Decade by Decade

Name: Decade by Decade
Brand: Homeschool in Bloomhttps://homeschoolinbloom.com/

by Homeschool in Bloomhttps://homeschoolinbloom.com/

Social_studiesGrades 1–4

Decade by Decade: Charlotte Mason Living History for Elementary

Decade by Decade is a Charlotte Mason-inspired unit study curriculum covering U.S. history from the late 1800s through the 1960s for ages 6-9. The curriculum emphasizes learning through living books, narration, timeline work, and hands-on activities rather than textbooks.

Best for

Homeschooling families with young children (grades 1-4) who prefer Charlotte Mason methods and have time for extensive preparation and hands-on activities

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 4 concerns · 2 neutral

Chronological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum builds chronological knowledge systematically through eight decade-based units with timeline creation.

Each unit covers one decade chronologically from late 1800s through 1960s, with students creating timeline entries and notebook work for each period

Primary SourcesConcern

Limited primary source engagement, relying mainly on secondary sources like picture books and reference materials.

The curriculum uses chapter books, picture books, information books, and videos, but the review mentions no specific primary source documents or historical texts

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support with basic lesson plans but limited background knowledge or pedagogical guidance.

The curriculum provides 'lesson plans on charts for each unit' and booklists, but the review indicates parents need to 'gather other resources' and adapt activities independently

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum relies heavily on Charlotte Mason methods with minimal direct instruction structure.

The approach uses 'lots of discussion,' read-alouds, and activities, with lesson plans that 'leave it to parents to decide which days they will use them' rather than structured instruction

Geographic KnowledgeConcern

Geographic knowledge appears minimal with limited civic education components.

The review notes the curriculum focuses on 'societal development, key people, and inventions more than on wars and world events' with no mention of geographic or civic content

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Some review occurs through timeline work and narration, but systematic retrieval practice is not emphasized.

Students create timeline entries and narrations, with optional 'Charlotte-Mason-style Exam Questions' for informal assessment, but no structured review system

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Vocabulary development occurs through copywork and narration activities but lacks explicit instruction.

Students practice 'handwriting, composition, grammar, and spelling' through notebook work and narrations, but no specific vocabulary instruction is mentioned

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com