Patriot Moms

I want to introduce you to a supplemental curriculum that I enjoy using called “What your ___ Grader needs to know” for grades K-6. Each volume is written for a different grade level and is edited by E. D. Hirsch, Jr., author of Cultural Literacy (another great book about the cultural phrases and events that help us understand literature and the world around us, i.e. you “hit the nail on the head” or “let the cat out of the bag”).

If you are looking for a way to supplement an area or introduce a subject that your child is not taking, these are a great resource. They include chapters on Language and Literature (fun stories & poetry to read aloud if you haven’t made it to the library lately), History & Geography (though from a purely secular focus, but still includes neat maps and pictures), Visual Arts (with suggestions of art projects you can do to apply the concepts), Music (covering instruments, musical styles, and fun lyrics to songs every child should know), Mathematics (with extra problems and games to play), and Science (with experiments you can do). At the end of each chapter is a great list of books and/or music you can order or check out from the library if you want to go even deeper.

If you have the time, this is a relatively concise and easy way to add to your child’s day!

You can learn more about this book series at Core Knowledge by clicking here.