Read with the Best is a rigorous, college-prep high school
literature curriculum that combines extensive literary analysis, serious
vocabulary study, reading comprehension, and composition instruction. Designed
by Jill Dixon (author of Write with the Best), this program excels at
preparing students for the SAT, ACT, AP Literature, and Literature CLEP exams.
American Literature is thoughtfully divided into two
separate years for deeper coverage, while British Literature completes
the core sequence. Each volume functions as a full-year course (1 high school
English credit) and includes enough integrated history research to count as ¼
credit in American History.
Key Curriculum Features:
34
weekly units with author background research, “Words to Know” vocabulary
study, literary analysis, and critical reading questions
Weekly
writing assignments coordinated with Write with the Best Volume 2
for structured composition practice
“Make
it Real” application questions and varied culminating activities (many
ideal for co-ops or group discussion)
Vocabulary
and Literary Terms tests every six weeks
Strong
emphasis on essay writing, oratory, and critical thinking skills
Full-year
British Literature course recommends audio versions for many
selections
Program Components:
Student
Worktext: Consumable softcover with weekly schedules, all assignments,
reading questions, writing space, and test-prep material
Teacher’s
Edition: Full answer key with reproducible vocabulary and literary
terms test masters, answer keys, and a research paper checklist
Read with the Best stands out for its thorough
college-preparatory approach, excellent balance of literature study and writing
instruction, and practical design for both independent homeschool use and co-op
classes. It is an outstanding choice for families seeking a challenging,
well-organized literature program that builds strong analytical and composition
skills.
Browse all Read with the Best books and program components below!
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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.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
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.
