What we learned in our LIVE with Heritage Mom Blog
In our LIVE, we chatted with Amber about how to bring this mindset into our homeschools and beyond, fostering an open dialogue with children and teaching them to appreciate humanity through books, explorations, and studies of history.
Why we love homeschool unit studies
The Learn + Live Letter is a homeschool unit study program…but what exactly is a homeschool unit study? What are their benefits? And what type of homeschool family do unit studies work for best?
Learn + Live Letter Level 2+ Book List
Here are the books we recommend for our Level 2+ unit studies.
Why outsourcing some of our subjects is a must in our homeschool
Nine years ago, when we first started homeschooling, I was nervous to take on the challenge of helping my kids learn the subjects I’d struggled with in school. Was I really qualified to teach math when I’d barely passed high school geometry? I bought an all-in-one curriculum and paid extra close attention to the mathContinue reading “Why outsourcing some of our subjects is a must in our homeschool”
How to do Level 2 and 2+ phonics guide of the week
In addition to hands-on, play-based activities in each Level 2 unit, we will also be introducing a phonetic rule or a multi-letter phonogram to your child each week. (Note: We covered single-letter phonograms in Level 1. If your child doesn’t know these, we suggest using the Letter of the Week from Level 1 before moving onContinue reading “How to do Level 2 and 2+ phonics guide of the week”
Why historical truth is essential—and how to teach it in your homeschool
When we tell our children stories from around the world and throughout time, we are providing a foundation for how they see their place in the world and how they view the people around them. This comes with great responsibility because it will shape how your child sees the world―not just today but for decades to come.
A Q&A with Amber O’Neal Johnston on teaching historical truth
Teaching our children historical truths isn’t just an option—it’s crucial for raising informed and empathetic children. No one knows that better than Amber O’Neal Johnston. Amber is a veteran homeschool mom of four children, the popular blogger and homeschool consultant over at HeritageMom.com, and author of the new book A Place to Belong. Because of her vast experience and knowledge on this topic, we asked her to share with us her ideas on teaching the most accurate version of history.
Procrastination, perfectionism, and productivity + how they impact your homeschool
Can perfectionism actually be what’s holding back your homeschool productivity? Counselor and coach Celeste Coffman shares insights and tips for overcoming a tendency to procrastinate.
4 ways to make the most of homeschool field trips
If you’re catching up on field trips over the summer or planning to take more during the school year, here are four ways to make the most of your homeschool outings.
Level 2: Dance (Party!) Unit
This is our last week of activities for the year, and we are so ready to celebrate your child and all that you both have accomplished! So, let’s get ready to get up and dance.
Level 2: Ocean Unit
Ready for adventure, underwater explorers? For this week-long unit, we’ll begin by strengthening our understanding of what makes up this fascinating biome.
Level 2: Japan Unit
We are so excited to introduce you and your child to a variety of Japanese landmarks, some incredibly cool animals, and to help you learn more about Japanese culture.
Level 2: Forest Unit
This week, we’ll explore the incredible ways trees grow—and even communicate!—while we learn more about the other flora and fauna that call the forest home.
Level 1: Ocean Unit
Summer is right around the corner, and what could be more in season than learning about the ocean and it’s sun-drenched beaches? Throughout the unit, we will enjoy some awesome STEAM activities, along with the math, science, art, and music activities you know and love.
An important reminder for homeschoolers at the end of the school year
When making your choices and shopping list for next year, we want to remind you of something we say often: You aren’t running out of time.
Level 1: Japan Unit
Kon’nichiwa! In this county unit study, we’re taking a trip to explore the incredible culture, geography, and arts of Japan.
Level 1: Forest Unit
Many of our units have touched on a variety of trees, but this week, trees are the star. Throughout the week, we’ll explore a variety of forests, types of trees, and animal life that relies on them.
Forest Unit: Parts of a tree craft
We love this tactile craft for reinforcing the parts of the tree!
Japan Unit: Week 4
Our final week of Japan will explore science subjects, including earth science and the weather.
Japan Unit: Week 3
This week in our Japan Unit, we will learn about sumo wrestlers, samurai, ninjas, the Japanese language, haikus, bonsai trees, cherry blossoms, and some of the awesome innovations and technology popular from Japan.
