Blossom and Root’s River of Voices
Finding the right U.S. history curriculum can be a daunting task for parents, especially those who, like me with over 20 years of teaching experience, prioritize secular, inclusive, and engaging content that supports mastery-based learning. To identify the best, I delved deep, reading through hundreds of online reviews and consulting with fellow historians who homeschool their children, which led me to Blossom and Root's River of Voices—an exceptionally comprehensive and flexible program that stands out for its emphasis on marginalized narratives. Created by Kristina Garner to provide a more inclusive approach to American history, River of Voices has not only garnered acclaim for its thoughtful content but also operates through a versatile framework designed to adapt to various learning styles and educational needs. What I particularly admire about this curriculum is its ability to transform complex historical dialogues into accessible, engaging learning experiences that resonate with young learners. It's ideally suited for homeschooling families who value depth and diversity in educational materials. While the extensive preparatory work might seem daunting, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, as the quality of learning and the breadth of perspectives offered are unparalleled. A pro-tip for parents: lean into the curriculum’s flexibility—tailor it to your child’s interests and pace to maximize engagement and effectiveness, ensuring a rich educational experience that goes beyond mere historical facts.
The in-depth review
Learning US history is pivotal, not only for understanding the nation's past but also for grasping its current social, political, and cultural dynamics. A well-rounded history education aids in developing critical thinking, empathy, and informed citizenship. However, the main challenge lies in finding a US history program that is secular, inclusive, and engaging. Many curriculums are either heavily Eurocentric, lack diverse narratives, or fail to hold the interest of younger students, making the search for a comprehensive and balanced program a daunting task for educators and parents alike.
About River of Voices
Blossom and Root's River of Voices is a secular United States history curriculum designed to provide a multi-narrative approach to learning. It aims to include the voices of marginalized groups often omitted from traditional textbooks, making history not just a story of the victors but a "river of voices" from all walks of life.
Who River of Voices is for
This program is designed for homeschooling families with children in kindergarten through middle school. It is particularly suited for those looking for an inclusive, comprehensive approach to US history that incorporates various learning styles and educational needs.
Why we recommend River of Voices
River of Voices stands out due to its commitment to presenting a balanced and inclusive history. Its consultative approach, involving educators and activists from various backgrounds, ensures that the content is both accurate and representative. Additionally, the curriculum’s flexibility allows parents to tailor the educational experience to their child's needs, making it a versatile choice for diverse learning environments.
What it covers
Early colonization to late 1700s
In-depth exploration of Native American history
The role of marginalized groups in US history
Multimedia resources to enhance understanding
Crafts and activities to deepen engagement
How it Works
Parents utilize the curriculum by following structured pathways divided by grade levels—Gentle (K-2), Standard (3-8), and Advanced (7+). Each pathway includes assigned readings, multimedia links, and activities tailored to the developmental stage of the student. Parents can adapt the curriculum based on their child's interests and learning pace, making it highly customizable.
Pathways and Levels
Differentiated Pathways: The curriculum is organized into different pathways or levels—Gentle, Standard, and Advanced—each designed to cater to a specific age group or educational stage.
Gentile Pathway: Recommended for kindergarten to second grade or sensitive learners. This level introduces basic concepts in a very accessible manner.
Standard Pathway: Geared towards grades 3 through 8, offering more depth and complexity in the historical narratives and activities.
Advanced Pathway: Suitable for older students in grades 7 and above, this pathway presents a more rigorous exploration of topics, suitable for high school level study.
Curriculum Components
Lesson Foundation:
Each lesson starts with a Lesson Foundation, which includes the essential information or concepts that all students should understand, regardless of their learning pathway.
Book Basket and Multimedia Resources:
The curriculum provides a rich list of books and multimedia resources, which are optional but recommended to deepen understanding. These resources cater to various learning preferences—books for readers, videos for visual learners, and audiobooks for auditory learners.
Activities and Hands-On Learning:
Each lesson includes suggestions for hands-on activities such as crafts, projects, or interactive assignments. These are designed to engage students actively and help them connect more personally with the material.
Student Notebook:
Students maintain a notebook throughout the curriculum, which serves to reinforce the lessons learned and provides a personal space for reflections, sketches, and summaries.
Implementation
Weekly Structure:
The curriculum is typically structured to cover one lesson per week, allowing for a paced, in-depth exploration of each topic. Parents and educators can adjust the pace based on the child's engagement and understanding.
Parental Involvement:
Significant parental involvement is required, particularly in selecting appropriate resources from the curriculum’s extensive list, guiding the children through the lessons, and helping with the setup and execution of activities.
Flexibility and Customization:
One of the key features of River of Voices is its adaptability. Parents are encouraged to use the curriculum flexibly—choosing resources that meet their children’s interests and learning styles, skipping or spending more time on certain topics as needed, and adapting the level of depth and complexity to suit their educational goals.
Educational Philosophy
Inclusive and Multifaceted Approach:
River of Voices emphasizes a narrative that includes multiple perspectives, especially highlighting the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups in American history. This approach aims to provide a fuller, more accurate portrayal of the past.
