It’s easy! Step 1 – pick your grade. Next, choose 1-2 books from each category starting with your core (Read, Writing, Math). Step 3 – place your order or contact me to have an an online event to get FREE and discount books!

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By making your own curriculum, you can let your children lead in their education. This means you can teach them about their favorite subjects while they learn exactly what they need for their grade level. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this and make it really fun for your kids!

To help you find books easily, I’ve created links to book lists for each grade level at the bottom of each curriculum guide. You can also use the search bar on the right in my Usborne books and more store to find what you need! Here is a list of the Best Books for every Homeschool if you’d just like some help supplementing curriculum you already have.

Homeschool with Usborne Curriculum Guides

Prek – K Package

Each year, choose from one of the following. Create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading: Start to Read Pack OR Very First Reading Set. Wipe Clean Books (Letters Focused ones); Learning Pallette K Reading; First Hundred Words.

Literature: 1 Quarterbound cloth books; Fairy Tale Treasury and Usborne Nursery Rhymes; 2 Picture books; OR the Usborne Picture Book Gift Set.

Math:  1-2 First Dot-to-Dot; 1 Themed Wipe Clean book; Learning Pallette K Math; Big Book of Things to Spot

Science:  1 Science-themed Flap Book; 1 Science-themed Look Inside Board Book; 1 themed Lift the Flap;1 themed Big Book of Big

History and Geography:  1 themed Look Inside Board Book; Children’s Picture Atlas

Art: I can Draw; My First Color Book; Big Drawing, Doodling, and Coloring Book; Activity Books for Little Children

Critical Thinking and Fine Motor Skills: 1 Finger Match Set; 3 of First Stickers Books; 1-2 of Build a Picture Sticker Books

Click here to see a full selection of the different books. Then, view the Homeschool with Usborne video below to get a peek inside some of our best sellers.

Need help creating a curriculum for your specific child? Message me on Facebook here and I’ll make you a free book list.

1^st – 3^rd Curriculum Package

Each year, choose from one of the following, to create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading and Writing: First Reading Set; 3 – 4 Beginners Books; Young Reading Series 1, 2, OR 3;  Any Series Fiction; My First Story Writing Book;  Illustrated Dictionary

Literature:    1 Myths and Stories; 1 Illustrated Originals; 2 Illustrated Stories; Shakespeare Collection

Math:  Learning Palette + 1 Wrap-up to Match Grade Level; 1 Illustrated Math Dictionaries; Lift the Flap Times Tables

Science: 1 – 2 Science Activities Books; 1 of 3 Science Experiments books; 1 of First Encyclopedias; 1 of Nature Encyclopedias; 1 Starting Point Science book

History and Geography: Time Traveler; Who Were the First North Americans; Then and Now; 1 of Themed See Inside Board Books; 1 Atlas

Art: Very First Art Sticker or My Very First Art; Art Treasury; Lift the Flap Art; Famous Artists Sticker Book; 1 Art Cards

Critical Thinking and Fine Motor Skills: 1 Pack of Activity Cards; 1 Language book; 2-3 of any Activities and Stickers Books

Click here to see a full selection of the different books for this grade level.  Then, view the video below for a peek inside some of the choices above.

Become a Brand Partner!

You can create your own homeschool with Usborne for FREE and get paid at the same time! There are no minimum sales requirements. No inventory needed, and you have the opportunity to earn the full cost of your kit back in 30 days! PLUS, I will personally coach you on how to build your book business or just as a fun hobby! Either way, we want YOU on the team! 

Click here to watch the web-class and learn more! Or sign up on my website! Don’t wait! Offer ends 3/31

4th – 6th  Curriculum Package

Each year, choose from one of the following, to create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading and Writing:  Any Series Fiction; Write Your Own Story or Write Your own Adventure Story; Illustrated Thesaurus

Math: Learning Palette + 1 Wrap-­‐up to Match Grade Level (if not yet all used); 1 Illustrated Math Dictionaries; This is Not a Math Book

Science:  1 Discovery Books (Astronomy; Sharks; Snakes); Science Encyclopedia; 1 Mysteries and Marvels; 1 Complete Books (Science themed); Illustrated Science Dictionary; The World of the Microscope; 100 Things to Know about Science

History and Geography:  1 The Story of; Geography Encyclopedia; Sticker Picture Atlas; Lift-the-flap Picture Atlas; Encyclopedia of World History; World Religions; 1 World History; Castles;

Art: 1 Art Cards; Complete Book of Art Ideas,

Critical Thinking and Fine Motor Skills:  2­‐3 of any Activities and Stickers Books

Click here to see a full selection of the different books for this grade level. Then, view the video for a peek inside some of the choices for 4th grade and up.

