23/24 Curriculum Picks

Our 2023-2024 curriculum picks took me a little longer to pick than normal. I spent my summer researching Charlotte Mason (CM) and reading the first half of For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. While I'm still reading and doing deep dive into to all things CM, it was such an encouragement to my heart. I don't follow all of the principles, nor am I strictly CM in our homeschool, but we lean that direction--with a few other things thrown in. Eclectic-if you need to put a name on it. Charlotte Mason's views on learning spoke directly to me. Knowing that good literature and nature and connection are key to her principles encouraged me that we are on the right path. I have been striving to get more literature into our days and more nature into our souls. Nature walks, nature study, hiking--and more. 

While I was reading, I had in the background of my mind that learning is all the time, all year round. Our minds and bodies are learning daily in more than just book work. However, I wanted to implement the principles into our homeschool book work as well.

Ultimately, my husband and I pray over every aspect of our school year. I take into account how I teach, how my children learn, and the financial cost. Then, I make decisions based on each of those. 

So, without further ado, here are our picks for 2023-2024. 

Bible and Morning Time

I put these two together because we mostly do them at the same time. 

Treehouse Schoolhouse** released a new Bible curriculum this year titled Rooted Family Bible Curriculum, Volume One.  I had been searching for a bible study that would help teach my children that their identity is in Christ. This does exactly that, plus brings in the enrichment of poetry, hymns, and art. We do this study during breakfast, and we are enjoying it so far! 

In our morning menus, we do calendar, weather, and scripture memory. All three of these are also from Treehouse Schoolhouse. The calendar and weather are part of the Morning Time Bundle. I put them in a menu cover, and the kids use dry erase markers to fill them out each morning. We've been using this tool for a couple of years. This has been an easy way to teach them the months of the year, days of the week, and temperature. 

The scripture memory is called Light the Way Scripture Memory Set. This goes along with Our 24 Family Ways by Clay Clarkson, which we are using a family devotion led by my husband before bedtime. Light the Way has different daily activities to help commit the verses to memory. We are only one week in using this set, but I think it is going to pay dividends in the end. Two of my children have almost memorized the first verse! 

After this, we round out morning time by reading a few library books.

Individual Lessons- Language Arts

My oldest will be using Language Lessons for Today Level 4 by My Father's World. This is a Charlotte Mason style language arts curriculum. These simple lessons utilize such things as picture study, poetry, oral narration, copywork, and learning to use a dictionary.

My middle child is already almost halfway through All About Reading Level 1. She enjoys the sound practice mixed with the built in games. She also gets to read stories from an actual book every other lesson. This has been her favorite reading curriculum we have tried. We will most likely start Level 2 towards the middle of the year. 

My youngest is using a mixture of things this year. She is learning her alphabet and sounds with Treehouse Schoolhouse's Wonder of Nature Early Years Collection. I put this in a menu cover and she uses a dry erase marker, playdoh, etc. to trace the letters and words. We are also playing games I find on Pinterest or make up myself. We are using sand trays, wooden letters, things we find around the house to build our vocabulary and associate first sound letters. It's one of my favorite years, because we play as she learns. 

Individual Lessons- Math

All three will be using Math-U-See this year. We tried a spiral approach curriculum, and it was frustrating for one of my learners. It has been a hard journey with math, but we've finally found some ground with Math-U-See. I started my other two children on it, because it is easier for me to navigate one math curriculum versus 3. We may change things if it ends up that my other two don't like this mastery approach math. 

We practice math in other areas of life, too. Counting objects that we come across, cooking and baking, etc. 

One Room Schoolhouse Subjects

I've adopted this phrase this year, because essentially, that's what we are doing. I'm teaching all 3 children history, geography, nature study, art, pen pal writing, and our beauty subject unit study. Not all of these are done each day. I have Loop Schedule for these subjects. But learning is definitely happening! Each child gets something out of the lesson, and my oldest two sometimes like to dig in deeper with library books, videos about the subject, and crafts. I like learning this across the ages because sometimes the 6-year-old hears something that maybe the 10-year-old didn't, or vice versa. I love their insights, and sometimes they surprise me with things I didn't think about either. 

