Four-Year Cycle Homeschooling

Four Year Cycle Utilizing Homeschool Connections

with UNLIMITED ACCESS

If you follow a four-year cycle, such as that used with TAN Books' Story of Civilization, you can use recorded, independent-learning courses with Homeschool Connections for your 3rd through 12th grade curriculum.

Here is a list of recorded courses through our Unlimited Access program that are available to you ...

GRADE SCHOOL
Ancient History Unit

• Grade School Unit Study Program for 3rd through 6th grade students.

NOTE: The Medieval History unit for grade school is being taught live in 2020/2021. The recorded version will be available February 15, 2021. We will follow with Making of the Modern World in 2021/2022 and US History in 2022/2023.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ancient History Unit

• Language: variety of Latin courses with Emily Henry (12 weeks each)
• Language: Biblical Greek, Parts One and Two with Dan Egan (14 weeks each)
• Literature: Greek Mythology with Emily Henry (10 weeks)
• Literature/History: The Golden Goblet: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 1) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• Literature/History: Black Ships Before Troy: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 2) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• Literature/History: Victory on the Walls: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 3) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• Literature/History: The Bronze Bow: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 4) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• History: The Ancient World, Parts One and Two with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks each).
• History: Dawn of History: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Glory of Ancient Greece with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Res Publica Romana with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Medieval History Unit

• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 1: Big John’s Secret with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 2: The Door in the Wall with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 3 Saint Joan, The Girl Soldier with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 4: Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)
• History: The Crusades: On A Quest for Christendom with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Making of the Modern World Unit

• Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part One with Emily Henry (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part Two with Emily Henry (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anne of Avonlea with Emily Henry (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anne of Windy Poplars with Emily Henry (10 weeks)
• Literature/History: Father Damien and the Bells: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 1) (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Padre Pro Mexican Hero: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 2) (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Polly Kent Rides West: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 3) (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Enemy Brothers: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 4) (6 weeks)
• History: The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death” with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: The Life and Legacy of St. John Paul II with Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)

MIDDLE SCHOOL
U.S. History Unit

• Science: To the Moon: Apollo Missions and the Future with MacBeth Derham (13 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Kat Finds a Friend with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 1) (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Thomas Finds a Treasure, a Saint John Neumann Story with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 2) (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: The Orphans Find a Home, A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 3) (6 weeks) 
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Willy Finds Victory, A Blessed Francis Seelos Story with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 4) (6 weeks) 
• Government: Middle School Civics, Parts One and Two with Alison Stanley (11 weeks each)
• History: The American Revolution; Liberty! with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: History: The Civil War with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: World War I; What Price Glory with Alison Stanley (9 weeks)
• History: World War II; Allies vs. Axis with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Parts One and Two with Christopher Martin (14 weeks each)
• History: Middle School U.S. History: Part 1 (1492-1847) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Middle School U.S. History Part 2 (1847-1990) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks each)

HIGH SCHOOL
Ancient Unit

• Philosophy: Early Greek Philosophy with Julian Ahlquist (15 weeks).
• Philosophy: Virtue and Vice: Ancient Philosophy for Modern Catholics with Sam Nicholson (12 weeks).
• Language: wide variety of Latin courses with Emily Henry (12 to 14 weeks each)
• Language: Biblical Greek, Parts One and Two with Dan Egan (14 weeks each)
• Literature: Iliad: The Glory and the Will of God with by Henry Russell (13 weeks)
• Literature: Odyssey: The World Without Fathers with Henry Russell (12 weeks)
• Literature: The Iliad by Homer with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Odyssey by Homer with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Theban Plays of Sophocles with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: Sophocles and Tragedy with Henry Russell (6 weeks)
• Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid; The Founding of Nations in the Will of God with Henry Russell (7 weeks)
• Literature: Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra with by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• History: Dawn of History: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Glory of Ancient Greece with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Life and Times of the Ancient Romans with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Ancient Rome: Republic, Empire and Collapse with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History/Archaeology: Archaeology of the Ancient World with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)
• History/Archaeology: An Archaeological Survey of the Old and New Testaments with Phillip Campbell (10 weeks)
• History: The Dawn of History: The Ancient World with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Christ and Caesar: The Ancient World and the Founding of Christendom with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• Drama: The Drama of Socrates with Kevin O'Brien (8 weeks)

