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Living Literature Studies
Deep Dive into beloved stories, enriched with language, history and science
Story-led | 12-weeks | Family-Style
Living LIterature Studies:
Living Literature Studies are designed to serve as the anchor of a home education—offering a way to build learning around story rather than separate subjects. Each study centers on a classic work of literature, using it as the foundation for exploring language, ideas, and the world as a connected whole.
Through these studies, stories lead the way. Students engage with rich language, consider meaningful ideas, and explore how the world works, all within the context of a shared narrative.
Lessons are built to be experienced together. Parents guide and lead, helping students engage with ideas, practice new skills, and grow in understanding. Students read, narrate, create, and explore—developing skills and understanding through practice, imagination, and connection.
Each study invites students into meaningful work—where learning is experienced, practiced, and enjoyed.
If you’re ready to begin, The Hobbit: Living Literature Study is our foundational study and a strong place to start.
A Week in Living Literature STudies:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Lesson One:
A Setting of War
Reading:
Activities:
A Setting of War
Reading:
- Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
- DK Eyewitness: World War II
Activities:
- Vocabulary Quest Card: War
- Discussion: War and safety
- Home Drawing
Flex Day
- Outings
- Friends
- Errands
- Appointments
- Unstructured
Lesson Two:
Noticing Language
Reading:
Activities:
Noticing Language
Reading:
- Waiting by Kevin Henkes
Activities:
- Discussion: Purpose of writing
- Newspaper exploration
- Headline writing activity
Lesson Three:
Into the Wardrobe
Reading:
Activities:
Into the Wardrobe
Reading:
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Activities:
- Wardrobe walkthrough
- Hide & Seek
Lesson Four:
Character
Reading:
Activities:
Character
Reading:
- Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Activities:
- Headline writing activity
- Character Portrait
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Love of Learning | Family-style | 12-weeks at a Time
The primary goals of living literature studies are:
As a literature and language arts program, students work towards building a foundational understanding of:
As an interdisciplincary study, students will be introduced to and explore various topics in history and science. By connecting history and science through story, they become tangible and experiential. The goal is not to memorize timelines, events, or terminology, but to build an understanding of the world we live in and spark curiosty.
Together, these elements form a connected approach to learning—where skills are developed through use, ideas are explored in context, and understanding grows over time.
Within each study, these areas are intentionally developed:
- Nurture a love of learning
- Support a family culture of learning together
- For students to practice skills in how to learn
As a literature and language arts program, students work towards building a foundational understanding of:
- rules of grammar and syntax
- identification and use of figurative language and literary devices
- the writing process, including brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revision, editing, and publishing
- story elements including plot, character, conflict, purpose, theme, etc.
As an interdisciplincary study, students will be introduced to and explore various topics in history and science. By connecting history and science through story, they become tangible and experiential. The goal is not to memorize timelines, events, or terminology, but to build an understanding of the world we live in and spark curiosty.
Together, these elements form a connected approach to learning—where skills are developed through use, ideas are explored in context, and understanding grows over time.
Within each study, these areas are intentionally developed:
Learning through Living Literature Studies
(Click and explore how)
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Grammar within Living Literature Studies is taught as a functional part of language, not as isolated rules or definitions to memorize. Students learn how language works by using it—engaging with words, sentences, and meaning in the context of the study.
How it is taught
How students engage
Students work with the same material at different expectations for depth. Core concepts are revisited regularly, allowing understanding to grow through repeated use. Younger students identify simple patterns, while older students work with greater complexity and precision, beginning to recognize nuance in language.
How it develops over time
Each study focuses on a specific area of language structure. Concepts are introduced, practiced, and revisited across studies, building a connected foundation and increasing clarity in how language works.
How it is taught
- Montessori-inspired, hands-on, and visual
- Students work directly with language using sentence strips and symbols, engaging in command-style activities, categorizing, and building sentences.
- Focus is on how words function, not just what they are called
How students engage
Students work with the same material at different expectations for depth. Core concepts are revisited regularly, allowing understanding to grow through repeated use. Younger students identify simple patterns, while older students work with greater complexity and precision, beginning to recognize nuance in language.
How it develops over time
Each study focuses on a specific area of language structure. Concepts are introduced, practiced, and revisited across studies, building a connected foundation and increasing clarity in how language works.
Grammar
Writing within Living Literature Studies is developed with a focus on building a growth mindset. Students learn that writing is a process, not a one-time product. They build to and are guided through the full writing process—brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—so they understand that ideas take shape over time through effort and refinement.
Writing is not treated as a final assessment of knowledge, but as a way of learning and working with ideas.
How writing is developed
Writing is grounded in purpose. Students write to communicate, express ideas, and engage with meaningful work.
How it develops over time
Early writing focuses on exploration and expression. As students grow, writing becomes more structured, with increasing attention to organization, clarity, and effective communication.
