I love classic literature. I haven’t read as much of it as I would like, perhaps that is why I am passionate about encouraging homeschoolers to add classic literature to their homeschool. Children need to be introduced to classic literature at a young age and throughout their education. There is so much to learn from classic literature and the earlier our children are introduced to it, the more they will learn and grow!
So, do you teach classic literature in your homeschool? I hope you answered yes, but maybe the whole thought of teaching the classics has you terrified. Perhaps it seems like a gigantic goal that you want to hit, but you aren’t quite sure how. There are very simple ways to incorporate these works into your day! I truly believe that we need to ensure that our children read classic literature. That’s why I’m going to share with you how to add classic literature in your homeschool easily!
How to Add Classic Literature to Your Homeschool Easily
One of the best ways to add classic literature to your homeschool is by adding it on your read-aloud list. Children are never too old to enjoy reading aloud, plus this brushes you up on your classic literature as well. Reading aloud allows your children to experience reading material that may be above their grade level reading-wise. This tactic helps strengthen their vocabulary and increase their comprehension skills.
History
Sometimes history curriculums can be dull and boring. However, when you add literature to your history curriculum, your child can leap into another time period and be part of the story. The cultures and the social issues come alive to them through the eyes of another. Your student can see the coming Revolution through the eyes of Johnny Tremain or converse with Indians in Sign of the Beaver. Classic literature can take history from boring to extraordinary.
Geography
Classic literature can take your children on a trip around the world, all from the safety of your couch or favorite porch swing. Learn the geography, cultures, and cuisines from other parts of the world through the lens of a book. Journey to England in Watership Down or float the Mississippi River with Huck Finn. Is your homeschool student interested in another part of the world? I’m sure if you dig deep enough there’s a selection of classic literature that will take them there.
Unit Studies
A great way to add classic literature in your homeschool is by using unit studies. Simply select a book your student will enjoy and design a study around it. Unit studies don’t need to be drawn out of fancy. They can be quite simple to create.
For example, maybe your child loves horses. Black Beauty would be a great classic unit study. What are some things you can study with Black Beauty?
- The science of horses
- Geography – The setting of England
- History – The history of the Victorian England time period, as well as the Industrial Revolution
- You can study great authors by doing reports on Anna Sewell
- Use chalk pastels to create a horse drawing
You get the idea, and the list can go on and go. Creating a unit study is a great way to add classic literature in your homeschool.
Copywork
You can also use copywork to add classic literature to your homeschool. Copywork is a great way to cover two subjects at once, and who doesn’t love a shorter school day? By adding famous classic quotes into your day, you will spark your child’s intrigue in a story. Who knows, eventually they may even ask for more! Here are a few great quotes to use as copywork in your homeschool.
“It sounds plausible enough tonight, but wait until tomorrow. Wait for the common sense of the morning.” (The Time Machine by H.G. Wells)
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” (Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)
“I don’t understand it any more than you do, but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.” (A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle)
As a bonus note, you can also use some of these quotes as writing prompts. See there; we just tackled another subject!
Perhaps you haven’t read much classic literature yourself. That is ok. Don’t let that keep you from incorporating classic literature into your homeschooling. Let it be part of you and your children’s homeschooling journey! After all, haven’t you discovered that as a homeschool mom you’re learning more than you did when you were a student? I know I am and have! That’s the beauty of a homeschooling journey, everyone in the family becomes part of it!
What is your favorite way to add great books to your homeschool day?
