My Favorite Workbook Based Homeschool Curriculums

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As a homeschooling parent, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right curriculum for your child.

One popular option that provides structure, flexibility, and a wide range of key skills is the workbook based homeschool curriculum. 

In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of using homeschool workbooks across different subjects, discuss their benefits for various grade levels, and provide an overview of my favorite homeschool curriculum workbooks.

Overall, the workbook-based curriculum is on the opposite spectrum of a Charlotte Mason-type curriculum. Honestly, I’ve blended these homeschool styles together with no issues.

Flexibility Across Different Subjects:

Homeschool workbooks offer a comprehensive range of subjects, allowing parents to tailor the curriculum to their child’s specific needs and interests. It’s easy to use a grade/level 3 in language arts and level 5 math for the same student. You can use any grade level you want or need to fit your child’s skills. 

You can even buy different books for different subjects. There are no rules to follow when picking out a curriculum.

Easy Organization and Progress Tracking:

One of the greatest advantages of workbook-based homeschooling is the easy organization it offers. Each workbook contains a detailed table of contents, making it simple to navigate and plan lessons.

Most workbooks are sectioned out by days or lesson plans. It’s very open and go with little to no planning on your part.

Suitable for Different Grade Levels:

Workbook-based curriculums cater to homeschool students of all ages. Whether you have younger children just starting their educational journey or older kids in high school, there is a wide variety of workbooks available to suit their specific needs.

From essential homeschool 2nd-grade workbooks to comprehensive high school resources, these curriculums serve as a one-stop resource for families with multiple children at different grade levels.

Fun and Engaging Learning Experience:

Homeschool workbooks offer a range of fun curriculum-based exercises that engage your kids and make learning enjoyable. These workbooks can recommend hands-on activities, puzzles, and interactive page activities that not only reinforce key concepts but also keep students motivated and interested in their studies. 

In general, I would say the workbook-based curriculum is lower on experiments and hands-on activities than most curriculums. 

Workbook Based Homeschool Complete Curriculum

Abeka

Abeka is a widely recognized homeschool curriculum known for its strong emphasis on traditional teaching methods. Their workbooks provide comprehensive coverage of every grade and subject area your child would need to learn.

Abeka workbooks are designed to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills while promoting Christian values.

With a structured approach and rigorous content, Abeka workbooks are a popular choice for homeschooling families seeking a traditional and academically rigorous curriculum. 

Abeka definitely has a “school at home” feel to it.

​I do like Abeka for some children but in my opinion, it’s not the best fit for dyslexics or kids who need hands-on learning. Abeka has a tendency to be a bit dry if you use it for every single subject. 

I also don’t think the teacher’s manuals are necessary for the younger grades. The “grade kits” can be pricy so we skipped those. I would rather my kids do the workbook and then we can add in our own hands-on projects. 

Bob Jones BJU

Bob Jones BJU offers a comprehensive workbook-based curriculum that combines academic excellence with a biblical worldview, similar to Abeka.

Their workbooks cover a wide range of subjects, including language arts, math, science, social studies, and more. BJU workbooks integrate practical applications, critical thinking exercises, and engaging visuals to enhance the learning experience.

This curriculum places a strong emphasis on Christian values and provides a well-rounded education for homeschooled students.

The workbooks are less dry than Abeka overall but still lack some hands-on learning.

Both Abeka and BJU offer a strong and rigorous curriculum and those with learning disabilities may struggle with these companies. Both companies sell a lot of expensive extra stuff that may not be necessary.

Masterbooks

Masterbooks is a popular workbook-based homeschool curriculum known for its commitment to a biblical worldview and academic excellence.

Their workbooks cover a wide range of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and history.

Masterbooks workbooks emphasize critical thinking, character development, and a deep understanding of God’s creation.

With colorful illustrations, engaging activities, and age-appropriate content, Masterbooks provides homeschool students with a well-rounded education that integrates faith, knowledge, and practical skills.

​This curriculum is more gentle than Abeka and BJU and incorporates Bible into the subjects instead of it being a separate subject.

I like the fact that it isn’t full of busy work and it gets right to the point of the lesson which makes it great for children with ADHD.

Lifepacs

Lifepacs is a unique workbook-based homeschool curriculum offered by Alpha Omega Publications. Lifepacs are individual workbooks that cover various subjects, allowing homeschooling parents to customize their child’s education based on their specific needs and learning style.

Each Lifepac workbook focuses on a specific subject, such as language arts, math, science, history, or elective courses. With clearly structured units, self-paced lessons, and hands-on activities, Lifepacs provide a comprehensive and flexible curriculum that promotes independent learning and mastery of key concepts.

Lifepacs are super easy to take places and very open and go but can be a bit daunting and dry to use day after day. The content is strong but isn’t presented in an engaging manner.

This would be good for a child who is a self-learner. 

Christian Light Education (CLE)

Christian Light Education (CLE) is a workbook-based curriculum that combines academic rigor with Christian values. CLE workbooks cover subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies.

The curriculum follows a mastery-based approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace and ensuring a solid foundation in each subject. 

Christian Light Education workbooks incorporate engaging activities, real-life examples, and practical applications to facilitate understanding and retention of concepts.

With a focus on character development and a biblical perspective, CLE provides homeschooled students with a well-rounded education that integrates faith and academic excellence.

I loved using CLE’s math and language arts with my little kids. It was well-organized and rigorous. I don’t care for upper middle school and high school with this company.

Complete Grade-Level All In One Workbooks

There are several companies that make all in one grade level subject workbooks. I don’t think there is anything wrong with using these with younger kids here and there to fill in gaps or get extra practice.

I don’t think it’s a good all-in-one homeschool program or should be used year after year. Most of the all-in-one workbooks lack critical thinking skills and are more fill-in-the-blank. 

These “complete” grade-level workbooks often found on Amazon will work in a pinch but I don’t think you should rely on them for your only curriculum.

If budget is the issue, I have a list of completely Free Homeschool Curriculum to choose from.

Making Workbook Based Homeschool Curriculum More Hands-On

Workbook-based homeschool curriculum provides homeschooling parents with a flexible and organized approach to education, catering to students across different grade levels but can be boring.

Honestly, it’s pretty easy to add field trips, science experiments from HomeScienceTools, library books, and videos to any of these workbook curriculums.

The workbooks make a great foundation for learning so all you need to do is spice things up when it fits your busy schedule.

Each of these curriculums offers unique features and approaches to homeschooling through workbooks.

It’s important to consider your child’s learning style, educational goals, and the values you wish to incorporate into their education when choosing the most suitable curriculum for your homeschooling journey.

Tell us about your favorite workbook based homeschool curriculums.

Thanks for sharing!