Sonlight Curriculum

Sonlight Primer

So what IS a literature-based curriculum anyway?

Dig deep into your school-day memories, and try to recall the title of your most favorite textbook. Not coming to mind right away? Well then how about your most favorite storybook, novel, book of poetry? I bet that comes to mind a lot quicker! “Real” books make you think; they involve you in their subject and leave behind a lasting impression. Textbooks, on the other hand, “tell” you what the main points of a subject are; they do the thinking for you. A literature-based curriculum takes advantage of the ability to *impress* you. Instead of using a textbook to teach history, science or other subjects, a literature-based curriculum will utilize real books to create a memorable learning experience.

What IS Sonlight Curriculum?

Sonlight^® is a literature-based, history-focused, curriculum with an international focus and an emphasis on missions. They have created a unique approach to making use of real books to create a love for learning in children. Read about it at Forget Boring Textbooks.

HOW to start making Sonlight work for you.

The many facets of Sonlight’s curriculum make it much like a jigsaw puzzle. Once you have all the pieces in place, you’ll begin to see the picture of your child’s complete educational experience.

Begin by printing off the following planner to assist in making informed choices and fill in each child’s name.
Sonlight Planning Chart (48Kb)

First comes the CORE puzzle piece.

This includes your Instructor’s Guide, and covers the subjects of Bible, History and Literature.

Familiarize yourself with the Scope and Sequence of Sonlight materials.

Remember - with a literature-based curriculum, content is more important than grade level. Start by looking at the content available for your children’s ages. The Core Program Themes chart outlines for you the levels available for your children. Consider what you haven’t studied and/or what you might like to study. This will enable you to narrow your choices.

If you still have questions about which CORE to choose, you might want to avail yourself of the wisdom and experience found on our CORE forums:

Once you’ve made a decision on the CORE you wish to use, record it on your planning chart.

Next comes the LANGUAGE ARTS puzzle piece.

This may include Pre-reading/Phonics or Grammar, Dictation, Spelling, Creative Writing and Penmanship.

Familiarize yourself with the Language Arts Program.

Remember - Sonlight’s Language Arts program is designed to work best with the corresponding READER level. The Dictation is drawn from the books that your student is using and the Grammar is based on the Dictation. Language Arts is where you may need to do the greatest amount of “tweaking”. Many Sonlight users, especially at the lower levels, choose to use a Language Arts level that matches their student’s *Language Arts* abilities, not their *Reading* abilities. A child does not always have to read at a highly challenging level. Especially in the lower grades, where a student is learning so many other foundational skills, reading at enjoyment level is often best.

The Language Arts Overview will be a helpful resource as you make decisions about this aspect of your curriculum.

If you still have questions about which Language Arts to choose, you might want to avail yourself of the wisdom and experience found on our Language Arts Forum.

Once you’ve made your Language Arts choices, be sure to record them on your planning chart.

Now consider the MATH puzzle piece.

Sonlight carries four major math programs, and a multitude of resources and supplemental materials. Choose from Saxon, Singapore, Miquon or VideoText math programs.

Familiarize yourself with our Math Programs.

If you’re uncertain which level of Saxon or Singapore Math to begin with, be sure to take advantage of our Placement Tests.

And as before, if you still have questions about which Math to use, you might want to avail yourself of the wisdom and experience found on our Math Forum.

Now that you’ve made your Math choices, record them on your planning chart.

Don't forget the SCIENCE puzzle piece.

Sonlight publishes its own hands-on, literature-based program for Grades K-6 and offers Apologia Sciences for Grades 7 and up. Be sure to read the Science Overview before making any decisions. The Science Chart will help you decide which level is best suited for your students.

If you’d like to chat about your Science options with other homeschool moms be sure to visit the Science Forum.

When you make your Science choices, don’t forget to record them on your planning chart.

Finally, don't forget the ELECTIVES puzzle piece.

There are many to choose from to round out your child’s curriculum. Music, Art, Foreign Language and so much more. Consider if any of these might add some spice to your education plan! Find a listing of these options in the Sonlight catalog, or discuss them with other homeschool moms on the Electives and Enrichment Forum.

Be sure to finish up your planning chart by recording any Electives you have chosen.

Now that you’ve finished putting together the puzzle pieces of your Sonlight Curriculum, it is my hope that you’re pleased with the package you’ve created. If you still have questions, check out the Choosing Sonlight Forum where you can talk with veteran Sonlight users about your choices OR click on my Contact Page to see how you can get personal, one-on-one curriculum counseling.