7th Grade+ Curriculum Package

Each year, choose from one of the following to create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading and Writing: Write Your Own Story; Write Your own Adventure Story; Write and Draw Your Own Comics; Illustrated Thesaurus

Literature: Illustrated Originals; Any Series Fiction; World of Shakespeare; True Stories;

Math: This is Not a Math Book; A Puzzle a Day; 50 Brain Games, Memory Puzzles. Illustrated Math Dictionary (if you don’t have one)

Science:  Pocket Books; Electricity and Magnetism; 3 Illustrated Science Dictionaries; 1 What’s All About

History and Geography: World History, World War book; From Pie Town to Yum Yum;

Art/Drawing Activities: Any Nature Coloring (can assist with Science); Any Pattern Coloring; Any Hobbie Guides; Optical Illusions

Click here for a list of the different books for this grade level.

Need help? Contact me and I can create a custom list for all your children!

The post Make Your Own Homeschool Curriculum with Books! first appeared on True Aim.

Don’t miss the giveaway at the end of this post! There are affiliate links in this post. Read my full disclosure here.

Most of these books are included in popular homeschool curriculum like Sonlight, or My Father’s World, but you can get them individually and use them to homeschool just by going through the books, but without the huge price tag.

15 Books for Every Homeschool

These books are the highest quality. Even so, I’ve seen several of these books literally falling to pieces because of how much the owners used them. That’s why they are so great, even after they fall apart from love, there is a lifetime half price guaranty for any reason!

Books for PreK & Kindergarten

1. Big Book of Things to Spot

Children love seek-and-find books! This book is featured in My Father’s World Curriculum and helps children learn to problem solve and count. You can also talk about different environments and other real-world vocabulary. The combined volume saves you over 60% by including 4 books in one.

2. Flip Flap Body Book

With this book, children will learn what happens to their food, how their senses work, and an appropriate introduction on how babies are made. The fold-out flaps help children see what is going on inside of our bodies. No wonder it is featured in Sonlight’s Curriculum!

3. I Can Draw Animals

Even very young children can draw animals with the help of this award-winning book. Clear step-by-step directions will help them create amazing results! This book is also featured in both Sonlight and My Father’s World.

4. Very First Reading Set

This best selling series helps children learn to read with it’s shared reading feature. There are 2 sets of text on each page, one is simple for the child to read and the other more difficult for parents to read. However, children can read the simple text only and the story will still make sense. Watch the video below for more examples.

5. Complete Book of Farmyard Tales

Just like the Very First Reading Set, this book has the shared reading feature and comes with a read-along cd. Children love learning about life on the farm and instantly bond with the different characters in these delightful stories.

6. Children’s Picture Atlas

A great introduction to geography for young children, this book also has plenty of detailed information to share with elementary ages as well.

Elementary Homeschool Books

7. 365 Science Activities

You’ll never run out of science experiments! Each one is simple to do and uses common household materials. There are plenty of ways to expand most of the activities and meet the needs of most science curriculum you are already using.

8. Illustrated Stories from Aesop

The most popular stories from Aesop retold for children and beautifully illustrated. These classic stories are packed full of life lessons that everyone should learn.

9. Art Treasury

Children and parents alike love this book because it gives a great introduction to famous art from around the world and then follows each piece with a project inspired by the artist.

10. First Encyclpedia of Science

This book explains the most commonly asked questions related to science. Why is the sky blue? Why do things float? Lots more answers are given and you can research them further with the internet links given for each topic.

11. Children’s Encyclopedia

The ultimate Children’s Encyclopedia with QR links and over 150 recommended websites. This book also includes downloadable quizzes, word searches, and activity sheets.

Middle & High School

12. Astronomy & Space

If you have a space explorer in your homeschool, this is the book for them! This the latest information from astronomers and space probes, the book shows children the universe and how they can look at it from home with basic equipment.

13. Encyclopedia of the Ancient World

From the first farmers of the Middle East to the rise of Rome, this book fascinates children of all ages. Young adults will love all the details and photos it gives to show life as it was in the ancient world.

14. Complete Book of the Human Body

This book is filled with useful information about the body, like how to take your pulse and test your reaction time. It is filled with vivid images, scans, x-rays and diagrams. An essential book to have when studying the human body in depth.

15. Science Encyclopedia

Over 2500 scientific terms, 1500 illustrations and diagrams, 140 experiments and observations to try make this book an amazing resource! Inspire your scientists to take their education into their own hands by exploring this book on their own.

Which Usborne books are on your list?

The post 15 Books Every Homeschool Should Have first appeared on True Aim.

This post contains affiliate and consultant links to my Usborne Book store.

Penguin Book for Toddlers

This book is perfect for children ages 9 months and up! It especially engages toddlers because it is filled with sensory experiences. Each page features a penguin with a different texture. Which Penguin is the right one?

That’s Not My Penguin

Penguin Learning Activities for Toddlers

These activities are meant to encourage learning, but if your child isn’t enjoying it, it might not be the right level for them. Try adjusting it to fit their interests and abilities.

