Blossom and Root is an educational program focusing mainly on language and literature, but also including science, art, and geography, for students from pre-kindergarten to fourth grade. The programing firmly promotes learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. They have just put out their introductory history program and have two more history curriculums in the process of being created. In August 2021, a program for fifth-graders should be available.
Blossom and Root offers an easygoing methodology for instruction that acknowledges different methods of teaching and capabilities of development. This curriculum is designed to be dynamic, versatile, and specifically tailored to each individual child. It shows the impact of both Waldorf and Charlotte Mason educational systems. The design and outlook of the establishment is evidently inspired by Waldorf, as well as the foundational aspects like learning through experience and the consistent inclusion of art and craft. The impact of Charlotte Mason can be seen in the incorporation of vibrant books, examinations of images, storytelling, transcribing work, and exploration of the outdoors.
Blossom and Root is decidedly secular in its approach. I’m doubtful that the curriculum, which is extremely focused on secular perspectives in both its content and the sources it suggests, will be suitable for families who practice Judaism or Christianity.
The curriculum has been created with a cost-effective approach in mind, as the material is offered in the form of PDF documents. Lesson plans provide guidance to draw upon many sources of knowledge and include read-aloud books not available from Blossom and Root, as well as the occasional web-based resource.
Reading books aloud is an essential component of the curriculum, used for every subject area. Some of those books must be read, but there is a huge selection of supplementary books you can choose from as well. It is possible to obtain multiple volumes from the library, although certain texts you will use often would be better to purchase. The publisher states that the program is being updated so that it will include more varied characters and being able to support different types of family units. You have the option to buy the entire program for a grade level, ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade, or just select parts of it. It is advantageous to invest in an entire curriculum for a certain grade level due to the linkages among multiple disciplines. If you have multiple children, who are at different academic stages, you need to choose a language arts curriculum that works for each one of them. You may still put kids of varying academic abilities together in the same class for science, nature study, art, and history.
How It Works
Young learners get a great start to their academic journey with the Early Years program for pre-kindergarten, through engaging tactile activities, meaningful dialogue and light introductions to academic topics.
Kindergarteners typically start learning to read through a phonics-based curriculum, though those not ready to start can start the program at a later point. I wish programs would provide the alternative of word play rather than workbook activities. You can utilize a wide range of letter manipulatives (magnets, letter tiles, cubes, flashcards, etc.) to demonstrate phonemic fundamentals and aid children in constructing words.
Kindergarten teaches basic math abilities in combination with science lessons. The child’s learning journey of history and geography starts at home by looking at their personal home and family, and then expands to the greater world. Both understanding and engaging in art are important for children to gain an understanding of renowned artists and musicians. They can study their lives and work through appreciation and activities.
Teaching and reinforcing phonics and reading skills is maintained up to the forth grade.
Learning to write and grammatically use language starts early on in kindergarten, with activities such as narration and copy work, however, more complex instruction in areas like grammar, punctuation, writing skills, and spelling would not begin to be taught until fourth grade. You don’t necessarily have to take a separate spelling course, but it could be beneficial. It is likely that you will want to find a handwriting course since it is not a part of the Blossom and Root curriculum.
Book Seeds
Book Seeds are studies which are related to or based on a children’s book, and they last for a period of two weeks. You will have to obtain the kids’ book all by yourself. There are two kinds of Book Seeds: Seasonal and Profiles in Science.
Seasonal Books Seeds concentrate on topics related to nature and are composed for children between two and eight years old. This could be reworded as: “These can be utilized in combination with the Blossom and Root programs or independently.”
The Profiles in Science Book for children aged 6-12 explores the accomplishments of individuals in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Some of them are incorporated into the complete programs. For example, third grade students will be utilizing six Profiles in Science Book Seeds. Aside from reading the children’s book, Book Seeds also guide activities such as examining the environment, maintaining a personal journal, carrying out scientific experiments, practicing handiwork, preparing a food related to the topic, and replicating a quotation for copywork.
Why I Love Blossom & Root
Blossom & Root is an abundant and non-religious homeschool program that is adjustable, engrossing, and reasonably priced. It is possible to purchase an entire year’s worth of materials, or families may select particular topics that are suitable for their needs.
When buying a certain subject for a certain year, please be aware that the Parent Guides are comprehensive and effective; the advice provided is comprehensive but there’s plenty of room for flexibility in terms of how you choose to use the curricula. Careful consideration has been put into ensuring that the book lists and website links are suitable for different age groups, as well as providing a variety of different points of view. This is one of the things I really enjoy — the certainty that I can depend on the resources related to our devoted matters.
Blossom & Root concentrates on literacy and promotes subjects related to STEAM. Blossom & Root has a focus on experiential learning, with a number of active, creative tasks as well as excursions to the outdoors. Student notebooks are given to maintain records of your child’s progress in school, yet much of the material is taught through interactive and enriching practices. This curriculum encourages a child to explore and find their own knowledge and establish relationships between topics of their own accord.