Focus on Critical Thinking and Engagement:
The curriculum encourages critical thinking by presenting diverse viewpoints and requiring students to analyze, reflect, and discuss. The interactive components aim to keep students engaged and actively involved in their learning process.
Pros and Cons
This structured yet flexible approach, combined with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and hands-on learning, makes River of Voices a comprehensive tool for teaching U.S. history in a homeschool setting. It allows for educational customization according to individual needs, making it a valuable resource for a diverse range of learners
What Parents Like
Inclusive and Diverse Content: Emphasizes perspectives from various marginalized groups, offering a broader and more comprehensive view of U.S. history.
Flexibility: Highly customizable to fit different age groups, learning styles, and educational needs, allowing parents to adapt the curriculum based on their children's interests.
Resource-Rich: Provides extensive lists of books, multimedia links, and activities, which enrich the learning experience and offer various ways to engage with the material.
Engaging and Interactive: Includes hands-on activities, crafts, and multimedia resources that keep students actively involved and interested in the lessons.
Support for Special Needs: Adaptable for children with specific needs, such as ADHD, allowing for adjustments in pacing and teaching methods.
Culturally Sensitive: Activities and projects are chosen to be respectful and representative, enhancing students’ understanding of different cultures without appropriation.
What parents dislike
Overwhelming Initial Setup: The curriculum can appear daunting at first due to the sheer volume of text and resources, which might overwhelm both parents and students.
Requires Significant Preparation: Parents need to invest considerable time in planning and organizing the curriculum’s extensive materials and activities.
Dependence on Resource Availability: Some recommended books and materials can be hard to find or may become temporarily unavailable, which could disrupt the learning schedule.
High Parental Involvement: The curriculum requires a high level of parental involvement, which may not be feasible for all families, particularly those looking for more independent learning options for their children.
Cost of Additional Resources: While the curriculum itself might be priced reasonably, the cost can increase significantly when purchasing or accessing all the suggested additional resources.
Special Needs
River of Voices is especially well-suited for children with ADHD. The program's flexibility and extensive list of resources allows for customization based on a child’s interests and attention span, which can be particularly advantageous for learners with ADHD. Although the curriculum initially appears overwhelming due to its comprehensive nature, it actually provides the opportunity to pick and choose resources. This can help in managing a child's engagement and workload effectively, catering to the varying attention spans and interests that are characteristic of ADHD.
10 Tips to get the most out of River of Voices
Parents who have used Blossom and Root's River of Voices shared several pro tips to maximize the benefits of this curriculum. These suggestions help tailor the program to individual family needs and enhance the learning experience. Here are some valuable tips from parents:
Start Slowly and Build Up: Many parents recommend starting with the Gentle Pathway for younger children or newcomers to homeschooling. This approach allows students to gradually build a foundation before tackling more complex materials.
Customize the Curriculum: Utilize the flexibility of River of Voices to suit your child’s interests and learning pace. Parents advise picking and choosing from the extensive list of resources provided rather than feeling obligated to cover everything.
Pre-Plan Each Unit: Taking the time to review each unit and plan out which resources and activities you will use can greatly reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. This also ensures that the curriculum aligns with your educational goals and the child’s learning style.
Utilize Libraries and Online Resources: To manage costs and enhance the learning experience, many parents suggest making extensive use of public libraries and online resources. This helps access the numerous books and multimedia links recommended without having to purchase all of them.
Engage with the Material: Encourage active participation by discussing the content, asking open-ended questions, and connecting historical events to current events. This helps deepen understanding and makes history more relevant to students.
Incorporate Hands-On Activities: The crafts and projects recommended in River of Voices are not just for fun; they enhance learning by making historical events and cultures more tangible. Parents recommend not skipping these activities, especially for kinesthetic learners.
Take Advantage of Multimedia: The curriculum includes links to videos and other multimedia resources. These can be particularly engaging for visual learners and can break up the monotony of reading, making learning more dynamic.
Adapt for Special Needs: For children with special needs such as ADHD, parents suggest adapting the curriculum to include more frequent breaks, using a variety of teaching methods, and focusing on shorter, more engaging activities to hold the child’s interest.
Keep a Learning Journal or Portfolio: Documenting learning through a journal or portfolio can be highly rewarding and beneficial. It helps track progress, reinforces learning, and provides a tangible record of the child’s achievements.
Stay Flexible and Responsive: Be ready to adjust the curriculum as needed based on your child’s responses. If certain topics ignite passion or curiosity, delve deeper into those areas, even if it means straying from the planned path.
Who it’s an ideal fit for
River of Voices is ideal for families seeking an in-depth, inclusive approach to US history, especially those who value flexibility in educational content and are willing to invest time in preparation.
Who it’s not a fit for
This curriculum may not suit families looking for a strictly traditional or less hands-on approach to history education, or those who prefer not to incorporate crafts and activities into learning.
Alternatives to River of Voices
Build Your Library: Some parents compared River of Voices with BYL, particularly at the 5th grade level, which also offers a multicultural perspective on US history. BYL is known for its secular approach and strong literature base, making it appealing for those who prefer a more traditional, book-centric curriculum without the extensive preparatory work required by River of Voices.