HIGH SCHOOL
Medieval Unit

• Philosophy: An Introduction to The Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Parts One and Two with Dave Palmer (12 weeks each)
• Philosophy: St. Thomas on the Human Person with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anglo-Saxon England: Bede and Beowulf with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer; Trust God and Tradition with Henry Russell (4 weeks)
• Literature: Medieval Literature for Modern Catholics with Henry Russell (12 weeks)
• Literature: St. Francis, Asceticism and Mysticism with G.K. Chesterton with Dale Ahlquist (6 weeks)
• Literature: Dante’s Inferno; Purgatorio; and Paradiso with Henry Russell (11-12 weeks each)
• Literature: G. K. Chesterton's St. Thomas Aquinas with Dale Ahlquist (6 weeks)
• Literature: G. K. Chesterton’s Ballad of the White Horse with Gregory Pyne (6 weeks)
• History: The Crusades: Defending Christendom with Alison Stanley (12 weeks)
• History: Catholic Middle Ages with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Rending of Christendom (1415-1648) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• Music: Early Sacred Music with Carol Reynolds (12 weeks)

HIGH SCHOOL
Making of the Modern World Unit

• Philosophy: Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)
• Philosophy: Revolution: The Progress of Liberalism with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)
• Psychology: Modern Psychology with Julian Ahlquist (12 weeks)
• Literature: A wide variety of Shakespeare courses
• Literature: Dracula by Bram Stoker with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Victorian Detective with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)
• Literature: Frankenstein: Misunderstood Monster with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Nineteenth-Century Novel with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)
• Literature: The Picture of Dorian Gray with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations with Anthony Esolen (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Golden Age of Mystery Fiction with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)
• Literature: Middlemarch with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)
• History/Government: A History of Government in Europe and America, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (11 and 12 weeks)
• History: Early Modern Europe: 1648-1789 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Modern European History; 1789-1991 with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)
• History: Imperial Russia with Carol Reynolds (12 weeks)
• History: Understanding the Second Vatican Council with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)
• History: The History of Latin America with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)
• History: Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Nazis and Soviets with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)

HIGH SCHOOL
U.S. History Unit

• Literature: Scarlet Letter with Henry Russell (7 weeks)
• Literature: Death Comes for the Archbishop with Henry Russell (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Stories and Letters of Flannery O’Connor with Kevin O'Brien (8 weeks)
• Literature: American Literature, Part One: Age of Exploration through Reconstruction with Jackie de Laveaga (12 weeks)
• Literature: American Literature, Part Two: Reconstruction through Present Day with Jackie de Laveaga (12 weeks)
• Government: American Elections: Democracy in Action with Ed Rivet (6 weeks)
• Government: Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet (9 weeks)
• Government: American Democracy and Government with Ed Rivet (12 weeks)
• Government: The Federalist Papers with Alison Stanley (12 weeks)
• Government: Advanced American Government with Ed Rivet (9 weeks)
• Government: U.S. Citizenship and Civics with Jason Negri (12 weeks)
• Government: U.S. Government and Politics, Parts One and Two with Alison Stanley (12 weeks each)
• History: Early American History (1492 to 1763); Discovery to the Dawn of Revolution with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: US History: Revolution, Republic, and Union (1763-1865) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Modern U.S. History; 1865 - 2000 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks) (with optional Honors)
• History: Contemporary U.S. History (1988-2016) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Great Depression with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)
• History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Part One with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Part Two with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: The American South: "To Live and Die in Dixie" with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: A Nation Made by Conflict: America's Wars with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: Civil Rights in America, 1863-1968: Setbacks, Struggles, and Shockwaves with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: American History and the Hit Musical Hamilton with Kevin O'Brien (12 weeks)
• History: American History: Lands of Hope and Promise, Part One with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks)
• History: American History: Lands of Hope and Promise, Part Two with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks)
• History: American History, Part One: Age of Exploration through the Civil War and Reconstruction with John C. "Chuck" Chalberg (12 weeks)
• History: American History, Part Two: Reconstruction through Present Day with John C. "Chuck" Chalberg. (12 weeks)

NOTE: For preschool to 2nd grade, we recommend For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects through Living Literature by Maureen Wittmann. 

