing prompts. Printed Student Journals are used for the 4-year cycles, or use a 3-ring binder. Required resources include quality children’s history and science encyclopedias, a few library books, and ordinary household and art/craft items.
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 Planet (Geography); the history of science and an overview of its branches are covered in science; with Art Beginnings 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. Mapping Our World focuses on the geographical areas of Europe, the Near East, Southeast and Central Asia, Pacific Islands, Northern South America, Mainland North America, and West Africa. Biology offers a perfectly balanced family learning science course that includes ample content and laboratory opportunities to meet traditional high school lab requirements. At the high school level, additional science equipment and supplies are recommended (see our website). Aligned topically to the history text, Middle Ages Art explores art forms and artists, architecture, stories, dance, and literature of the time.
Year 3 covers 1500-1800. Colonial History studies all the major civilizations that shaped world history including those from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. World Cultures teaches about human culture and includes families, religion, myths, rituals, languages and more. Art in Colonial History includes Baroque, arts of Africa, folk art, Neoclassical art, classical music, and more. Chemistry offers the perfect balance of gently introducing topics for younger ones, while providing rigorous lectures and laboratory experiences that will meet high school standards.
Year 4 consists of Modern World History and covers major events in history from about 1800 to the 21st century. People & Place tours the planet region-by-region and studies economics, governments, and countries. Students will also study Physics and Modern Arts from romanticism to digital art.