When my oldest daughter began fourth grade, I wanted something new and fun that would eventually take us to the next level in literature. The following projects did not replace our curriculum but rather kept reading fresh for us.
Book Reports
Do you remember the book report assignments of your elementary school days? I found the perfect fit for my children’s need for a hands-on project that is also a book report. My oldest has been working on these for the past two years and has completed nearly fifty reports. My newest fourth grader is starting to do book reports and they are becoming a highlight for her as well. Check out the Interactive Reading Notebook by Teacher Karma at https://www.teacherkarma.com or at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com.
Literature Study
There are so many amazing books out there for kids to read. Eventually there comes a time when your child is ready to graduate from picture and chapter books at the library and really get into Children’s or Young Adult Literature. I was looking for a way to capitalize on the desire my daughter had to dig into literature without reinventing the wheel or spending a lot of money. At https://www.teacherspayreachers.com I found a no prep novel study resource called The Book Umbrella. They have numerous novel studies available in visually stimulating and comprehensive packets. I have also used this resource in a book club I held at my house and am now teaching from it at our co-op writing and literature class.
Keep It Fresh
I love the ease of sticking to our tried and true curriculum but like anything else, it can get dull or boring to keep doing the same style of homeschool work all the time. Supplementing your usual homeschool routine with a few projects here and there can enhance what your child is already learning while keeping it fresh.
Looking for some hands-on literacy learning?
United Digital Learning offers a great curriculum at a great price. Check it out today!
Sarah Brutovski is a homeschool mom of three children. She grew up just down the street from where she and her husband are raising their family now in rural Upstate New York. When she is not teaching her kids, grocery shopping, or drinking coffee you might find her training for a half marathon, escaping for a morning at the beach, or chatting on the phone with one of her four siblings. Sarah loves writing on her blog sarahswritingcafe.blogspot.com and currently teaches creative writing at her kids’ weekly co-op.
