Why Are There So Many Core Options for Each Age Level?

As you browse the many Core programs available for you and your student(s), you might wonder why a particular Core spans several age groups or grade levels. Why doesn't Sonlight just offer one Core per level or age and be done with it? Wouldn't that make things easier for everyone?

Not neccessarily. Let's look at a few reasons why the curriculum is set up this way.

Literature-rich packages

One of our primary goals with Sonlight's homeschool curriculum is to endow students with a love for quality literature. Great literature (unlike most textbooks) can be accessible to a wide range of ages. So instead of a program based on a pre-set number or grade, we want to give you and your students the power to choose what subjects and stories you are most interested in.

• Students are less likely to get bored if they can dive into materials and books that fascinate them.
• When a family shares in the reading experience, everyone learns together—from preschoolers to adults!

To see more of Sonlight's goals, please check out Our Top Ten Goals... article!

Students within 3 years of each other can be taught using the same Core

There are numerous benefits to this adaptable system, as combined programs help you:

• Avoid purchasing duplicate products.
• Re-use, instead of repurchase, a program as a younger student advances.
• Save time that you would have spent teaching numerous programs for separate children.

Combine programs whenever possible. This makes for less stress and more fun for both you and your children. Get more information on how to combine programs with our Core Advantage article.

The Cores are customizable

Within each program we offer, there are numerous ways to make the schedule and curriculum fit your family's needs. If your child excels at reading, but still needs to cover vital areas of history, science, and math, they can continue to learn at the most suitable pace while working with an advanced readers package—a satisfactory arrangement for both you and them. This is just one way we try to give you the freedom and flexibility you need to make sure your children get the most effective and efficient learning experience possible.

To learn more about choosing the right Reader programs for your student(s), check out our article on Navigating the Readers Packages.

Please Recognize a Few Important Facts:

• The Core programs do tend to increase in difficulty at higher levels. Take a look at our Relative Difficulty Chart to see which levels would be appropriate for your children.
• If the age difference between your students is too great, we do not recommend that you combine your students within the same Core program.
• You know your children and yourself better than we ever will, so choose the programs you know will work best for your situation, students, and schedule.
• You can contact one of our experienced Curriculum Advisors to discuss the best options for your unique situation at any time. We're here for you!

Further Resources

Choosing Forum

By Level, Age, or Subject

About Sonlight