Japan Unit: Week 2
This week is jam-packed full of fun! We will learn about Mount Fuji and volcanoes, the story and artwork of artist Hokusai, ninjas, storytelling in Japan, the island of Okinawa, sea turtles, and sushi!
Japan Unit: Week 1
Welcome to Japan! こんにちは (Kon’nichiwa)! We will start our exploration with detailed mapping skills, a brief history overview, and a deeper dive into ancient Japan. This week will include math and science lessons that connect seamlessly to the unit theme.
2022/2023 Level 2+ Unit Study Schedule
Fall September 5th SendAustralia.Desert.Reptiles.Things That Go. October 3rd SendPeru.Cooking + Favorite Foods.Finance.Entrepreneur. November 7th SendEngland + Ireland.Germs, Viruses + Fungus.Inventions.Fashion. Winter December 5th SendRussia.Outer Space.Espionage.Bears. January 9th SendBrazil.Toys.Recycling + Conservation.The Body. February 6th SendNorway.Mountains.Pirates.Antarctica. Spring March 6th SendNigeria.Monkeys.State Parks + Camping.Decomposers. April 3rd SendCuba.Frontier.Robots.Sports. May 1st SendHawaii.Tide Pools.Sing + Theater.County Fair.
What to know about end-of-year tests and assessments
Evaluations are sometimes necessary, depending on your state requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
Level 2: Up in the Air Unit
Get ready to take learning up, up, and away this week! We’ll explore the history of man-made flying machines, including a look at da Vinci’s original designs, while also tackling a variety of subjects from math to literacy and everything in between.
5 tips for working while homeschooling
Becoming an entrepreneur always means stretching one’s mindset, but it had the added bonus of helping me stretch my mindset about home education while working as well.
Up in the Air Unit: Leonardo da Vinci’s parachute activity
Did you know the Leonardo da Vinci conceived of the idea of a parachute long before one was ever tested? Let’s make our own da Vinci parachute!
Level 2: Animal Care Unit
From domesticated pets to the wildest creatures on the earth, there is so much that goes into caring for our furry, feathered, and scaled friends! In this unit, we’ll explore some amazing human and animal connections from around the world (including several true stories!) and explore how we can take care of the animals we share our planet with.
Level 1: Pet Care Unit
Our unit this week is all about taking care of animals and how some animals have a special job and take care of us. We will also learn about the people who take care for animals both in our community and in captivity.
Level 1: Up in the Air Unit
This week is all about letting your child’s mind take flight! ✈️ We will learn about things that fly, specifically airplanes and hot air balloons.
Level 2: Savanna + Safari Unit
We are so excited for this week’s wild ride through the African savanna! Our lessons will also introduce your child to different areas within Africa, focusing a lot on Kenya (including several overlaps with our Level 3: Kenya Unit for homeschool families in both levels).
Level 2: Butterflies + Migration Unit
Get ready to take flight this week with a variety of migratory animals! We’ll dig deep into some map work, learn about science with butterflies, and even make our own butter. Ready to fly? Click here to download your weekly skills tracker. Note: Occasionally we include project upgrades (for kids ready for more) and modificationsContinue reading “Level 2: Butterflies + Migration Unit”
Dispelling the myth of the “boring” school subject
Here are a few examples of subjects commonly mislabeled as “boring” and how to change up your approach.
Level 1: Butterflies + Migration Unit
Butterflies are amazing insects! 🦋 They can be found in all habitats, from rainforests to deserts to grasslands—no matter where you live, you have butterflies! This unit will be filled with lots of science, plenty of math, and even a biographical story for a splash of history.
Level 3: Kenya Supplies
Here are the books and supplies you need for our Level 3 Kenya Unit.
Kenya Unit: Week 4
This week in our Kenya Unit, we will learn about one early civilization, the influence of colonization, and the sadness of chattel slavery. Let’s take a deeper dive into the history of this nation.
Kenya Unit: Week 3
Week three of Kenya is filled with science, art and culture! We will explore the monsoons and the waterfalls of Kenya, we will learn about the beautiful woodworking skills of Kenyan artists and the mask traditions of its tribes, and we will enjoy learning about some fabulous flamingos and some delicious cuisine.