Please let us know if you have any questions. You can call or email us by clicking here: CONTACT.

Online Resource for Families Affected by School Closings Due to Coronavirus

                                                                                                                         

COVID-19:

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL PARENTS

Dear Families,

We are all acutely aware that, due to COVID-19, many schools are closing their doors temporarily. The virus is affecting our families and communities, and we’re all concerned.

This simple message is an offer to help.

You’re probably aware that online courses are available all across the Internet. We want to help you increase your options for learning by letting you know about Unlimited Access—a collection of 425+ online courses taught by college professors and experts in their fields, for middle and high school students in every subject area—including theology, math, science, history, English, computer programming, languages, philosophy and more. Unit study courses are available for your 3rd through 6th graders, too.

It’s another option, to help your student in this time. Its cost: $34.97 a month, for all students, all classes, and all access.

If you’re interested in how it works…
You can take one course or ten (or more), and the price is the same. The recorded courses are set out in weekly blocks, so your student can follow the course exactly—or your student can complete the work at his or her own pace. Either works (it’s truly whatever’s best for your student). Your student can start at the beginning of a class—or skip to the exact lessons needed. And if you want your student to work with a teacher who gives feedback and grades the student’s work, one-on-one Instructor Access is available, too (this mentoring-tutoring service is offered for most courses).

If this sounds like something that would help your family right now, please go here to find out more. And if you have questions or would like to talk with someone to get more information, feel free to call our toll free number at 1-888-372-4757, or email homeschoolconnections@gmail.com at any time.

If this is something that will help your family, please reach out. We’re here for you and want to help in any way that we can.

God bless,

Walter Crawford and Maureen Wittmann
Co-Founders and Co-Directors
HomeschoolConnections.com
                                                                                                                         

How to Homeschool in the Hard Times: 7 Top Tips

In the Worst of Times 

Jenny Bales 

Mom to Mom 

(click to see all of Jenny's articles)

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…”1

And through it all, we still homeschooled…

Even in the best of times, homeschooling is hard work. What happens when we face a particularly tough time? Should we still homeschool?

Maybe you’re dealing with a chronic illness or an unexpected surgery. Maybe it’s a difficult pregnancy or medically fragile newborn. Maybe your husband works nights or is traveling a lot. Maybe an elderly relative needs extra care. I have personally known families who have not only survived homeschooling in these situations … but thrived. 

It’s difficult… but possible.

In our 13 years of homeschooling, my family has faced two particularly challenging pregnancies and one difficult postpartum recovery, three years of my husband attending law school (where we barely saw Dad), moving across the country three times, and a year-long overseas deployment, complete with selling a house, moving twice, and buying a house—all while my husband was overseas (plus the challenges of several years of the rocky reintegration, once he arrived home).

Needless to say, homeschooling during these sometimes-tough times has been hard. 

Here are some keys to survival I’ve learned through my own experiences—and by watching the courageous families around me.

Thrive Tip 1: Simplify Schooling!

The key to thriving in times of stress is to survive! And the way to survive is to simplify.

For any student in the grades prior to high school, homeschooling can be reduced to reading, writing, math, and religion. Tweaking the curriculum to add more workbooks can make schoolwork much easier on Mom. You can also use audio books—or it might be a season for outsourcing to online classes or local classes’ co-ops.

Changing up the methods and modes of learning can lighten the load.

And if your state laws allow it, please don’t be afraid to stop formal schooling. I’ve watched families complete little to no book or “formal” schooling for huge lengths of time, and their children caught up surprisingly quickly. If putting aside formality for a time, provide books to explore and educational shows, both through video and “live” presentations. Encourage playtime and natural curiosity. A relaxed schooling experience gives our students unique opportunities to think, explore, and learn.

Thrive Tip 2: Simplify Home Life, Too!

Everyday activities and living can be simplified, too.

