Stories have been used to teach and transfer knowledge for thousands of years. A good story engages our curiosity, emotions, and imagination. A good story can inspire, enliven, and create a propensity for change in the lives of the reader. Using a Literature-based approach to learning in your homeschool can be a powerful tool and motivator to educate your children.
What is Literature-based learning?
A literature-based approach to learning replaces traditional textbooks with what Charlotte Mason called, “living books.” These books have stood the test of time, classic books that display “imagination” and “originality. They are books that engage the reader and draw them into learning more about a subject.
A literature-based approach to learning is possible for every subject. Part of the appeal for families using this approach is that good literature crosses subject areas. Utilizing literature across your curriculum prepares children with the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in a way that lets them communicate effectively and make sense of the world. This approach promotes connections among subjects naturally. These literary experiences develop critical and creative thinking.
How do you follow a literature-based approach?
Some homeschooling families build their own literature-based learning experiences. They choose books that meet the goals and desires they have in mind for a particular area of study. An example might be to select The Trumpet and the Swan by E.B. White to study swans and/or pond life. Middle-grade, children may read books such as The Genevieve Foster collection of “World” books as their history study.
Carole Joy Seid is a veteran homeschool mother, speaker, and educational consultant who offers seminars on building your literature-based homeschool experience.
Suppose you prefer a curriculum that is already assembled and guided, in that case, your family might enjoy curriculums such as Sunlight, Beautiful Feet Books, My Father’s World, or Good & Beautiful among many other choices. These pre-assembled curriculums offer planned, no-prep lessons along with living books. Parents are provided all they need to guide their students through the School year.
What are the benefits of a literature-based approach?
The benefits of a literature-based approach to learning are
- Develop high-level thinking skills
- Improves vocabulary and reading comprehension
- Encourages language growth
- Encourages family bonding as families read-a-loud together
- Stories engage readers/listeners on a high level so the reader/listener retains more information than if just presented with facts
- Connects learning across subjects
Challenges of a literature-based approach to learning are
- High level of hands-on involvement by parents during the younger years
- Challenging for children whose reading struggles or delays
A literature-based approach to homeschooling can be a fun, engaging, and family-strengthening way to teach your children. Whether you choose to build your curriculum through living books or you buy a pre-assembled curriculum reading good books has excellent benefits.
To learn more about living books or reading with your kids check out the podcast Read-aloud Revival and Honey For A Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt.
Also, read all about how to incorporate living books into Lapbooking and Notbooking from kindergarten through high school. You can read the article by clicking HERE.
Find out more about how Exodus Christian Academy can help you in your homeschool journey by clicking HERE.
