To homeschool or not to homeschool? That is the question on every covid-homeschooling parent’s mind. We left the school district last summer to homeschool for our daughter’s 2nd grade year. Our bright girl thrived and we’re happy to continue homeschooling for 3rd grade. Over the past year I read a bunch of books about education, homeschool approaches, and most of all about the Charlotte Mason education philosophy, which is strongly aligned with our education values.
Last year we studied Native American history and European explorers.
Here’s a peek at our books for 3rd grade history and literature. (I’ll make separate posts for subjects not included here.) I specifically look for books of high literary value and compelling ideas. I drew from Ambleside Online to craft my own Year 3. For history she’ll be studying ancient Greece and an overview of British history. I think this will set the stage for a deep dive into the American revolution during Year 4. For literature, we’re looking at some classics and stories of heroism—people with souls of fire, as Athene describes them.
Island Story – A history of Britain. We started with the chapter about native Britons, led by the Queen Boadicea, trying to fight off the Romans.
A Child’s History of the World by V.M. Hillyer – I looked at several world histories for children and this one seemed the best written for this era. We’re currently in the chapter where Athens and Sparta unite against an invading Persia.
Joan of Arc – “Can girls be knights?,” my girl asked me. I got this book as an answer and I’m thrilled because it spends a long time on her childhood.
Robin Hood – A classic which I’m hoping will add dimension to the idea of what makes a hero. I got this one at Barnes and Noble but there’s also a free unabridged audiobook of it on Audible.
The Heroes – This book features ancient Greek heroes like Perseus and Theseus.
King Arthur by Andrew Lang – I looked at several versions but this one by Lang stood out to me from the rest. The sword in the stone continues to charm young minds.
Tales from Shakespeare – These are retellings by Lamb. Wonderful in their own right, but also great ways to build background knowledge of the plays prior to hearing/reading the originals. We started with Midsummer Night’s Dream and after our first reading, Julia was very interested in Athenian laws about women and marriage.
Queen Elizabeth and the Spanish Armada – A book to read at toward the end of the year. A girl who is not especially favored, nor expected to rule becomes queen and must lead her country against incredible odds. We have to move through enough British history to get here but Julia is already familiar with the story. When we read about Boadicea she said her speech (“Will you follow me, men?) reminded her of Elizabeth’s. So wonderful to witness those connections being made.
A Wonder Book & Tanglewood Tales by Hawthorne – We’ll be reading a few more retellings of Greek myths from this classic.
Parables From Nature – AMAZING; one of our favorites so far! The caterpillar does not believe she will become a butterfly—what a silly idea, Mr. Lark. The spruce fir learns the law of the wood is mutual accommodation. A seaweed tests the bounds of what is knowable. Each chapter is a beautiful parable about faith, life, etc.
Mount Helicon – A collection of the finest poetry according to this hundred-year-old English school book. I know, I know. But all the classics are here so I’m thankful to have it on hand.
High Tide: Poems about Joy by Mrs. Waldo Richards – She’s one my favorite editors and this little book is packed with loveliness.
The Singing World – Edited by Untermeyer, another favorite, with children in mind. Like Helicon, but more expansive in scope and has more American poets.
Through the Year With Birds and Poets – Great for nature study and for, well, always!
The Girl’s Book of Verse – Excellent poetry from the gaze of girlhood? We’re in.
Exodus; Luke
John and I both want our girls to know biblical literature and it’s wonderful to be able to study the books individually through these editions. These books are beautiful inside and out and light enough for a child to pick up and explore. I got Genesis and Matthew last year. I added Exodus and Luke this year. We read these at morning time along with poetry, music, and art. The books are part of the “Illuminated Bible” collection.