History 

This year we are diving into a literature-based history curriculum. We are using Beautiful Feet's Early American History for Primary Grades. Yes-my son is older than these primary grades, but again-he can dig deeper with library books and other resources. I am truly enjoying this curriculum choice. Each day we read a bit of a living book-instead of just a textbook. We are learning history through literature and a few questions posed in the Teacher's Guide. After reading and talking through the questions, we add a picture to our history notebook and add a caption. This notebook serves as our timeline that we can refer back to if the need arises. I'm joining them in making a notebook, and it's been a fun connection. There are rabbit trail books for the lessons if you want to dig deeper. And some lessons have a connection activity or recipe.

Geography

I have wanted to do U.S. Geography for a while now, but I couldn't find anything that I liked. That was until I found Beautiful Feet Books had a U.S. Geography study. We are using the Intermediate level. It's set up much the same as history. Learning geography through literature. Even the beginning lessons where we learn about the components of a map is taught through a story book. Then we take what we've learned and make a map ourselves and put it in our notebook. I like this a lot, and it is only one day a week. It doesn't feel overwhelming, and the kids are fans!

Loop Subjects

I want to incorporate so many different things into our year, but there aren't enough hours in the day to do them all. Enter Loop scheduling. Loop scheduling is saving so much time for other adventures this year. I have Pen Pal Writing, Beauty Subject, Nature Study, and Art. 

Pen pal writing is exactly what it sounds like. Each child has a pen pal (or 4😉), and they write them a letter one day a week. This is just a fun avenue to work on language arts in a way that interests them.  

Beauty Subject- We will be doing a unit study on an author, artist, or composer every 9 weeks--or however long it takes us to get through the study. My kids are Chronicles of Narnia obsessed. So naturally, I chose C.S. Lewis as our first author study. We've picked up a few library books about his life. I also purchased the book, C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller (Christian Heroes: Then & Now), for a read aloud. I wanted to incorporate art into this study, and I found an incredible artist, Bethany Glinthir, Hilltop Art, that has painted a Narnia series. I plan to purchase the entire collection for us to study and maybe paint our own Narnia scenes. 

Nature Study- We are using Treehouse Schoolhouse again this year, but we will only be doing it once a week. I'll prepare a lesson based on the library and resource books. Next, we will study the poem, art piece, and do the hand rhyme. Then, we will follow up with a connection activity and nature journal. Nature study is one of our favorite subjects, and we are all happy to have it back into our regular rhythm.

Art- This is the time we will be finding tutorials, painting something we learned about this week, or doing a handicraft. I purchased Handcrafts of the World by LittleWorldWanderers, and I plan to choose one activity a month or so from it. My 8-year-old and I are taking up crocheting. My son is learning to sew. I look forward to what we will discover in art this year. I don't currently have a set agenda, but I think that's what will make it fun! 

All of this curriculum is a small portion of our days. Our true learning comes in the form of adventure and exploring. It comes from wandering. That is what gives us the most joy. Finding crawfish in the creek. Watching a hummingbird in our garden. Identifying a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on a zinnia. Seeing mushrooms after a heavy rain. Baking muffins on a cool afternoon. Listening to an audiobook while we put together a puzzle. 

Connection is the true joy filled learning. The curriculum is good, but the connections we have-the love shown-that's what we are learning. That's what we need. 

**Treehouse Schoolhouse is an affiliate link. I receive a small commission if you purchase from this link, but you can receive a 10% off coupon if you use it. 😊 Coupon code: JOYFILLEDWANDERING

A Cross Country Wedding

Can I just go on record and say that Courtney Walsh is the queen of writing wholesome, happy books that are worth swooning over? 

A Cross-Country Wedding is the follow up book to A Cross-Country Christmas, and it was everything I hoped for and more. When we met Maddie Rogers in the first book, I so wanted there to be more to her story. And boy, did the author deliver. 

Our heroine is set to go on a road trip that will mirror her best friend's road trip--the one where Lauren and her fiancé, Will, fell in love. The only problem? Maddie needs a date for the road trip, because it's not just any cross-country trip--it's a wedding. But her last relationships?...Let's just say that she needs something safe and friendly.

Enter friend zone Simon.

The two could not be more opposite. 

Maddie thinks her life is a mess, and she believes Simon has his together. Simon has a new start-up company and a life plan. Maddie has...well, not that. Maddie orders milkshakes for breakfast, while Simon is a gluten-free kind of guy. And don't get me started on the packing and the way they take their coffee. 😉

Simon is safe. No worries about feelings or romance on this trip. 

Or so Maddie thought...