Penguin Finger Print

Just like every finger print is different, so is every Penguin. Teach your toddler about their finger print or talk about how penguins can identify each other by the noise they make and every penguin has a different call.

Penguin Hand Print

It’s easy and fun to do hand print art and talk about the different parts of a penguin as you make it with your child.

Penguin Sensory Bin

Great idea for independent play and to talk about where Penguins live.

Blubber Science

How do penguins stay warm in the freezing cold water?

Simple Penguin Math Games

Here are some ideas for fun math games to play with these or any printable penguins.

Circle Penguin Craft

Just have the circles cut out and ready and this is the easiest craft! Your toddlers will learn what a circle is in one activity.

More Penguin Shapes

Teach your toddler all their shapes with these cute printable penguins and more.

Penguin Pompom Color Match

Use this for counting too!

Feed the Penguin

Like a fun flash card game, teach your toddler lots of things with this activity!

Penguin Counting

Another easy game about feeding the penguins!

Penguin Preschool Games App

The penguin videos are a blast!

Penguin Snack

If they get hungry during their learning activity, try this cute little snack

Penguin Treat

After all their hard ‘work’ reward them with a penguin ice cream treat!

The Story Corner!

Check out more book themed activities below!

Your hosts:

Dusty at To the Moon and Back

Karyn at Teach Beside Me

Nicole at Home with My Sons

Jodie at Growing Book by Book

The post Penguin Learning Activities for Toddlers first appeared on True Aim.

My daughters love books, but their favorites all have something in common: compelling content or special features! Maybe you remember a special book that you never got bored of?

I had one. It was The Jolly Postman. It had all of the fair-tale characters I loved, but also featured little envelopes on each page with a letter inside. I read it over, and over and still like to read it to this day.

Top 5 Favorite Book Features

Remembering the joy that I got from reading that book made me think, if every book was like that children would never hate to read. So here are 5 unique things that you’ll want to look for the next time you buy books.

Books that Hide Secrets

Kids love to find things. Combine that in a book and you have unlimited learning and reading opportunities! Usborne has an amazing collection of books with things hidden inside waiting to be revealed.

Shine – A – Light Books

All of these books feature pages with hidden images within the page. How can you see them? Shine a flashlight on the page and reveal what’s inside! I love these books because they are mostly educational and teach children about nature; plants, habitats and animals!

Lift the Flap Books

The usual hide-and-seek style books with a great educational twist! They are all about the world around us and reveal answers to questions that everyone has.

Classic Stories

Stories that have been around for hundreds of years, they have important messages and teach something about life. These stories can be memorized easily by children and they always captivate their audience.

Illustrated Bible Stories

This cloth-bound collection of Bible stories is perfect to read allowed to young children (4yrs+) or for older children to read independently. Stunning, full-page illustrations bring stories from the Old and New Testament vividly to life, and a comprehensive ‘Who’s who in the Bible’ helps children remember the characters and stories.

Aesop’s Fables

One of my daughters favorite books! She’s read the Town Mouse and Country Mouse at least 10 times. This version is filled with over 30 stories, enchantingly illustrated and retold, these stories are the perfect introduction to Aesop and will be enjoyed for years to come.

Stories from Shakespeare

The thought of reading Shakespeare’s original works to a child might be daunting, but this book makes it easy. Featuring six of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays, this beautiful book is a must-have!

Activity Books

Hands-on fun and literacy are combined in these special activity books. Children use their minds to observe, problem solve and create while reading at the same time.

Craft Books

Not just any crafts! The 100 Paper Planes book features tear-out pages and directions to make 100 different paper plane designs. And there are lots more crafting books that are just like it with activities ranging from Birthday Cards to Optical Illusions! 

Sticker Books

These sticker books are just like little puzzles. Each one comes with about 200 stickers and information all different topics; trains, planes, trucks, the alphabet, and more! Some are just for fun and others help children learn, but your children don’t need to just use the stickers in the books. Allow them to create their own books and pictures!

Puzzle and Activity Books

Solve puzzles, skillfully observe, and enjoy reading with these puzzle and activity books. The Usborne Picture Puzzle Book in particular is a perfect start to more advanced brain teasers and puzzles.

Books with Sound

Add a little music or sound effects and an old story comes alive! Children love to use both their sense of sight and sound to read.

My First Keyboard Book

This is a perfect introduction to learning how to play piano. It teaches hand eye coordination, intro to music reading, and colors! The notes move up and down for the pitch changes so children start recognizing that basic notation.

Little Children’s Bedtime Music Book

An adorable bedtime ritual that your children will treasure in their minds long after the book is worn. The adorable baby animals will give your children sweet dreams as they get tucked in.

Collections and Series

When you love a character in a story or you really like a particular author, having more of the same books keeps your children’s interest. With book series and collections the story continues and your child’s love of reading does too.

Take a look inside some of the books here:

The post Top 5 Favorite Book Features for Kids first appeared on True Aim.