Blossom and Root
Updated on July 10, 2023
This review was written by Manisha Snoyer, the founder and CEO of Modulo, a company that provides resources and support families who are homeschooling their children. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, Manisha has instructed over 2,000 children of all ages and abilities in three countries and 18 subjects. She has tutored at some of the best private schools in the world and throughout the NYC public school system. Manisha graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University.
Kristina, a former kindergarten teacher, has used her experience of raising her daughters with fun, lively, nature-infused teaching methods, and shares these with other like-minded parents to enjoy. This all-in-one curriculum encourages students to be hands on and in nature, engaged in fun workbook activities that doesn't involved screen time. The creator took the experience she had raising her two daughters in a home-schooled setting and shared it by creating this curriculum. The family thrives in their love of nature, literature, and the arts, and brings this out in the fun activities. Parents should spend a focused 2 hours a day, about 4-5 days/week with their early learners. Lessons are detailed in the activity books (that are currently in digital form, rather than book form). This is a great choice for parents that aren't looking for fancy, expensive curricula, don't want to encourage children to stare at screens but rather encourage education through nature and play, and who want to be involved in the student's learning (but with minimal prep time). This is not suitable for hands-off parents who would rather have less involvement in the children's learning, and for parents that would like rigorous academic programs for their young learners.
Grades: Preschool-6th Grade
Cost: The resources are digital now, rather than in paper copy. Some are free, up to $150 for a full grade's curriculum.
Grade by Grade Purchasing Guide
Key features of Blossom and Root
Blossom and Root is a homeschooling curriculum focused on nature-based, child-led learning. It was designed for parents seeking a flexible, comprehensive program to support their child's education at home. Here are some key features of Blossom and Root:
Nature-Based Learning: The curriculum embraces a nature-based approach to learning, believing that children learn best when they're able to engage with the world around them. This is reflected in its resources and activities which involve outdoor exploration and observation of natural phenomena.
Arts & Literature-Centered: Blossom and Root places a significant emphasis on the arts and literature. Lessons often revolve around classic and contemporary children's literature, and there are frequent opportunities for creative expression, such as drawing, painting, and music.
Child-Led Exploration The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable, catering to the interests of individual children. The curriculum provides parents with a framework, but there's ample room for kids to delve deeper into topics they're interested in.
Integrated Subjects: Rather than compartmentalizing subjects, Blossom and Root integrates them. For example, a science lesson may involve elements of literature, math, and art. This interwoven approach fosters a holistic understanding of subjects.
Parental Flexibility: The curriculum allows for parental discretion and adaptation. Parents can customize the pacing and depth of the curriculum according to their child's needs.
Comprehensive Resources: Blossom and Root provides a range of resources including lesson plans, reading lists, activity guides, and more. These resources are designed to support a complete educational experience but leave room for supplementing with other materials as desired.
Secular Curriculum: Blossom and Root is secular, meaning it doesn't incorporate religious teachings into its curriculum. It is therefore suitable for families of all faiths and belief systems.
Please note that the features and availability of resources may have been updated or changed after 2021. It's always recommended to check the official Blossom and Root website or directly contact them for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
FAQ: Blossom and Root Curriculum
1. What is Blossom and Root?
Blossom and Root is a secular curriculum designed for children in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. It focuses on various subjects such as language arts, literature, science, nature, fine arts, and geography. The curriculum incorporates STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and is known for its gentle and age-appropriate approach.
2. How does Blossom and Root differ from Oak Meadow?
Blossom and Root and Oak Meadow are both secular curricula with influences from the Waldorf method. However, there are some differences between them. Oak Meadow offers all subjects, including math, and covers grades from pre-kindergarten through high school. On the other hand, Blossom and Root goes up to fifth grade and does not include math beyond kindergarten.
3. Is Blossom and Root considered a good curriculum?
Opinions on curriculum effectiveness can vary, but many users have positive experiences with Blossom and Root. Users appreciate the engaging book selections, integration of math and science, and the ease of teaching difficult subjects. The curriculum's emphasis on literature and nature is also praised.
4. Does Blossom and Root follow the Waldorf method?
While Blossom and Root incorporates some elements from the Waldorf method, it is not exclusively a Waldorf curriculum. The curriculum also draws inspiration from Charlotte Mason and follows a literature-based approach with an emphasis on nature. The author, Kristina, has mentioned being influenced by both Charlotte Mason and Waldorf methods in her personal homeschooling style.
Please note that these answers are based on general information and user experiences, and individual preferences may vary. It's advisable to research and evaluate the curriculum to determine if it aligns with your specific educational goals and preferences.
OTHER DETAILS
Key features
Type of Tool: Textbook
Time required: 2 hours of focused time a day
Special Needs:
Literacy Requirement (does a child need to know how to read):
Screens
Screens: No screens
Online requirement:
Time
Parent/Caregiver Involvement: Parent/Teacher/Caregiver Involvement is necessary
Prep Time: Minimal prep time
Other characteristics
Modality: Visual, Hands-on/kinesthetic
Adaptive: No, it is the same for every student
Educational Philosophy: Waldorf, Charlotte Mason
Other characteristics: Hands-on, STEM, Nature-based, Fun and entertaining
Accountability
Assessment: No, there is no assessment component
State Standards: No
Teacher Accounts:
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