🧡🧡🧡

I could not put this book down. This friends to lovers, forced proximity trope worked so well. The dynamics between our main characters was incredible. The nostalgia of getting to relive some of the first book was such a great tie-in. Also, we receive glimpses into the backstory of our hero and heroine with flashbacks sprinkled throughout the story. 

Maddie thinks she is hiding a pretty serious life problem, but Simon is on to her. He's her best friend, after all. Both Simon and Maddie had situations in the past that were coloring their future with self-doubt, and it was interesting to watch them work through their emotions and encourage one another along the way. 

Maddie's character development was one of my favorites I've read in a while. On the outside she is the fun-loving, spontaneous type. But Maddie has depth. Her best friends see her for the amazing person she is, but Maddie struggles to know her own worth. She has a dream, but she doesn't know how to make it a reality. Plus, she's had circumstances in her life that make her feel less than. I enjoyed how Simon encourages her to find her true worth. 

I wasn't sure how Courtney would bring these two together when one was adamantly against a romantic relationship. But let's just say that it involves that fact that Simon is tucking away a pretty incredible talent behind that strait-laced exterior. 

I cannot give enough stars to A Cross-Country Wedding. You can read this as a stand-alone, but why would you? Reading A Cross-Country Christmas gives this one even more meaning. Grab them both. You won't be disappointed!

🧡🧡🧡

About the book: 

A fun-loving free spirit.

Her buttoned-up best friend.

And a cross-country wedding that could drive their platonic relationship toward something else entirely.

Simon Collier is my friend.

Heck, he’s been my friend for most of my adult life—and we couldn’t be more different.

I love late-night karaoke. He’s a homebody with a piano I’ve never heard him play.

I relish being the center of attention while Simon prefers to fade into the background.

My dresser is a disaster. He alphabetizes his fridge.

I suppose we’re a little like sunshine and rain. It’s why our friendship works.

Even though we’re total opposites, we get along like peas and carrots. He’s constantly saving me after failed romances, and I push him to live a little. . .even if that means dragging him out of his comfort zone.

If I can make him laugh, it’s a win.

He’s my safe person. Secure, reliable, fun to poke fun at.

Simon Collier is my friend.

But now, all that might change.

After another predictable break-up, I find myself in need of a plus-one for my best friend Lauren’s cross-country wedding. A wedding that reenacts the road trip where she and her fiance, Will, first fell in love. And despite his fussiness, Simon is the safest person to bring along because I’m not in the market for any more messy feelings.

Our friendship has been intact for over ten years, surely we can handle a week crammed in a car, sharing meals and playlists and nighttime secrets and single beds.

Right?

A Cross-Country Wedding is a sizzling but sweet, friends-to-more road trip romance. It is the second in the Road Trip Romance series & while it reads as a stand-alone, it may be best enjoyed after reading A Cross-Country Christmas.

Author: Courtney Walsh

Title: A Cross-Country Wedding

Publication Date: August 16, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my honest thoughts.**

Love Unseen

I'm not one to read a dust jacket summary, because I don't want any spoilers. I guess you can say I judge a book by its cover or title--or the hype it gets on Bookstagram. So, pretty often, I'm surprised by the events of a book. But man-o-man, was I majorly surprised by this story. 

Love Unseen made me feel so many emotions. Just like me, the main male character, Jonathan Carter, is taken by surprise when the woman he asks to dance flat out refuses to dance. Little did he (or I) know, but Hannah has a unique reason for turning down his offer. This misunderstanding creates an enemies-to-lovers quarrel between the two and makes for such a great story. 

Hannah Hadley, the heroine, has such a sweet nature despite her circumstances. She genuinely loves others and enjoys serving by telling stories to children. However, her family is less than desirable. I have never disliked a mother and sister in a book more than I did in this one. Never. The author writes these evil characters so well that I wanted to come and protect Hannah from them myself. 

There were so many dynamics to Love Unseen that were written extremely well. The character development. Hannah's unexpected condition. The love story. The family drama. The sweet friendships. The way Jonathan wants the best for Hannah. The humor between Jonathan and Lord Deveraux. I enjoyed every bit of it.  

I often feel that the best stories end with you wanting more. And I definitely want more! I'm hoping that Rachel Kelley Stones has more stories that include Lord Deveraux and Jonathan's sister, Isabella. 