Kenya Unit: Week 2
This week, we will meet some famous Kenyans! We will learn about a famous Nobel Prize winner and also one of the most famous Kenayan tribes. This week is packed with science—specifically botany, environmental, and earth science.
Kenya Unit: Week 1
Jambo! Hello and welcome to Kenya! This breathtaking country is going to inspire the world traveler within you.
Level 1: France Unit
Bienvenue en France! We are so excited to explore this beautiful country with you and your child, getting a taste for the culture and cuisine while also exploring amazing architecture, living things, music, and art.
Level 2: France Unit
Bienvenue en France! This week, we’ll explore this beautiful country and gain a deeper understanding of the culture, language, cuisine, and more!
Level 2: Castles Unit
Good morrow, lords and ladies! We are so excited to kick off our Castles Unit, which is packed with history around Medieval times and the Renaissance in Western Europe.
Castles Unit: DIY quill activity
Education in medieval times was very different from today. Most people (especially peasants) couldn’t read or write—even many nobles couldn’t read or write. It was mostly the clergy who had all the education. If a noble family wanted to educate their children, they would either do it themselves or get a priest to tutor them. (source)Continue reading “Castles Unit: DIY quill activity”
3 myths about socialization + homeschooling
If you’ve been homeschooling longer than…let’s say 30 seconds, you’ve probably had someone challenge you on how you plan to make sure that your homeschooled child is “socialized.” As common as this question is, though, the truth is that it’s rooted in some serious misconceptions about home education.
Level 2: Flowers Unit
Get ready to watch learning bloom with this colorful unit! This week, we’ll learn about flowers in a variety of ways, from dissecting a real bloom to using flowers to inspire our math and literacy activities.
Level 2: Birds Unit
Your little student’s learning will really take flight with this bird-themed unit.
Level 1: Birds Unit
This week’s unit is for the birds—in the best way! 🐦🦜🐤 We are going to learn about our winged friends this week, including their habitats and what makes them each unique.
Level 1: Flowers Unit
Ready to let creativity and exploration bloom? In this colorful unit study, we’ll explore the science and makeup of flowers while also improving skills around reading, math, art, and more.
French Unit: Week 3
French culture has influenced many others with its food, fashion, and more. This week, we will explore some of the most visited places in France, learn about two famous French inventions, and try one of our favorite food groups—French desserts!
France Unit: Week 2
This week you will no doubt be impressed with the beauty of France. From its gorgeous gardens and impressive architectural structures to the creative art of masters and glorious music of famed composers, France is filled with magnificent things!
France Unit: Week 1
Bienvenue en France! This week we will tour the terrain and landmarks of France with some fun mapping exercises. We will also explore the French language with our friends from The Cultured Kid and learn how to write a research paper.
Our review of The Cultured Kid language program
Language has always been a subject I knew my oldest daughter would explore. From a very young age, she showed an interest and appreciation for different languages–and a knack for imitating them, even in her toddler babble. The problem? I only speak English fluently.
France Unit: Matisse-inspired collage craft
Later in his life, French artist Henri Matisse became famous for brightly colored collages of paper, and it was often said that he “painted” with his scissors.
Level 2: Insects + Spiders Unit
This week, we’ll get on a roll with some dung beetles, explore what gives fireflies their signature glow, and spend a couple of days exploring the world of spiders (all while strengthening literacy, math, and science skills).
Level 2: Spring Unit
We’re so excited to welcome a new season with our Spring Unit study! This week’s lessons will cover a variety of plants and animal you see in the western hemisphere during spring.
Spring Unit: Earthworm estimation + measuring activity
Earthworms are one of our favorite springtime creatures—let’s use them to work on some estimation and measurement practice! What you need: playdough ruler small sticky notes (or you can cut up a large sticky note) googly eyes (optional) What to do: Start by creating three worms” out of playdough (googly eyes optional!) and arranging themContinue reading “Spring Unit: Earthworm estimation + measuring activity”
Level 1: Insects + Spiders Unit
This unit is all about the creepy, crawly little creatures that outnumber us by millions! 🐝🐛🦋🐞🐜🦟🦗🕷(But don’t worry—they’re actually much more interesting than scary!) You will learn about a few specific insects and spiders while also refining your child’s fine and gross motor skills, crafting, and even taking a field trip or two.
