My Thoughts on The Playful Pioneers

As we near the end of our homeschool year, I thought I share with you what has worked, what hasn't, and what I plan to use for Little Man's 1st grade. During this series, I am even sharing what I plan to do with Baby Girl, as we delve into a bit of 'tot school'. Today I am sharing how I liked our main curriculum, The Playful Pioneers by The Peaceful Press.

The playful pioneers explores the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder and you go through most of the Little House Books, including Farmer Boy. The curriculum follows a more Charlotte Mason approach, which is something I enjoy. I love reading living books that the whole family can enjoy. With everything that's going on right now, my husband is at home and he is also enjoying our read aloud time in the morning.

 Things I like about the curriculum:
Little Man has learned so much! There is a lot of science and history covered in The Playful Pioneers. We have made earthworm habitats, studied bees, done science experiments and more! We've read books about some of our founding fathers, as well as other cultures and places. Little Man is only 5, which means he hasn't grasped it all, but that brings me to the next amazing thing about this curriculum.

He will enjoy going through it again in a few years. When Baby Girl and the other little one on the way get old enough for this curriculum, Little Man can go through it again. I can add things to make it more in depth for him, but he can still enjoy the Little House books and activities we have gotten to do.  This means that this curriculum is pretty economical!

 Some things I've tweaked or would change:

There are A LOT of activities in this book. Some involve expensive supplies, or things that are simply above his understanding. We have had to skip a few things, but I don't feel like it's lessened the impact of what was learned.

There are also A LOT of recommended books. I have found Youtube to be a great resource in finding the books read aloud, but there are some that I simply can't find. While I love collecting books, it would cost quite a bit for me to purchase each one. If you can't find the book on Youtube, or the library, then you can tweak it like I have. For example, this past week we studied Alexander Graham Bell. I didn't have the book, and I couldn't find it read aloud. What I did find was an old animated cartoon about him. I have used Magic School Bus episodes, and other resources to cover things that I didn't have the book for.


Other notes on the Curriculum:
So much watercolor! I made a school supply list at the beginning of the year, and we have used up most of the art supplies! My son loves all things painting and coloring, so this is perfect for him.

We also enjoyed the printables. Some were a bit above his level of writing and reading, but he enjoyed coloring a picture that went along with what we were reading.


Overall we have enjoyed this year. We ARE changing things, but it isn't because we haven't loved what we've done this year (I will address this in a week or two). Do you have any questions about The Playful Pioneers? Be sure and comment or if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you can ask me there!