Language arts85 pages
Story-Based Reading Program
Develop fluency and comprehension.
Lesson plan
Grades 3–5
Where to Begin:
Everything you need to begin with confidence
1. Reflect on your own philosophy of learning, your child's learning style, and your support from family, church, and co-ops. 2. Know the laws of your state. If you have any questions you can contact us. You don't need to sign up for a membership. We are here to help 301-824-3162 3. Most (25) states require an annual notification, some only ask for a notification when you first begin to homeschool (14 states). And 11 states do not require any paperwork or notice at all. 4. Choose a curriculum. There are many free or almost free curriculums to choose from. If you are just beginning your curriculum journey then begin with something inexpensive as you figure out how to do homeschooling. We recommend Easy Peasy Online, IXL, Time4Learning and more. 5. If you are in a state that requires some type of oversight we can help. We have a number of states that accept our Virtual K12 Umbrella and we are also qualified evaluators. Because we are a ministry many of our services are free. 6. If you run into trouble with a school district or Child Protective Services, check with us first as we have a close working relationship with both, Homeschool Legal Defense and Pacific Justice Institute and we'll be able to tell you if your issue rises to the level that you need to seek council.
Homeschool Legal Defense
Homeschool Legal Defense
Homeschool Companion has a close business relationship with Homeschool Legal Defense. Please contact us first for a free consultation to see if your situation rises to the level of contacting HSLDA. Dr. Rose Gamblin is a Special Educationist and works tirelessly with HSLDA for homeschool freedoms, especially when it comes to students with special needs. Dr. Gamblin can be reached at 301-824-3162 or [email protected].
Pacific Justice Institute
Pacific Justice Institute
Homeschool Companion also has a personal relationship with Pacific Justice Institute, this law firm is also a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. Pacific Justice Institute works diligently, without charge, to protect parental rights.
Finding your fit
Homeschool Curriculum Styles Explained
There is no single right way to homeschool. Most families land on a style — or a thoughtful blend — that fits their children's learning personalities and their own strengths as a teacher. Here is a plain-language overview of the most common approaches.
Core structured & philosophy-based styles
Classical
The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric
Follows the "trivium" — grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages — matching a child's natural mental growth from memorizing facts to critical thinking and persuasive speaking.
Charlotte Mason
Living Books, Nature, and Narration
Uses short 15-minute lessons, "living books" instead of dry textbooks, nature study, and art appreciation to nurture a natural love for learning.
Traditional
School-at-Home Structure
Replicates a standard classroom at home using boxed curricula, textbooks, grade levels, and a fixed daily schedule. The most familiar starting point for families new to homeschooling.
Montessori
Hands-On, Self-Directed Discovery
Focuses on independent, hands-on learning with tactile objects where children guide their own progress in a carefully prepared environment. Especially powerful for ages 2–12.
Waldorf
Whole-Child: Mind, Body, and Soul
Teaches the whole child by delaying formal academics for young children and focusing heavily on arts, music, crafts, and nature. Academic subjects are introduced gradually as the child matures.
Flexible & child-led styles
Unschooling
Curiosity-Led, No Curriculum
Leaves education entirely up to the child's daily curiosity and real-life experiences rather than a set curriculum. Learning happens through play, projects, and following interests wherever they lead.
Interest-led
Deep Dives Into What They Love
Centers studies around deep dives into specific topics the child loves, blending projects, field trips, and books. More structured than unschooling but still driven by the child's passions.
Unit studies
All Subjects Through One Theme
Connects all core subjects — math, history, science, reading — to one single theme or central topic. Highly engaging and ideal for teaching multiple ages at the same time.
Eclectic
Custom-Built for Your Child
Mixes parts of different homeschool styles and curricula to custom-build an approach that fits each unique child. Most experienced homeschool families land here eventually.
Not sure which style fits your family?
Most families do not fit neatly into only one category, and that is fine. Browse various styles, compare specific curricula, and read the spotlights below. These can also help you see what other families are using at your child's stage.
Choosing your approach
Curriculum Styles Worth Knowing
Before choosing a curriculum, it helps to understand the major teaching philosophies behind them. Most families settle into one style — or a thoughtful blend — that fits their children and their own strengths as a teacher. Here are the approaches you will encounter most often, with trusted resources for each.
Classical
The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric
Classical education moves through three stages that match how children naturally develop — absorbing facts early, learning to analyze in the middle years, and mastering persuasion and communication in high school. It is literature-rich, writing-intensive, and produces strong independent thinkers.
Charlotte Mason
Living Books, Nature, and Narration
Charlotte Mason believed children deserve to be educated by ideas, not just facts. Her method centers on living books, nature study, narration, and short focused lessons. It is gentle, literature-soaked, and deeply respectful of childhood — and many families find it the most joyful and sustainable approach over the long haul.
Eclectic
The Best of Everything, Mixed to Fit Your Child
Eclectic homeschooling draws from multiple methods and curricula to build a custom approach for each child. A family might use Saxon for math, Ambleside for history, and IEW for writing. It requires more planning but gives you the freedom to match every subject to what actually works. Most experienced families land here eventually.
Unit studies
All Subjects Through One Central Theme
Unit studies organize all subjects around a single theme — history, science, language arts, and art all woven together. A unit on Ancient Egypt might include reading mythology, calculating pyramid dimensions, writing a pharaoh's journal, and painting hieroglyphics. Highly engaging and ideal for teaching multiple ages at once.