Castles Unit: DIY knight shield craft
Get ready to defend your kingdom in style! This simple knight’s shield craft works perfectly with our Level 2 Castles Unit, or with any medieval unit study in your homeschool.
Birds Unit: Bird nest weaving craft
Virtually every bird begins at the nest! And one of the most intricate nests in the animal kingdom is made by the weaver bird. Click here for a video depicting how this tenacious builder creates its elaborate home. Next, let’s weave our own nests with this simple activity. What you need: 6-8 sticks yarn rubberbandsContinue reading “Birds Unit: Bird nest weaving craft”
Level 1: Spring Unit
Spring is one of the four seasons. Let’s welcome spring with some of our favorite books and hopefully a visit to a local garden or farm!
Level 1: Castles Unit
This unit is full of fun history about medieval times in Western Europe. We will examine many parts of life during the feudal system of the dark ages—but with a kid friendly spin. Huzzah!
Castles Unit: DIY falconer craft
occasionally in our time, but it was much more popular during medieval times.
Castles Unit: DIY cardboard castle with drawbridge
We’re kicking off our castles unit with a royal structure of our own!
Insects + Spiders Unit: Insect and spider anatomy craft
Let’s kick off our Insects + Spiders Unit by comparing and contrasting insect and spider anatomy.
Birds Unit: Penguin subtraction activity
Let’s let our favorite waddling birds inspire our math activity today!
Insects + Spiders Unit: Spider life cycle spinner
are many things that make a spider different from an insect, but one major one is their life cycle. In today’s simple craft, we’ll bring the spider life cycle to life in a hands-on way your child can refer to again and again.
Level 1: Rivers, Lakes + Ponds Unit
Let’s hit the water this week with a unit study packed with animal and plant science! (Plus a lot of art, math, phonics work, and more!)
Waterfall kinetic energy experiment
Have you ever wondered how a waterfall forms? When you have a river running over rocks with different rates of erosion, eventually you create a new watercourse: a waterfall! This page shares more about how a waterfall forms, but here are the main points to share with your child: A waterfall forms when a riverContinue reading “Waterfall kinetic energy experiment”
Level 2: Rocks Unit
If you think of something stagnant and boring when you hear rocks, it might be time to give them a second look! In this week’s geology-rich unit, we’ll explore rocks under and above the earth’s crust for a deeper understanding of how rocks form, change, and explode! Click here for our printable tracker to keep aContinue reading “Level 2: Rocks Unit”
Rocks Unit: Rock clock activity
We love this simple activity for reinforcing your child’s understanding of how to tell time—and for taking our school outdoors!
Level 2: Rivers, Lakes + Ponds Unit
As we get closer to spring, there is so much to discover about in small bodies of water! This week, we’ll explore rivers, lakes, and ponds and the many animals and organisms that live in them.
Rivers, Lakes + Ponds Unit: Frog life cycle
The frog life cycle is one of the most incredible mtamorphoses of the anuimal kingdom. If your child has never seen it before, watch this beautiful video that shows you each stage of the metamorphosis. Next, solidify the lesson with this simple thumbprint craft. What you need: paper plate green paint thin green and blackContinue reading “Rivers, Lakes + Ponds Unit: Frog life cycle”
Level 1: Rocks Unit
This week’s lessons are rich with science lesson and experiments that will have your child putting on their geologist hat.
Rocks Unit: Felt Earth’s layers puzzle
There is so much more to the earth than the crust we walk on! While we often think of planets as big hunks of rock, our earth is actually made up of several layers, or what scientists call the geosphere. Let’s break down the earth’s layers with this hands-on felt puzzle. What you need: 8×12Continue reading “Rocks Unit: Felt Earth’s layers puzzle”
Ancient Rome: Week 4
Let’s end our month of Ancient Rome by learning a bit more about the geography (including a historic volcanic eruption!), how the ancient Romans liked to relax, and what modern-day Rome looks like now.