Curiosity Chronicles: For parents looking for a less Eurocentric approach, Curiosity Chronicles offers a secular and inclusive perspective similar to River of Voices. It's mentioned as being project-based and historically sound while being somewhat less intensive in terms of preparation and parental involvement than River of Voices.
Is it worth the money?
Many parents believe that Blossom and Root's River of Voices is worth the investment, citing its comprehensive and inclusive approach to U.S. history that emphasizes the roles of marginalized groups. They appreciate the depth and quality of the resources, the curriculum's adaptability to various learning styles, and its ability to cater to diverse educational needs, including those of children with special needs like ADHD. The flexibility to use the curriculum for multiple children over several years enhances its value as a long-term educational investment. While some parents noted the additional cost of required books and materials as a downside, the consensus is that the benefits, such as the culturally sensitive and engaging learning experience, justify the expense.
Why trust me?
Who am I?
With over 20 years of experience as a teacher across a broad range of subjects, including history, my insights come from a deep well of professional expertise and a commitment to education. I've taught a wide variety of learning archetypes, adapting to the unique needs and challenges of each student, which has honed my ability to discern what works effectively in an educational setting. Additionally, my seven-year involvement within the secular homeschooling community, teaching children of all ages and coaching parents, has provided me with a unique perspective on educational resources. This extensive background ensures that my reviews are not only informed by theoretical knowledge but are also grounded in practical, real-world application and success in diverse educational environments.
How I vetted US history curriculum
When vetting the Blossom and Root's River of Voices curriculum, I adopted a thorough and meticulous approach to ensure the recommendations I make are based on solid, comprehensive evaluations. Here's how I vetted this curriculum:
Extensive Online Review Analysis: I delved deep into hundreds of online reviews specific to River of Voices and other history programs. This allowed me to gather a broad spectrum of user experiences and opinions, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the curriculum’s strengths and potential drawbacks.
Consultations with Historians and Educators: I consulted with historians who are also homeschooling their children. This provided valuable insights into the historical accuracy and educational efficacy of River of Voices. These experts are particularly well-placed to judge the curriculum’s ability to provide a balanced and inclusive portrayal of U.S. history.
Personal Expertise and Experience: Leveraging my own background in teaching a wide range of subjects to diverse student groups, including history, I evaluated the curriculum's ability to meet varied educational needs and preferences. This personal experience is crucial in assessing the practical application of the curriculum in real-world homeschool settings.
Comparison with Competing Curricula: I compared River of Voices against other popular history curricula to determine its relative value and uniqueness in the homeschooling market. This comparison helped identify what sets River of Voices apart and why it might be a preferable option for certain families.
Inclusivity and Engagement Evaluation: I specifically looked for signs of secularism, inclusivity, and engagement—key factors for modern educational materials. This involved reviewing the content's approach to handling diverse perspectives and its ability to engage and maintain student interest over time.
Through this rigorous vetting process, I ensured that the curriculum not only meets high educational standards but also aligns with the needs of a diverse range of learners, making my recommendations both trustworthy and relevant to parents seeking a comprehensive educational tool for teaching U.S. history
What I looked for and how River of Voices stacks up
When reviewing US history programs, I sought out programs that were secular, accurate, inclusive, mastery-based, fun and engaging for kids and adaptable to a wide variety of learners. Let’s see how Blossom and Root’s River of Voices stacks up.
Secular: River of Voices is thoroughly secular, with no religious biases influencing the content. It provides a purely academic approach to U.S. history, focusing on historical facts and diverse perspectives without religious undertones. This makes it ideal for families seeking a secular educational resource.
Accurate: The curriculum is noted for its accuracy, particularly because it includes perspectives historically omitted or marginalized in mainstream education. It also involves consultants from various backgrounds, including Native American rights activists and educators specializing in African American history, to ensure the accuracy and representation of diverse groups.
Inclusive: Inclusivity is one of the standout features of River of Voices. It aims to include the voices and stories of marginalized communities, providing a broader and more comprehensive view of U.S. history than typically found in traditional curriculums. This inclusivity extends to various racial, cultural, and social groups.
Mastery-based: The curriculum supports mastery-based learning by allowing repeated engagement with topics through different pathways and resources. Each pathway (Gentle, Standard, and Advanced) can be revisited with more depth as the student matures, facilitating a deeper understanding and mastery of historical concepts over time.
Fun and Engaging for Kids: Reviews indicate that River of Voices is engaging, particularly due to its use of a wide array of teaching tools such as books, multimedia resources, and hands-on activities. The variety helps maintain interest and engagement, which is crucial for younger learners and those with special needs like ADHD.
Suitable for Different Learners: The curriculum is highly adaptable to different learning styles, offering various methods of engagement, including visual (multimedia links), auditory (audiobooks and read-alouds), and kinesthetic (crafts and activities). This variety ensures that it can cater to visual learners, auditory learners, and those who learn best through doing.
Where to get River of Voices
Blossom and Root's River of Voices curriculum can be purchased directly from their official website. On their site, you'll find detailed information about the curriculum, including samples, volume descriptions, and purchasing options for different volumes and components