Use paper plates for meals. Eat snacks for dinner at least once a week. Teach children to make very simple meals and to serve each other. Take advantage of a grocery delivery service, and put into place a limited rotation of meals and snacks. Accept help with meals, and ask friends to set up a meal calendar for your family. Getting help with even one meal a week can be a huge relief.

And definitely say no to as much outside of the home as you can. This is the time to take a break from volunteering at church, skip a soccer season, and miss the field trips. The children will be fine. They will become closer to one another and probably more creative in how to occupy themselves. Pick up those activities again when the storm has passed, even if that takes a long time.

Thrive Tip 3: Embrace Life Lessons!

A life without difficulties generally gives us fewer opportunities to practice virtue. The good news is this: We can embrace challenging seasons because they’re full of the lessons most difficult to teach with a book or curriculum.

When a new baby arrives or an elderly family member needs extra care, consider it an opportunity for pro-life lessons! We all know that the way we spend our time teaches our children priorities. When our children are blessed by spending time with people in need, they often become less selfish, become more compassionate, and realize the truth that people are the priority. 

If you have to move from your home to a new one, focus on your child’s resilience. Teach your child how to make new friends. When your husband works long hours or travels, demonstrate gratitude. Encourage your children’s understanding of his heroic sacrifices to provide for his family.

Thrive Tip 4: Go to the Scriptures!

As Philippians 4 verse 8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” 

The Bible is full of wisdom to guide us through life. Meditating on Scripture and clinging to God’s Word when the going gets tough is the lifeline God provides for us. Spend time in the Word every day, whether that means listening to the daily Mass readings, using a Bible study, or simply searching for verses that speak of perseverance, hope, and faith (which is easily accomplished with a Bible app or online)!

With Scripture as our guide, we can find truths to apply to our struggles. We can learn how to grow through life’s challenges by discussing and sharing Biblical virtues with our families.

Thrive Tip 5: Focus on Character Building!

Coping with stress and suffering are key life skills that God builds into our lives through each and every challenge. The difficult days are opportunities to share our faith, including the struggles, with our children. Tough times are the moments for consistent (not necessarily extra) prayers as a family. 

Verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and “count it all joy” (James 1) can become the solid rock our families cling to when the storms of life come crashing in around us. Virtues like fortitude, faith, and hope can develop, as we turn to God in tough times. Finding the fruits of joy and patience are lessons for our children more valuable than math and phonics.

I firmly believe that if my children watch me walk my faith journey with all of its ups and downs, then as adults, my children will be better prepared for their own Christian walks.

Thrive Tip 6: Rest!

These days, most of us run the hamster wheel of life at top speed! But when life gets tricky, rest is essential. We all need time to breathe and lower our blood pressure. And, perhaps most importantly, we need time to connect with the Lord.

We can teach our kids the importance of rest during stressful times by scheduling down time. Plan extra snuggles and stories, preserve naps and quiet times, and take time off from schooling. Even a slow stroll around the neighborhood can be a refreshing way to rest while respecting that little bodies need to move! Or make your one goal for the day to spend a couple of minutes in front of the tabernacle on your way to or from somewhere.

Planning specific down time might mean asking for help from family and friends. Find a mother’s helper to play with your children while you nap with the baby. Ask a friend to do a kid swap—where you each take the other’s kids for a few hours. Or if your kids are old enough to occupy themselves safely and watch each other, tell them that everyone will clean the house when you wake up, so they let you sleep as long as possible!

Taking the time to physically rest isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for your health and your family’s health.

Thrive Tip 7: Trust Yourself!

In your own life, deep down, you know what you need. Sometimes we simply need to give ourselves permission to do what we know is best.

Consider what’s going on with wisdom and intentionality. Listen to the Lord. And make decisions for yourself and your family that you know are best for the long haul. Trust your God-given mother’s instincts and act on them.

Are there situations that warrant stopping homeschooling? Absolutely! Are there are times that, with a few purposeful adjustments, we can still homeschool during tough times? Absolutely!

And our kids will be just fine!

Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at www.heartofamother.net.

  1 Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, (New York, Signet, 1960), 7.