Ancient Rome: Week 3
This week, we’ll dig deeper into some Roman discoveries that are still relevant in the math, science, and art worlds.
Ancient Rome: Week 1
In this month-long unit, all roads lead to Rome—ancient Rome, that is! We’ll cover a variety of topics, including history, writing, science, and more through hands-on activities your child will love.
Quilts Unit: Paper shape making quilt activity
Let’s explore some shapes as we make our own patterns with this activity.
10 ways to teach math with movement
A recent study demonstrated that motor rich learning activities directly improved mathematical performance. Even more significantly, the study identified that gross motor movement (whole body) activities yielded larger improvements than participation in fine motor activities in relation to math performance.
Level 2: Quilts + Light, Shadows + Rainbows Supply Lists
Here’s what you need for the Level 2 Quilts and Light, Shadows + Rainbows Units.
Level 2: Light, Shadows + Rainbows Unit
There’s so much more to light than meets the eye! In this science-rich unit study, we’ll explore everything from the color of light to the power of its energy through hands-on activities and experiments that will bring complex concepts to life for your child.
Level 2: Quilts Unit
As you work your way through this unit, you’ll actually be introducing several important events in U.S. history to your child—events that you will likely cover again and again throughout their education.
Level 1: Light, Shadows + Rainbows Unit
Our activities this week are full of bright ideas! 💡 We will learn about light, the shadows that are created when it is blocked, and the beautiful colors that are seen when we send it through a prism.
Level 1: Quilts Unit
If all you think about when you think of quilts is the afghan on your grandma’s couch, think again. Quilts can teach us the beauty of culture, family, and diversity—especially when it comes to gaining understanding of cultures different from our own.
Quilts Unit: Covered wagon craft
When white settlers started to make their way west in the Westward Expansion, many of them did so in a covered wagon. The Oregon Trail was one popular route that took emigrants to Oregon and other western destinations. The trail was about 2,000 miles long, and an estimated 250,000 to 650,000 migrated on it fromContinue reading “Quilts Unit: Covered wagon craft”
Level 2: Greece Unit
From famous stories to famous discoveries, so much of our modern-day culture has roots in ancient Greece! Throughout this week, we’ll explore this fascinating country and culture while strengthening your child’s skills in a variety of subjects, including math, science, and literacy.
Level 2: Tools + Construction Unit
This week’s unit will inspire your child to think outside the box and “build” on their understanding of a variety of subjects, including math, engineering, and more.
Level 1: Greece Unit
γεια σας! (Or yeia sas, which is Greek for hello!) This week will we immerse ourselves in all things Greece. Besides learning about the people and culture of this ancient and modern civilization, we will also practice important fine and gross motor skills.
Level 1: Tools + Construction Unit
Brick laying, construction sites, and tools—oh my! This week’s unit is all about building up (and even a little breaking down 😉). By the end of the week, you’ll have tackled measuring, engineering, phonics, photography and more!
Ancient Greece: Week 4
We begin our final week of Greek studies by learning about ancient Greek inventions and government. We will learn about the lasting impact the Greeks have had on our modern world and how their influence in our lives.
Ancient Greece: Week 3
For week three of our Greece Unit, we’ll take a trip to Mount Olympus to learn how the Greek gods impacted life, culture, literature, and more.
Ancient Greece: Week 2
The Olympics as we know them today are very different from the original games that began in Greece. This week we will learn about the history of the games.
Ancient Greece: Week 1
There is so much to examine in Greek history—get ready for an exciting month with your child! For our first week, we’ll explore some geography, a famous myth, and more about this rich culture.
Spring Unit: Rabbit texture craft
For this art activity, we will be examining the idea of texture in art through a simple rabbit drawing of our own.
Greece: Simple Acropolis craft
The Acropolis is one of the most famous archaeological sites of Greece. Part of why it has been able to last so long is the strength of its column design. Let’s learn more about that with this activity today that will also help reinforce shapes for younger children.
Level 2: Arctic Unit
For our Arctic Unit, we’ll be exploring the northernmost part of the planet—and getting to know some of the people and animals who call it home! We’ll also explore how the hemispheres work together while strengthening your child’s math, literacy, and fine motor skills.
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