Differentiated and Scaffolded Curriculum
Image a combination of stock pictures found online.
Whenever Possible Have a Experience
There is no argument that a related experience is incredibly valuable for cementing learning. One well planned experience, field trip, science experiment, or event can solidify what you have been learning all year or create an excitement and increase willingness to learn the subject matter. But did you know that you can teach the same subject multiple ways without your child/ren becoming bored?
As you look at this picture, what subject do you believe was covered?
If you said Science, you would be partially correct. We also covered New York state history, the environment, animal husbandry, and touched on elements of home economics. This "field trip" was a week vacation to Upstate New York. It was fun and natural learning that was easily incorporated into our day. I did not do any extraordinary planning.
How to Combine Subjects
Notice on the graphic how the different subjects are linked to history? It is not necessary to buy multiple curriculums unless you desire it to save time. However, the advantage of this connectedness in subject matter helps solidify concepts for students. Homeschoolers call this "unit study".
The unit study helps make the area of focus relevant for the student. I generally use history as a spine for our study and build from there.
You do not need to create your own curriculum for a successful unit study. There are many books, curriculums on the market in which to choose from.
I created a graphic that helps you visualise how to do this. With practice it gets easier. Some curriculums are easier to differentiate than others and some are already done for you. I leave it up to you to pick the curriculum that best fits your needs.