Blossom & Root is not influenced by any religious ideals, although instructors might perceive certain teaching techniques used in Charlotte Mason, Montessori, and Waldorf methodologies. It is certainly possible for any family of faith to utilize this educational material, as well as integrating their own spiritual convictions in conjunction with it. Open-ended play and outdoor adventures are encouraged. Narrating, transcribing, and voicing aloud are all included in language arts programs. Rich literature is celebrated. Hands-on activities are incorporated into the teaching of STEAM topics.
Finally, it should be noted that Blossom & Root is dedicated to ensuring its educational program includes a wide variety of perspectives. This is demonstrated by being dedicated to checking and modifying existing curriculum to adjust what books are used and what material is taught when necessary.
Language Arts
It is paramount to stress that Blossom & Root just unveiled the second version of their Level 1 Language Arts program! So exciting!
You can view a sample of the booklist here. Fairytales and folktales from many different cultures, including Indian, Scottish, Vietnamese, and Hispanic, are featured in stories.
The Blossom & Root Level 1 Language Arts curriculum contains:
- literature projects
- journaling
- word building
- poetry activities
- narration
- copywork
In addition to covering language arts topics, folktales of the world provide an occasion to explore geography and culture. Kids will get the chance to tell stories with play and fascinating venture ideas, and record their insights and what they found out in a Student Notebook.
Last year marked the inaugural version of The Stories We Tell. The literature used in this version was:
- Among the Pond People
- Among the Forest People
- Among the Meadow People
- Favorite Folktales from Around the World
- Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters
- The Blue Fairy Book
- Hans Christian Anderson
Both Version 1 and Version 2 language arts courses incorporate stories of magic and fantasy, legendary tales, and traditional beliefs. Version 2 does not contain the tales of nature that were shared among the people. If you buy the Blossom & Root Level 1 Language Arts program right now, you will be given both Edition 1 and Edition 2. Please read more at Blossom & Root for details.
Science
This science curriculum, Wonders of the Earth & Sky, is really great! My kids truly enjoyed all of this curriculum, some of which was because of the content of the lessons. They would beg to do science every day! Yes, that’s probably why we sometimes made treats that resembled igneous rock and constructed erupting volcanoes outside- and that’s just the point! This was so much fun. College students can find the concepts of geology and meteorology quite complex. I really appreciate how these ideas were presented in an understandable and engaging manner for the youngsters.
The book Wonders of the Earth & Sky describes the topics of geology, weather, and the changing of the seasons. You will receive a handbook for parents, a lab manual, and a notebook for students. The key textbooks employed across the entire curriculum are the Super Earth Encyclopedia and Nature Anatomy. There are alternative suggestions when you purchase the curriculum.
Every week, the parent is expected to review a few major ideas with their child(ren). Depending on the type of family, amount of time available, and the educational style that best fits your children, there is a variety of alternatives to select from. Each week has at least one practical experiment or assignment. You don’t need to stick to this schedule, but I noticed that the majority of them were quickly and inexpensively done.
One can obtain books from the library that are necessary for the corresponding week as well as additional optional ones. Or not. If the additional reading seems too burdensome, leave it out. I personally found the abundance of picture book choices for each subject very appealing. The book list is fantastic.
Math in Art
Examining Mathematics in Art is an interesting and enjoyable part of the Year 1 curriculum! Every week, you can show your child a unique work of art and discuss how it relates to a particular concept of math, such as shapes, symmetry, patterns, and balance. Finally, provide your youngster a chance to make an art work exhibiting what they have studied in a method that goes with the chosen artwork and math notion.
I’m enchanted by the peculiar nature of this program and the multitude of art, creators and approaches to art that it features. We eagerly anticipated the weekly art classes and the students excelled in their artistic abilities as the year went on.
History
A River of Voices: The History of the United States Volume 1 is a course that has a duration of 36 weeks and can be adapted to fit several different grade levels by selecting one of the three available routes. The Gentle Pathway is geared towards kindergarteners to second grade students, as well as to more tender-hearted individuals that could be impacted by stories that include death or physical pain. Grades 3-8 are on the Standard Pathway, and anyone seven grade or higher is on the Advanced Pathway.
The phrase “river of voices” in the title alludes to the inclusion of multiple perspectives and opinions on our past, rather than just one. I think the idea is good, but the implementation isn’t as good as it could be. I am well aware that my opinion on this matter may be at odds with some people. With regards to the core textbooks (the primary sources), there are a few routes that one can go down, whereas extra books needed for every pathway offer much more variety, thus giving parents the power to customize the course as they deem fit. A different version of history is written in the spines and numerous other books, which typically casts explorers, settlers, and Christianity in an unfavorable light, and instead puts a spotlight on the hardships of Native Americans and slaves. It appears that history instruction has gone too far in the opposite direction than it needs to be adjusted.
The course suggests that students view videos, take virtual field trips, explore relevant websites, carry out any necessary hands-on activities, engage in map work, and create writing or drawing entries in their notebooks.
Summary
Blossom and Root should be ideal for families of any religious background who appreciate the shared experience of reading aloud to each other and who favor an informal way of learning. The curriculum has an adjustable structure that permits you to customize it to fit your kids, yet it also necessitates more advance organization, selection making, and instruction imparting to make it effective.
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