Writing is not treated as a final assessment of knowledge, but as a way of learning and working with ideas.
How writing is developed
- Emphasis on the writing process rather than immediate correctness or formulaic structure
- Students learn that ideas often begin unclear and become more defined through writing
- Focus on steady growth—writing improves through practice, revision, and time
Writing is grounded in purpose. Students write to communicate, express ideas, and engage with meaningful work.
- Creating newspapers, books, letters, and lessons
- Writing to inform, explain, and share ideas
- Connecting writing to both real and imaginative contexts
How it develops over time
Early writing focuses on exploration and expression. As students grow, writing becomes more structured, with increasing attention to organization, clarity, and effective communication.
Writing
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Story elements are a natural and central part of Living Literature Studies. As students read, they are guided to notice and explore key elements such as setting, character, conflict, mood, tone, theme, and message.
How students engage
These discussions are not approached as formal analysis, but as guided exploration. Students are introduced to the foundations of literary thinking in a way that is accessible, playful, and connected to the story itself.
What it develops
Story work opens the door to deeper conversation. Students begin to:
This is often where meaningful discussion and connection happen within the family, as students share ideas, respond to one another, and engage with the story together.
How it progresses over time
Early exploration focuses on recognizing patterns, discussing ideas, and developing a sense of how stories work. This lays the foundation for deeper analysis and more intentional thinking in later stages of learning.
How students engage
- Identify and discuss story elements within the text
- Explore character choices, motivations, and consequences
- Consider the theme, message, and purpose of the story
- Use tools such as story structure, story mountain, and the hero’s journey
- Engage in immersive experiences that make abstract ideas tangible
These discussions are not approached as formal analysis, but as guided exploration. Students are introduced to the foundations of literary thinking in a way that is accessible, playful, and connected to the story itself.
What it develops
Story work opens the door to deeper conversation. Students begin to:
- think critically about what they read
- connect ideas to their own experiences
- explore questions of character, choices, and values
This is often where meaningful discussion and connection happen within the family, as students share ideas, respond to one another, and engage with the story together.
How it progresses over time
Early exploration focuses on recognizing patterns, discussing ideas, and developing a sense of how stories work. This lays the foundation for deeper analysis and more intentional thinking in later stages of learning.
Story Elements
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Vocabulary within Living Literature Studies is developed through context, use, and intentional word study rather than memorization or testing. Students encounter new words naturally through the text, building understanding through repeated exposure and meaningful use.
How students engage
Vocabulary work is designed to be purposeful and connected. Words are chosen when they deepen understanding of the story or add meaningful value, rather than attempting to cover large lists. This keeps the focus on quality over quantity.
How it supports learning
Students learn how to work with new words, not just recognize them. They build familiarity with language structure, practice using context, and develop the ability to apply vocabulary in their own speaking and writing.
How it develops over time
Vocabulary study remains consistent and manageable. Over time, students grow in their ability to notice unfamiliar words, seek out meaning, and use new language with increasing confidence and precision.
How students engage
- Work with selected words drawn directly from the anchor text
- Complete “Vocabulary Quest” cards as a focused word study
- Use a dictionary to define words and identify parts of speech
- Consider meaning and connotation
- Represent words through drawing and visual connections
- Write sentences that demonstrate understanding in context
Vocabulary work is designed to be purposeful and connected. Words are chosen when they deepen understanding of the story or add meaningful value, rather than attempting to cover large lists. This keeps the focus on quality over quantity.
How it supports learning
Students learn how to work with new words, not just recognize them. They build familiarity with language structure, practice using context, and develop the ability to apply vocabulary in their own speaking and writing.
How it develops over time
Vocabulary study remains consistent and manageable. Over time, students grow in their ability to notice unfamiliar words, seek out meaning, and use new language with increasing confidence and precision.
Vocabulary
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Habit Formation
Habit formation within Living Literature Studies focuses on developing the habits of mind that support strong, independent learning—attention, engagement, and the ability to follow an idea through from question to understanding.
Curiosity alone is not enough. Students need the habits that allow them to act on what they wonder about—staying with the work, thinking it through, and continuing even when it is challenging.
How habits are developed
Habits are formed through repeated experience within meaningful work, allowing students to build both skill and instinct over time.
What it develops
Students begin to:
How it develops over time
Early focus is on attention and consistency. Over time, these habits become internalized, leading to greater independence and ownership of learning.
Curiosity alone is not enough. Students need the habits that allow them to act on what they wonder about—staying with the work, thinking it through, and continuing even when it is challenging.
How habits are developed
- Regular practice of attention through reading, listening, and discussion
- Consistent opportunities to think, respond, and engage with ideas
- Clear expectations that build responsibility and follow-through
- A steady rhythm that reinforces consistency and participation
Habits are formed through repeated experience within meaningful work, allowing students to build both skill and instinct over time.