About the book: 

Hannah Hadley is a permanent fixture in London Society and well on her way to becoming a spinster. Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah has accepted the harsh reality of her situation: she will never marry. Continually affected by an illness from her youth, Hannah acknowledges her chances of entertaining potential suitors, at least respectable ones, is slim.

To members of the ton, Jonathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable. Though he is in possession of a massive fortune and is handsome as well, there remains an insurmountable black mark against him: his is new money. Even so, he’s caught off guard when his enchanting neighbor, Miss Hadley, flatly rejects his offer to dance. Despite their rocky introduction, however, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But when circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association comes to an abrupt end. Now, Jonathan must find a way to rescue the woman he just might love or risk losing her forever.

Author: Rachel Kelley Stones

Book Title: Love Unseen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Publication: July 5, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

The Love Script

The Love Script may be about a red-carpet romance, but the way Toni Shiloh writes it is so relatable. I could gush about the romance and how the "fake" dating turned into the main characters falling in love-and trust me, that was swoon-worthy. But for me, the biggest takeaway from this book was the faith element.

"Churches weren't perfect and weren't meant to be. Like my mom had told me, they were a place for sinners in need of a Savior and run by redeemed sinners. There were bound to be issues with that combination. But when I took the time to focus on the Lord and not my comforts, it made all the difference in the world." 

Nevaeh and Lamont are both Christians, but they are both at different parts of their faith journey. I liked that the author showed that even when we feel like our Christian walk is going well, we still will have problems and need to seek Jesus. We will have doubts, and we still mess up. Mountains and valleys. The main characters find themselves in a situation where their reputations could be ruined. They choose not to "lie" by fake dating, and instead actually date. However, they are still stretching the truth in their relationship. Eventually, they each realize that they didn't fully trust God to get them through the situation. This causes both of them to seek truth and forgiveness in the end. 

Each of the characters made mistakes throughout the book, but what I enjoyed was that they sought out advice from people who would hold them accountable. Lamont's friends and Ms. Rosie were shining stars as supporting cast. Lamont often went to his friends, Chris and Tuck, for prayer. And equally as important, they checked on him throughout the journey. **I cannot wait to hear their stories!** Ms. Rosie had a way of putting Lamont in his place with boldness, grace, and motherly love. There is also a special scene between Nevaeh and Ms. Rosie where she imparts spiritual wisdom. 

Toni Shiloh writes authentic and faith-filled sweet romances. And I usually walk away with a sense of encouragement. The Love Script was no different. Life is hard and messy sometimes. It's my trust that God will see me through, and Jesus is my Savior that gets me through each day. 

About the book: 

A Hollywood hair stylist.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

The silver screen's latest heartthrob.

Lamont Booker's bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent's push for a fake relationship--something he never thought he'd consider in a million years.

A love that goes off script.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

Author: Toni Shiloh

Title: The Love Script

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: August 1, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my honest thoughts.

Making a special appearance in this photo is my Grandma's hair pick that she kept in her bible. 😊

The Starlet Spy

Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again. Every time I think one of her books is my favorite, she writes another one to take its place. 

The Starlet Spy is now my current favorite and for good reason.

Amelie Blake is a Hollywood star known for her ditzy personality and beauty she portrays in film, but behind the scenes, she's anything but brainless. 

Finn Ristaffason is the man she's sent to spy on. 

What could go wrong?

A lot. A lot could go wrong. But definitely not in the author's writing skills. Normally, I have to read books set in WWII slowly and far apart, but this is the first book set in this time period that I would reread immediately. Rachel Scott McDaniel does a wonderful job of setting up the scene. Her descriptions and historical elements are so well researched and written that it feels like you are truly experiencing every aspect. It had me wanting to grab a history book and start diving into the time period. Check out the Author's Notes at the end for even more historical info!

And as is true in other titles by this author, I had no clue who the villain was until the reveal. I had my guesses, but they were completely wrong! 

The romance was absolutely stunning. Enemies to lovers, foreign spies, forced proximity, broody main male character with a talented and smart actress, witty banter between all of the characters. I loved the misconception of what everyone assumed Finn thought of Amelie, and how that played out. Plus, the beach! No spoilers here-read this book to find out!     

The Starlet Spy is a must read and Rachel Scott McDaniel is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

About the book: 

Hollywood Star Turns Spy

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Finn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Title: The Starlet Spy

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Publication Date: August 1, 2023

**I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All thoughts are my own honest opinion. :)