Unschooling
Child-Led, Interest-Driven Learning
Unschooling trusts children to pursue knowledge naturally when given freedom, resources, and a rich environment. There are no formal lesson plans or curricula — learning happens through play, projects, conversation, and following curiosity wherever it leads. It works remarkably well for highly self-motivated children and families willing to embrace a very different rhythm.
School at home
Traditional Structure, at Your Own Pace
School-at-home mirrors the structure of a conventional classroom — textbooks, workbooks, scheduled subjects, grades, and tests — but delivers it one-on-one at home. It is the most familiar approach for families transitioning out of traditional school, and all-in-one boxed curricula make it especially accessible for those just starting out.
Not sure which style fits your family?
Most families do not fit neatly into one category — and that is completely fine. Browse Cathy Duffy Reviews to compare specific curricula across every style and subject, or read The Homeschool Mom's style overview for a plain-language tour of every major approach. The age-group spotlights in the resource library below can also help you see what other families are using at your child's stage.
All ages — K–12 essentials
The Resources Every Homeschool Family Should Know
Some resources are not tied to a grade level or a single subject — they are the ones homeschool families return to year after year, from the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation. These are the books, websites, and organizations that have earned their reputation across decades and hundreds of thousands of families. Whether you are brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran looking to fill a gap, this is the list to start with. Select an age group above to see resources tailored to a specific stage, or use the subject filters below to narrow by topic.
Featured article
Welcome to the Homeschool Companion Family
If you've found your way to Homeschool Companion, there's a good chance homeschooling has been on your mind for a while. Maybe you've been reading books, watching videos, talking to friends, or quietly praying, "Lord...can I really do this?"
The short answer? Yes...you can.
Homeschooling isn't about knowing everything before you begin. It's about loving your children enough to take the first step and trusting God to guide you through the rest. Before you buy a single workbook, answer one simple question: Why do you want to homeschool? That's your vision — and your vision becomes the compass that guides every decision you'll make.
God didn't call you to homeschool someone else's children. He called you to love and teach yours. And remember — you don't have to figure this out by yourself. That's why we're here.
Have questions or want to share your thoughts?Reply to this article
All-in-One Homeschool (K–8)Free
A completely free, Christian-based curriculum covering kindergarten through grade 8. Includes daily lesson plans for Bible, reading, writing, math, science, history, and more — everything a family needs in one place, at no cost.
Visit siteAll-in-One High SchoolFree
A free, Christian-based high school curriculum with complete daily lesson plans for grades 9–12. Covers all core subjects — math, science, English, history, and electives — with everything organized and ready to use.
Visit siteThe Well-Trained MindClassical
Susan Wise Bauer's comprehensive guide to classical homeschooling from kindergarten through high school. The single most recommended book for families who want a coherent, rigorous K–12 plan — covers curriculum choices, scheduling, and what to expect at every stage.
Visit siteKhan Academy (All Grades)Free
Free, mastery-based video lessons and practice problems covering math, science, language arts, history, and more from kindergarten through college. An invaluable supplement at every grade level — use it to fill gaps, reinforce concepts, or let a motivated student run ahead.
Visit siteRead-Aloud RevivalFree
Sarah Mackenzie's beloved podcast and book list resource makes the case — backed by research — that reading aloud together is the highest-leverage thing a homeschool family can do at any age. The book lists alone are worth the visit.
Visit siteCathy Duffy ReviewsReviews
The most trusted independent curriculum review site in homeschooling. Cathy Duffy has reviewed hundreds of programs across every subject and grade level — an essential first stop when you are comparing curricula and trying to find the right fit for your learner.
Visit siteAmbleside OnlineFree
A free, Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum spanning K–12. Built around living books, nature study, narration, and short lessons. One of the most complete free curriculum frameworks available — used by thousands of families worldwide.
Visit siteThe Homeschool MomCommunity
A warm, practical resource hub covering curriculum reviews, homeschool styles, state laws, and encouragement for families at every stage. Especially helpful for parents who are just starting out and need a trustworthy, non-overwhelming overview of their options.
Visit siteHSLDA — Home School Legal Defense AssociationLegal
Legal support, state-by-state law summaries, and advocacy for homeschool families across the country. Whether you are just starting out and need to understand your state's requirements, or you are a veteran family who wants legal protection, HSLDA is the go-to resource.
Visit siteHomeschool.comHub
One of the longest-running homeschool resource hubs on the internet. Covers curriculum reviews, teaching styles, co-ops, conventions, and community — a reliable starting point for families researching their options at any grade level.
Visit siteWhere to start if you are new
If you are just beginning your homeschool journey, start with two things: understand your state's legal requirements at HSLDA, then read The Well-Trained Mind to get a clear picture of the road ahead. From there, Cathy Duffy Reviews will help you compare specific curricula for your child's age and learning style. Khan Academy and Ambleside Online are both free and can serve as a complete starting point while you find your footing. The Homeschool Mom and Homeschool.com are great places to browse when you want a broader sense of the community and your options. And no matter what else you do, read aloud together every day — Read-Aloud Revival will show you why it matters more than almost anything else.
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The 2026–2027 school year calendar for Homeschool Companion Virtual High School — including start dates, holidays, grading periods, and key deadlines. Contact us to receive the full calendar.
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How to Use AI in Your Homeschool Classroom
AI can generate a lesson plan in seconds, but it cannot pray for a struggling student, offer an encouraging smile, or share a personal testimony of faith. Think of AI as a digital teaching assistant that handles tedious paperwork so you have more time for face-to-face mentorship and relationship-building. As a long-time champion of one room schools, I would love to help you see what AI can do for you. This free e-mail class is designed with you in mind — learn how AI can become your quiet classroom assistant, helping you plan, organize, and teach more effectively.
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