What it develops
Students begin to:
- sustain attention and focus
- engage thoughtfully with ideas
- ask questions and pursue understanding
- take responsibility for their work and participation
How it develops over time
Early focus is on attention and consistency. Over time, these habits become internalized, leading to greater independence and ownership of learning.
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Discussion
Discussion within Living Literature Studies is a natural extension of reading and learning together. It provides space for students to think aloud, share ideas, and engage with both the story and one another.
Discussion is a central part of the learning process. Students are practicing how to think, express ideas, and respond to others—skills that take time to develop.
How discussion is used
Students are not expected to do this easily at first. Early discussions may feel simple or slow, especially in smaller groups. With consistent practice and modeling, students grow more confident and engaged.
Parents model discussion by sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and responding in real time, helping students learn how to participate.
What it develops
Students begin to:
How it develops over time
Discussion begins with simple responses and guided participation. Over time, students take a more active role, contributing ideas and engaging more fully in conversation.
Discussion is a central part of the learning process. Students are practicing how to think, express ideas, and respond to others—skills that take time to develop.
How discussion is used
- Guided questions that invite thinking, not just recall
- Conversations around character, choices, and meaning
- Opportunities to share observations and respond to others
- Space for differing ideas and thoughtful dialogue
Students are not expected to do this easily at first. Early discussions may feel simple or slow, especially in smaller groups. With consistent practice and modeling, students grow more confident and engaged.
Parents model discussion by sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and responding in real time, helping students learn how to participate.
What it develops
Students begin to:
- think more clearly about what they read
- articulate ideas with increasing confidence
- listen and respond to others
How it develops over time
Discussion begins with simple responses and guided participation. Over time, students take a more active role, contributing ideas and engaging more fully in conversation.
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Ownership of learning is developed gradually within Living Literature Studies. Students are given consistent opportunities to think, respond, and engage with their work, building confidence and responsibility over time.
Students are guided —learning how to engage, follow through, and take responsibility for their learning. During this stage, they are introduced to a variety of tools and approaches—such as organizers, tables, and reference tools like dictionaries—giving them practical ways to work with and synthesize information. These are presented as a way of learning, not the only way, allowing students to develop flexibility and find what works for them.
How ownership is developed
What it develops
Students begin to:
How it develops over time
Early stages focus on participation and guided responsibility. Over time, students move toward greater independence, initiative, and self-direction in their learning.
Students are guided —learning how to engage, follow through, and take responsibility for their learning. During this stage, they are introduced to a variety of tools and approaches—such as organizers, tables, and reference tools like dictionaries—giving them practical ways to work with and synthesize information. These are presented as a way of learning, not the only way, allowing students to develop flexibility and find what works for them.
How ownership is developed
- Regular opportunities to make choices within their work
- Expectations to complete and follow through on tasks
- Exposure to tools and strategies for organizing and working with ideas
- Encouragement to think independently and form their own ideas
What it develops
Students begin to:
- take responsibility for their work
- follow through on tasks and ideas
- use tools and strategies to support their learning
- think more independently and engage with intention
How it develops over time
Early stages focus on participation and guided responsibility. Over time, students move toward greater independence, initiative, and self-direction in their learning.
Ownership of Learning
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
History Connection
History within Living Literature Studies is explored through the lens of story, helping students understand people, cultures, and ways of life in a meaningful and connected way.
How it is approached
The focus is not on memorizing timelines or isolated events, but on understanding how people lived, what they valued, and how those experiences shaped the world.
What it develops
Students begin to:
How it develops over time
Early work focuses on building awareness and connection. Over time, students develop a clearer understanding of historical context, perspective, and significance.
How it is approached
- Historical context is introduced alongside the story
- Students explore time periods, cultures, and daily life connected to the text
- Learning is supported through reading, discussion, and hands-on experiences
The focus is not on memorizing timelines or isolated events, but on understanding how people lived, what they valued, and how those experiences shaped the world.
What it develops
Students begin to:
- understand how people and cultures shape the world
- make connections between past and present
- engage with history as lived experience, not just information
- develop curiosity about different times, places, and ways of life
How it develops over time
Early work focuses on building awareness and connection. Over time, students develop a clearer understanding of historical context, perspective, and significance.
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Science Integration
Science within Living Literature Studies is explored through the context of the story, allowing students to encounter scientific ideas as they naturally arise.
How it is approached
Science is not treated as a separate subject, but as part of understanding how the world works.
What it develops
Students begin to:
How it develops over time
Early exploration focuses on observation and curiosity, with a goal for inspiring. Over time, students build a deeper understanding of concepts and how they connect.
How it is approached
- Science topics are introduced through moments in the text
- Students explore concepts through observation, discussion, and simple investigation
- Science topics are used to deepen understanding of characters, settings, and events —helping students see both the science and the story more clearly.
