Do you like nature? Do you feel that your children need more play? Can you incorporate that into a curriculum? Blossom and Root is a curriculum that has done just that. But is it right for your family?

Blossom & Root is a Charlotte Mason and Waldorf-inspired homeschool curriculum known for its emphasis on literature, nature study, STEM and the arts. It offers a comprehensive approach to education that aims to cultivate a love of learning and critical thinking.

According to Blossom and Root, “The world is your classroom”. And they certainly do have you outside exploring nature!

They now offer preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first through sixth grades, U.S. history, and Book Seeds (STEM-centered, nature-based mini-unit studies.) 

If you are unsure about Charlotte Mason and Waldorf philosophies of education, check out the videos I have on them as they do approach education, and especially language arts, differently to the norm today.

KEY FEATURES:

• Affordable, adaptable and low prep

They’ve designed each level to be affordable. You’ll be able to complete a year of homeschool with minimal supplies and most books can be sourced through your library or purchased used. It’s also designed to be adaptable and flexible to support your family’s rhythms and your child’s unique needs. Finally, it’s designed to be low-prep. Each week will typically require 30 – 45 minutes to prepare.  

• Centered on curiosity and creativity. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and analysis through narration and discussion.
• Designed for the whole child

Blossom and Root provides weekly prompts for nature study, math-inspired picture studies, art projects, suggested literature selections with corresponding hands-on activities and geography prompts, a hands-on and highly adaptable science program (with options for multiple learning styles), gentle reading lessons, copywork and narration, journaling prompts, and more!

• Secular and Hands on

Each level has a different focus, but in each will explore different topics, immerse themselves in great literature, discover beautiful things and begin developing in different academic stages while gently building a creative and solid foundation that will serve them in the years to come.

• Incorporates activities for all the learning styles

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

• While it is designed to be “open and go” it might not be as scripted as some families would like. This would mean some extra prep time. 
• Blossom and Root does not align with common core.
• It also does not align with what children would be learning in grade level at school (each county and state can be quite different anyhow).
• You can download the scope and sequence of each level to see what your child will be learning/mastering. This is very helpful. 
• Bundles for grades 1 and up do not include math, spelling, handwriting or cursive instruction or history.
• If you feel your child needs more support with writing, grammar, and spelling, you can always supplement with other resources.
• Everything is available as digital downloads. No printed/physical copies available.
• Book Seeds (which are STEM-centered, nature-based mini-unit studies) can be used as a stand-alone curriculum for children ages 2 to 5, as a curriculum base when combined with the math and phonics programs of your choice for the early elementary learner (ages 6 to 8), or as a fun add-on to your existing curriculum. 

COST OF BLOSSOM AND ROOT

The cost of Blossom and Root is not prohibitive. But remember, that the curriculum is only available as a digital download, so you will need to cover the printing costs.

You can buy the individual subjects but the full bundles are between $120 and $162. depending on the grade.  It is worth checking out the prices on the different subjects and levels. 

6th grade is based on novel studies and they are $10 each. 

Book Seeds are $4 or $6 with bundles available. 

Remember to take cost into consideration with any supplements you might need to add, and the math curriculum. 

They are having a 30% off sale until the end of the year (Dec 31, 2024).

MY THOUGHTS

I like that this is a curriculum that thinks outside the classroom. With it being hands-on and interactive, your children get to explore nature and are learning in a variety of ways. 

I think that it would work well for families who like the Charlotte Mason philosophy and prefer a more relaxed approach to education.  For me, this curriculum aligns more with how I like to teach, and how I am leading my girls through their education. I appreciate the Charlotte Mason and Waldorf philosophies and have incorporated aspects myself. If you like them as well, then this could really appeal to you. But if you like more structure with Language Arts, or any subject, then this could frustrate you. 

The literature aims at being diverse, and this is a good thing. Having a variety of styles of literature leads to discussion and critical thinking. 

Blossom and Root is a secular curriculum that doesn’t mention faith but does introduce figures of different faith backgrounds and points of view. This is important to some families. If you are looking for a faith based curriculum, this will not be one for you. 

It is definitely worth looking at the samples and the scope and sequence to see if this is one that could work for you. 

Check out Blossom and Root to see if it is right for you.

Check out some other curriculum reviews!
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Five in a Row
Torchlight