A World of Adventure
Author: Dorian Holt
Publisher: Learning Adventures
For more information or to order: www.learning-adventures.org

A World of Adventure is a 180-day unit study based on world history using library books and the Bible for grades 4 - 8.  It is the first book in a planned five book Learning Adventures series.   This one-year, Christian-based curriculum covers six units: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, and the Age of Exploration (approx. 2300 B.C. to A.D. 1600).  Each of the units provides 30 days of lesson plans covering all subjects except math. 

In addition to the Bible, most units have one or two required books.  The daily reading assignment steers the day's studies.  I had no trouble locating any of the books in the public library.  Author Dorian Holt's idea of a literature-based curriculum is to read a variety of books on a designated subject.  With each additional book you read, new information is acquired plus previously learned material is reviewed.  Dorian provides extensive book lists at the beginning of each unit.  From these lists select books to read throughout the unit based upon your child's interests.

Now, let's talk about teacher preparation. Here is the beauty of this curriculum.  Dorian has done all the work for you!  The book is written to be "read aloud" to your children.  You don't have to study how to teach a particular concept, you don't have to research each topic; you don't have to spend time memorizing what to say.  Dorian presents topical facts and concepts in each subject area in a conversational way that is easy to understand that you just read.  As for supplies, at the beginning of each unit there is a list, by day, of the supplies you will need.  A quick glance lets you know what you need and when so you are prepared for each lesson.

Each daily lesson is divided by subject: Bible/Character Training, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Fine Arts.  Several Language Arts assignments are given each day, which may include literature, writing, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, poetry, oral communication, or study skills.  Sections begin with a narrative introducing/reviewing the material for the day that is straightforward and easily understood.  Usually, Social Studies and Science sections end with instruction to continue reading additional books on the topic.  Let your child select books that are fascinating to her.  The summary Dorian presents covers the information needed for the unit and is sufficient to bridge any gap that might exist in book selection.  Each day ends with reminders for your math program, 15 minutes for your typing program (recommended until mastery) and personal reading.  The lesson plans are geared to Grades 4 - 8, however, if you are teaching multiple grade levels, you can simplify or add to it.  At the beginning of each unit Dorian provides a list of ideas for extended study that will challenge your older children.  Although it is best to work with your child through the daily material, my ten-year old can easily read, understand and follow the instructions on her own when it is necessary.  See their website for the required books, a sample lesson and highlights of each unit.

I want to provide additional detail on certain subjects. 

SPELLING - Dorian believes the best way to learn spelling is through reading and correcting the errors in your own work.  In a World of Adventure children are encouraged to keep a spelling list of their own misspelled words. This individualized approach allows them to concentrate on the words they are having trouble with personally.  The spelling lists provided are grouped by a common sound or based on a spelling rule that is reviewed.  In later units, spelling is comprised of commonly misspelled words.  Subsequent review includes re-writing them alphabetically or into syllables as well as oral and written spelling tests.

VOCABULARY - Each day vocabulary words with definitions are provided not as a lookup and memorize exercise, but as to prepare the child for the daily reading.

LATIN/GREEK VOCABULARY CARDS - Language Arts includes a year-long study of Latin and Greek prefixes, suffixes and root words.  Students are instructed to build a set of vocabulary cards by writing the Latin/Greek word at the top of a 3" x 5" index card.  English words and definitions are then added to it throughout the study.

WRITING - Elements of writing are presented throughout the curriculum.  Students are instructed how to take notes, organize their thoughts using a key word outline and practice re-writing paragraphs.  They learn how to improve their writing by using descriptive words and phrases as well as various sentence openers.

TIMELINES- Students are instructed to keep a timeline throughout the year.  Each unit provides a two-page timeline to help children construct their own timelines.

TESTS - There are none.  Dorian suggests making games to review the material.  Her philosophy is learning should be a wonderful adventure; and children learn best when they are having fun.  She has developed a game for this curriculum that can be purchased separately.  Game questions can easily be turned into a test if that is what you desire.

FORMAT - A World of Adventure contains daily lesson plans, but is not presented in a Monday - Friday format. It easily adapts to your school schedule whether you complete it straight through in nine months, use a 4-or 5-day school week or stretch it out over a longer period.  Curriculum comes 3-hole punched; I decided to place the current unit in a 1" binder, but that decision is left for your preference.  The student organizes their work in notebook or subject folders.  Student Pages can be purchased separately if desired, but are not necessary.

I am amazed at the content in A World of Adventure! I have enjoyed learning from it as much as my daughter has.  Dorian is truly blessed with not just the knowledge, but with a straightforward writing style in her presentation of the material.  Bible truths are spread throughout the units as she relates the daily literature to a deeper understanding of God, and she uses the Bible as the required reading for several units.  Her approach in teaching is in alignment with mine:  timelines, notebooking, writing similar to the Institute for Excellence in Writing that we already were using, homemaking, hymns; and I had always planned to teach Greek/Latin roots that we are now finally covering.   We plan to continue Learning Adventures with the next volume, A New World of Adventure (1600-1800).

I have been reminded how much better a unit study can aid in comprehension of the material.  It just makes sense, and my daughter is having fun using it. 

Dorian Holt is not only a talented author; she is also an exciting, innovative, fast-paced speaker.  If you ever have the opportunity, I would recommend that you attend one of her workshops.

Making the Grade: A+
Cost: $75
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10
Reviewed by Carol Benson, homeschool mom of 2