- Learning is connected to real-world understanding rather than isolated facts
Science is not treated as a separate subject, but as part of understanding how the world works.
What it develops
Students begin to:
- notice patterns and ask questions about the natural world
- connect ideas from the story to real-life phenomena
- build curiosity and a foundational understanding of scientific concepts
How it develops over time
Early exploration focuses on observation and curiosity, with a goal for inspiring. Over time, students build a deeper understanding of concepts and how they connect.
Story Elements
Writing
Grammar
Habit Formation
Discussion
Ownership of Learning
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History & Science Integration
Vocabulary
History Connection
Narration
Science Integration
Narration
Narration within Living Literature Studies is a tool for thinking, not a method of testing. It gives students a way to process, organize, and make sense of what they have read, heard, and experienced.
How students engage
Narration is not limited to retelling. Students are working with ideas—shaping them, arranging them, and making them their own.
What it develops
Students begin to:
How it develops over time
Narration begins with visual and oral expression and becomes more structured over time, leading to clearer, more organized communication.
How students engage
- Drawing scenes, characters, or settings
- Mapping timelines or sequencing events
- Representing beginning, middle, and end
- Sharing ideas through oral or written responses as development allows
Narration is not limited to retelling. Students are working with ideas—shaping them, arranging them, and making them their own.
What it develops
Students begin to:
- order their thoughts
- strengthen attention and recall
- make connections between ideas
- express understanding in a way that fits their stage
How it develops over time
Narration begins with visual and oral expression and becomes more structured over time, leading to clearer, more organized communication.
- Weekly Overview Menus – Your snapshot of the week with themes, goals, prep notes, and planned activities.
- Daily Teaching Guides – Scripted lessons, detailed instructions, and helpful prompts to guide parents with confidence.
- Hands-On Language Arts – Explore grammar, composition, and story elements with manipulatives, interactive tools, and immersive experiences.
- Creative Invitations – Playful, project-rich moments like acting out scenes, creating dioramas, puppet shows, and more.
- Cross-Curricular Learning – Science experiments, demonstrations, and history connections are seamlessly integrated into the literary themes.
- Open-Ended Project Challenges – Each unit features a major project invitation that encourages student voice and choice while providing guiding materials as support to the creative process.
- Printable Packets – Everything you need at your fingertips, from manipulatives to writing prompts and notebook pages.
What's Included in Each Semester
Explore Living Literature Collections:
Living Literature Studies are designed with a suggested progression, allowing skills and understanding to build over time.
Families can begin with the study that best fits their child’s age, readiness, or interest. Each study stands on its own and is designed for family-style learning across ages, giving you the flexibility to shape your homeschool around your needs.
For those planning to move through multiple studies, following the recommended pathway supports steady growth in language, writing, and thinking skills.
Collection One: "Adventures Worth Having"
Suggested Pathway: The Hobbit The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe The Wizard of Oz
Features
- 12-week literature study (PDF or printed)
- 4 lessons per week
- Family-style Language Arts for first to fourth grade
- Discovery Grove Learning, Foundations Stage
- Historical Perspectives introducing World War I, the Middle Ages, Norse Mythology, and a biographical study of J.R.R. Tolkien.
- Scientific Integrations including geology studies of landforms, animal adaptations, STEM engineering, and more
- Language Foundations focus: Parts of Speech
- Hands-on projects, crafts, and creative writing
- Pintable manipulatives, visuals, and lesson tools.
- Scripted lessons with quick look & overview tools
Digital | $99.00
Print | $165.00
The Hobbit: Living Literature Study
Features
- 12-week literature study (PDF or printed)
- 4 lessons per week
- Family-style Language Arts for first to fourth grade
- Discovery Grove Learning, Roots Stage
- Historical Perspectives exploring and connecting to World War II, focusing on child evacuations, conflict, and standing up for what's right.
- Scientific Integrations, including winter and seasons science, animal habitats, behaviors, and adaptations.
- Language Foundations focus: Types, Purposes, and Structures of Sentences
- Hands-on projects, crafts, and informative writing
- Pintable manipulatives, visuals, and lesson tools.
- Scripted lessons with quick look & overview tools
Digital | $99.00
Print | $165.00
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: Living Literature Study
Coming Soon
Features
- 12-week literature study (PDF or printed)
- 4 lessons per week
- Family-style Language Arts for first to fourth grade
- Discovery Grove Learning, Roots Stage
- Historical Perspectives
- Scientific Integrations
- Language Foundations focus: Sentence Expansion and Descriptive Language
- Hands-on projects, crafts, and informative writing
- Pintable manipulatives, visuals, and lesson tools.
- Scripted lessons with quick look & overview tools
Digital | $99.00
Print | $165.00
The Wizard of Oz: Living Literature Study
In Development
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