5 Reasons Sonlight Homeschool Science Curriculum is Awesome
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Selecting a homeschool science curriculum for your family can be totally overwhelming. I get it. We typically want a curriculum that’s both quality and engaging and, sometimes, those two don’t always go hand in hand.
As of late, though, Level D of the Sonlight Science Curriculum set has been enjoyed in our home. My kids and I have really been having fun with this curriculum, so I’m hoping my honest review of this program could result in your family finding the “perfect fit” science curriculum.
Now, I could go on an on about why we’ve really been enjoying this homeschool science curriculum. After all, there is a reason I’m a blogger. When there’s something awesome (or, not-so-awesome) in my life, I can’t help but share my experiences with people. In the spirit of getting you the details quickly so you can get on with your life, though, I’m keeping this review short & to the point by sharing 5 reasons the Sonlight science curriculum has been awesome for my family.
(side note: Speaking of “short & to the point,” I can’t help but share but share the story of when my husband proposed. We were walking on the beach of Ocean City, NJ, many years ago, when he stopped, dropped to one knee, and said “I’m going to keep this short and to the point. I love you, will you marry me?” I’ve always given him a hard time about the “shortest proposal ever,” but we’ve also always laughed about it!)
Ok, here we go!
Table of Contents
1. A Homeschool Science Curriculum for Families
Families with multiple children, listen up! While some homeschool curriculums are leveled for specific grade levels, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Sonlight provides suggested grade ranges for each of their curriculum sets (science or otherwise!)
I’m all about working smarter and not harder so, when it comes to providing homeschool instruction for my kids, I prefer to keep them grouped together when possible. When it comes to subjects like reading and math, I’m ok with my kids having separate curriculums because the range of skills required and obtained can vary greatly by even a few months. Science & history, though? Let’s keep those siblings together!
In our case, we’ve been using the 5-day version of Level D of the Sonlight science curriculum. Since that’s suggested for use by kids in grades 4-7 and/or ages 9-12, I am totally cool teaching the same curriculum, at the same time, to both of my kids.
Grouping kids together for lessons not only saves time, but also encourages cooperative learning, sharing of ideas and information and, sometimes…just sometimes…a little friendly competition.
Again, work smarter, not harder, fellow homeschooling parents!
2. Hands on & Engaging Science Lessons
I don’t remember doing many science experiments when I went to school, do you? Like, I remember reading textbooks out loud (1 paragraph per kid, right?! Oh, how I dreaded that requirement!) and we’d do a handful of science experiments each year. #boring
@thathomeschoolfamily I'm even able to teach science to BOTH my boys because @Sonlight Curriculum are created for an age & grade range, not *just* for specific grades! Teach smarter, not harder! #ad #sonlightcurriculum #sonlight #homeschoolscience #sciencecurriculum #teachingscience #teachingsciencerocks #homeschoolsciencekits #homeschoolcurriculum ♬ original sound – Liz | That Homeschool Family
One of the reasons we started homeschooling was so that I could let my tactile & kinesthetic learners thrive. My kids (and I!) obtain and retain information best when our bodies are involved with the activity. We aren’t interested in “just” reading a thick, boring textbook. We want to feel the ooey & gooey (safe) ingredients of an experiment, we want to build things…we need immersive learning experiences.
Are your kids the same?
My kids loved working through the Sonlight Science Curriculum because, every week, there are at least 2 “required” interactive projects each week as well as at least 2 “optional” extension projects per week.
You guys! This means the 5-day program gives kids an opportunity to fully plunge into their science lessons at least 4 times per week. Score!
3. Sonlight Encourages Reading!
As the mom of both a former & a current reluctant reader, I welcome every single opportunity to get my kids to read. I joke that reading is like a free vacation for the brain, but…it really is!
Reading encourages creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and so much more. I spent a good part of my childhood reading chapter books and really have fond memories of all the “brain vacations” I got to go on. Of course I want to encourage my kids to do the same!
The Sonlight science programs do include reading, but not the ho-hum textbook reading that you and I likely experienced as kids. No siree, Bob! (do people still say that?)
Instead, the Sonlight science curriculum comprises of readings across various hardback and paperback books featuring fun & bright graphics & photos. The books do not appear overwhelming, but rather make science education approachable and fun. Even better? Books from some of my favorite companies like Usborne and DK Books are included. Their books always seem to be high quality, both in content and construction!
In addition, while the included books certainly do come in handy while completing the scheduled science lessons, I certainly appreciate the fact that they’re fun & exciting enough that kids will want to continue reading & referring to them even after the curriculum has been concluded. I’m willing to bet they’d be a great attention-keeper for car rides while doing some homeschool travel?
4. Easy to Use Science Curriculum
When I’m wandering around social media, I often see see comments like “I wish I could homeschool, but I don’t know how!” in response to videos or posts about homeschooling.
Homeschooling can certainly be complicated and overwhelming…if you let it be complicated and overwhelming. There are many curriculum choices (and even homeschooling styles) out there for parents (and kids) to choose from that can make homeschooling seem daunting. Sonlight, however, has really taken the guesswork & stress out of homeschooling when it comes to curriculum.
You’re on your own when it comes to figuring out how to actually include the curriculum in between the official homeschooling meals of breakfast appetizer, breakfast, second breakfast, first snack, second snack, pre-lunch, lunch, second lunch, third snack, fourth snack, dinner appetizer, dinner, and dessert, though. #thestruggleisreal
Anyways, Sonlight makes homeschool planning super easy by providing an instructor’s guide. Each guide includes details of daily activities, a list of supplies needed for the week (the Discover & Do box includes a number of experiment supplies, but additional household supplies may be required), a planning list for next week (way to be on top of things, you super homeschooling parent!), and a quick synopsis of the information learned on each day.
Busy parents, you’ll especially like this next perk of homeschooling with Sonlight!
In addition to the worksheets and parent guides, the Sonlight curriculum sets also include all of the reading material (read: books) the kids will need to complete the lessons. You won’t need to waste time scouring the internet or visiting bookstores to find all of the books! Instead, they get shipped directly to you. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
I have made my own curriculums and unit studies before. They’ve gone well & the kids enjoyed them, but they were often overwhelming to plan and organize. I definitely love that Sonlight makes lessons easy and stress free for the parents!
5. Sonlight Cares!
Sonlight is a company that actually cares about families having a positive homeschooling experience. How do I know this? I mean, taking a few minutes peruse their website will have you finding a number of free samples of curriculum, special offers, flexible payment options, and even online communities (like the Sonlight Newbies App!).
Go ahead and enter the giveaway below and then take a look around the Sonlight site yourself!
As always, if you have any questions about Sonlight or anything homeschool-related, feel free to send me an email! I’ll do my best to respond within 24-48 hours!
Thank you to Sonlight for sponsoring this article!
Until next time, stay safe and enjoy quality time together,
Elizabeth Dukart is a proud Georgia-based born and raised Jersey Girl, wife, and mom of 2 human boys & 1 canine boy.
Created in 2021, Elizabeth owns and publishes That Homeschool Family: a free resource for homeschooling parents and beyond! A seasoned blogger, Elizabeth previously published a popular location-specific family resource blog, but decided to “Pivot!” her blogging focus after she started homeschooling her two boys in 2020. In addition to this blog, you can follow Elizabeth’s homeschooling and family adventures on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
When she’s not busy taking over the world or homeschooling, Elizabeth can be found listening to music (especially The Beatles & Harry Styles!), being silly with her boys, watching movies with family, shopping, or traveling!
Have a question or want to work with Elizabeth? Send her an email!
