Sample Week of Branches
Choosing a homeschool program is a personal choice for every family. The curriculum must match each family’s unique needs and support a year of growth and development.
Check out the free sample of Solar System Week 2 to see how Branches looks and feels in your home.
Enjoy this Branches sneak peek from the Solar System Unit
The Solar System unit is a journey through space, taking a very abstract concept and giving it tangibility through hands-on learning and exploration. In addition to basic astronomy, this unit also explores mathematical concepts (large numbers, scale models, graphing), note-taking skills, and creating diagrams. In Week 2, the subtopic focus is the Sun and Moon.
Unit Overview
The first two pages of each unit provide an overview of the theme, subtopics, supply lists, and other suggested materials. The goal of these pages is to lay a foundation for the next four weeks of learning. Notice the following features:
- Introduction to the unit with goals for the four weeks
- Knowledge and skills your children will be exposed to
- A breakdown of the 4 subtopics
- Vocabulary words taught throughout the unit
- An overview of the additional supplies needed
Suggested Materials
Focus on the keyword at the top: Suggested. Nothing is required, but this page has suggestions of books, music, and games to support your family’s immersion in the unit.
- Read Aloud Options: A comprehensive list to help you begin finding books to read to your family over the course of the unit.
- Poetry Book: Each unit has a poetry book option that makes for a wonderful way to cross learning domains and soften meaty topics.
- Chapter Book: An optional read aloud that provides another chance to immerse your family in this topic and build memories together.
- Board Games: There is no expectation to buy these, but if you have them or access to a game library, these fit the theme.
- Playlist: A QR code to scan for access to the unit playlist on Spotify.
Weekly Grid
The Weekly Grid is an overview of your week so you can see, at a quick glance, what learning will take place.
It’s important to have a clear picture of what to teach and how the week will progress, rather than guessing the order or expectations. This grid lays the week out in front of you. No surprises. No reinventing the wheel. No wondering what to do and when. You can rely on Branches to help with order, pacing, and flow. All that being said, the structure is built on a flexible routine. Make it your own. Make it work for your family.
Note: The Wonder Space activity is a fun weekly option to support a variety of learners. It is meant to stay out all week to allow children to explore and play with a topic-themed activity throughout the day.
Notes Before Teaching
Every week includes additional notes for you, the teacher. It’s a chance to give you some background information for teaching, share knowledge, and provide additional support before starting the lessons.
There are often other notes listed in the Notes Before Teaching section, like lesson prep that needs to be done before Day 1 or an introductory video to watch with your family.
Sample of Solar System Week 2
Here is a free sample of Solar System Week 2 from Branches. Note the Unit Overview, Suggested Materials, and Weekly Grid displayed above. Each day’s lesson plan is clearly noted.
Sample Week of Branches
Choosing a homeschool program is a personal choice for every family. The curriculum must match each family’s unique needs and support a year of growth and development.
Check out the free sample of Solar System Week 2 to see how Branches looks and feels in your home.