Are you looking for a simple way to teach your kids about the true meaning of Easter? Sing songs together about the resurrection of Christ! Music has a powerful ability to shape the mind. These kids worship songs will help you celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with your children in the days leading up to Easter Sunday.

The resurrection of Christ is central to the Christian faith. As Paul says in I Corinthians 15, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” 

How do you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in your home? At Christmas, we sing carols, decorate our homes, exchange gifts, and have a special family meal. But for Easter? (crickets)

When I think about our family’s Easter traditions, they leave much to be desired. Using music, art, nature, literature, home decorations, food, and traditions, we should be doing more to prepare for this special time of year. I don’t know about you, but I want to change that! 

In the same way that we observe the birth of Christ with Advent, let’s create a family culture that celebrates the true Easter story! 

Christian Easter Songs That Tell about Christ’s Resurrection

One of the best ways to teach kids truth is through music. These great songs for kids by various artists tell the good news of the gospel. 

1. Christ the Lord is Risen Today by Ellie Holcomb

Christ the Lord is Risen Today is one of the classic hymns sung in churches around the world on Easter day. I love Ellie Holcomb’s peppy rendition of this beautiful song.

2. Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed by Getty Kids Hymns

Through this song children will learn the common greeting used by all Christians at Easter. “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” 

3. The Resurrection by Seeds Family Worship

One way to get God’s Word into our hearts is to sing it! Seeds Family Worship creates music that gets kids’ attention using lyrics straight from verses of Scripture.

4. On That First Easter  God’s Kids Worship

The simple lyrics in this song explain the story of Jesus in a way that makes it easy for kids to understand. 

5. Christ Arose Go Fish Guys

Christ Arose is another classic hymn sung in churches throughout Christendom. My kids love all the Go Fish Guys music! 

6. God Always Keeps His Promises by TheOlogy: Ancient Truths Ever New

This song follows the story of the gospel beginning with the call of Abraham, the giving of the law, and finally, Jesus’ sacrifices through His death and resurrection. Sovereign Grace Music does a wonderful job of teaching doctrine through music. Kids will understand the sequence of events that led us to our need for a Redeemer.

7. He’s Alive, He’s Alive (Easter) by Yancy

I love the catchy tune in this song that repeats the phrase, “Jesus Is Alive.” Our redeemer lives!

Kids Easter Albums

If you want to listen to complete albums that celebrate Easter, I recommend these excellent choices!

I Believe (An Easter Curriculum) by Go Fish Guys

The Resurrection by Seeds Family Worship 

Keith and Kristyn Getty Kids Hymnal

Gods Kids Worship Band Easter Wonder

Seeds of Easter by Seeds Family Worship 

Other Christian Easter Resources

Easter Bible Trivia (Free Printable) How much do you know about the Resurrection story? This is a great game to play as a family!

Easter Picture Books for Kids That Tell the Resurrection Story Want to start collecting a library of Easter stories to read to your kids each year? Much like a prism shows different colors of light depending on the angle you look through it, these excellent Easter picture books point to the resurrection of Christ in different ways. 

I hope these Christian Easter songs for kids fill your home with beautiful music as you celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus!

He is risen!

Since young children learn through repetition, rhyming books are the perfect choice for kids in preschool and Kindergarten ages. The repeated sounds and rhythmic patterns help children to remember what they hear, which in turn increases their literacy skills. 

From the time my kids were little, I read nursery rhymes to them. Why do children love rhyming stories? Because when you can’t read something, your mind is looking for some form of stimulation. Repeating the same sounds and rhythms IS your reading. They are building a repertoire!

To better understand why rhyming stories are good for young children, I recommend reading Pam Barnhill’s blog post The Benefits of Nursery Rhymes on Preschool Development. 

What happens when a child hears nursery rhymes and rhyming books every day? They will repeat them throughout the day. You will most likely hear hear your child beg, “Again! Do another one!”

