High School World Literature Curriculum for the Reluctant Homeschool Student

I was compensated for my time and provided with a copy of this curriculum for review purposes, but all opinions expressed are my own.

High school, I can hardly believe I am speaking those words, but it is coming so fast! Obviously things change a bit when you look at high school curriculum. Kids start needing classes that fit their future more than general classes everyone takes.

Of course you always have those kids that don’t know what they want to do post high school. I have one of those, and she happens to be my oldest. Planning her high school is sure to prove interesting!

She struggles with indecision and low motivation towards things she isn't interested in including literature, so finding a language arts curriculum that she completes without grumbling is not a common occurrence. I don't think a career in any sort of writing field is in her future, but since she doesn't know what she wants to do, I still want her to have a solid language arts background.

Learning Language Arts Through Literature by Common Sense Press looks to be just that. A solid language arts curriculum without the overwhelming quantity of books and papers I was expecting.

Now, she cringed when I put Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLATL): the Gold Book World Literature in her hands, but she started looking through it, and I showed her how it was only the one book plus the literature books. So she flipped through it, and ultimately declared, "This might be OK." That is high praise coming from an uninterested teenager. 

Why Learning Language Arts Through Literature is OK with my Teen

• Very straight forward
• Not an overwhelming amount of literature

My daughter flipped through the Gold Book World Literature textbook while I explained that it was all-in-one as far as literature, poetics, and some writing and vocabulary. That is probably the biggest selling point for her. She is easily distracted and keeping track of several books can be a challenge. 

The set-up of the curriculum is also very easy to follow. There are 36 lessons to cover 36 weeks. Each lesson is divided into 5 sections with sub-sections. Complete one section a day, and you will finish the curriculum within a year easily.

She is (currently) not a fan of classic literature either, so the fact that many of the literature presented is not read in entirety is a plus for her. Much of the literature used is also provided in an anthology from Common Sense Press. Having most of it in one volume also makes it less overwhelming. 

Other Reasons to Use LLATL

• Large amount of literature introduced
• Flexible 
• Christian
• Open and go

I mentioned earlier that not all the required literature is read in entirety. Because of this, a larger amount of literature can be introduced. If the student is really interested in the piece, they can always read the rest outside of the curriculum.

This LLATL curriculum is very straight forward with questions presented in a way that the student can answer orally or in writing depending on their (and your preferences). There are a couple large writing projects that cannot be done orally, but much of it can if discussion is more your style. Answers to the questions in the lessons are also given at the back of the book for parents to use in grading. 

As a Christian family, curricula that share a Christian worldview are preferable. Knowing that sensitive topics that arise in upper level literature will be handled well is comforting. From what I saw, Learning Language Arts Through Literature does just that. It follows Christian ideals without being overtly Christian.

This curriculum is open and go. There is literally no prep. Hand the books to your student, and they can start. This is a huge plus for busy homeschool moms with other age kids to teach as well. It also makes it easy for an independent learner to get started without waiting for instructions. 

Things to be aware of with LLATL

While Learning Language Arts Through Literature Gold Books present a wide range of literature, they assume the child has already had instruction in grammar as well as writing mechanics. These are presented in earlier levels. If your child has not had this, they will either need to work through additional curricula simultaneously or prior to beginning the gold books. 

While some vocabulary is introduced in the gold book, it is not extensive, so additional vocabulary may be wanted as well depending on your student's goals. 

There are a couple large writing projects included, an epic adventure and a 400 word book report, but if you have a budding writer, additional writing projects may be added. 

Final Thoughts on LLATL: the Gold Books

This is my first time looking at a high school level language arts curriculum, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Learning Language Arts Through Literature is deceptively simple, but it covers a large amount of literature in an accessible way. 

While I don't think my kids are quite ready for The Gold Books (there are 4 total) at least without an additional writing curriculum, they are a front runner for high school, and I may be looking at the 8th grade level for this upcoming school year. 

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, check out all the curriculum at Common Sense Press, and use code Summer2021 for 15% off until July 31, 2021.

Common Sense Press is also giving away one level of Learning Language Arts Through Literature and one Great Science Adventures, so be sure to enter below (US addresses only)!