Children love to hear the same phrases over and over so that they can remember and repeat them. The books in this post are some of the favorite rhyming books I have loved reading to my preschoolers over the years. 

** This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes

Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes is a classic book of rhymes that belongs in every home library. Rhymed verses such as  Hickory, Dickory, Dock,Little Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, as well as many other rhyming stories are so much fun for little readers. Many nursery rhymes have been put to song. If you can sing some of them and add motions, your preschooler will relish this time with you. You will be folding laundry and hearing them in the next room saying, “this little piggy went wee wee wee aaaaaall the way home!” with delight.

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The Real Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright (2-May-2007) Hardcover

• Hardcover Book
• unknown author (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• Blue Sky Press; Library Binding edition (2 May 2007) (Publisher)

$13.87

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Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear is a simple, yet engaging children’s picture book. It is a rhyming story going through the different animals imaginatively seen, like a purple cat, a blue horse a black sheep, and many other animals that see another animal on the next page. 

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

• Martin Jr., Bill (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages – 09/15/1996 (Publication Date) – Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$5.36

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Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon is my favorite bedside book for kids. As the reader turns the pages, he discovers every little detail in a young bunny’s room. He wishes the house and the mouse and the socks and clocks good night. Lastly, he says goodnight to the moon. 

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Goodnight Moon

• Beloved by generations of readers and listeners
• Quiet poetry and gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day
• Author: Margaret Wise Brown; Illustrator: Clement Hurd
• 32 pages
• Brown, Margaret Wise (Author)

$5.97

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Hop On Pop by Dr. Seuss

This is the perfect Dr. Seuss book for early readers! Its silly rhymes (sometimes boring for adults)  engage younger children. It is also a great way to introduce picture books to newer readers. Young readers get excited to move on from reading lesson books to “real” books. Hop on Pop has little stories with fun rhymes that will improve kids language skills without them even realizing it.  

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Hop on Pop: The Simplest Seuss for Youngest Use

• Combines phonics and word recognition
• Highly recommended
• This is one of the books of the ‘beginner books’ series, which by exacting blends of words and pictures encourage children to read all by themselves
• Hardcover Book
• Dr. Seuss (Author)

$5.00

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Llama, Llama, Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

A young llama is worried when his mom leaves him to fall asleep and begins worrying that something has happened to her, and he feels alone in his quiet room. Eventually, his mama llama comes in and reassures him that she is always with him.

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Llama Llama Red Pajama

• Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama!
• Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying.
• Children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort.
• Hardcover Book measures 10.51 x 10.51in and contains 40 pages.
• Recommended for Ages: 3 – 5 years.

$9.88

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Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherry Dusky Rinker

My two year old is fascinated with construction vehicles and wants me to read this book over and over. This is a fun book with great rhymes about a big construction site, as they conclude their day’s work, putting aside their labor and going to sleep.

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Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

• Author Sherri Duskey Rinker’s sweet rhyming text soothes little ones into a peaceful rest|Full of irresistible artwork by illustrator Tom Lichtenheld| Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site is the perfect read-aloud |Ideal for children ages 3 to 5 years old|Great for young construction fans|This adorable hardcover bedtime book is a go-to gift for any occasion
• Hardcover Book
• Rinker, Sherri Duskey (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 04/20/2011 (Publication Date) – Chronicle Books (Publisher)

$10.30

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Time For Bed by Mem Fox

This is an excellent kid’s bedside book by Mem Fox, with cute illustrations. Listen and watch as the baby animal’s mothers tuck them in for bed. I like to read this to my toddlers before afternoon nap. It’s a soothing book that helps them to settle down. 

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Time for Bed

• A bedtime story with rhyming text and lovely watercolor images of baby animals.
• Hardcover Book
• Mem Fox (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 09/24/1993 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$12.64

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Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Another classic story out of the many written by Dr. Seuss, this comical storybook follows Sam, as he tries to convince his friend to share his enjoyment of green eggs and ham. His friend, however, is in a definite state of absolute refusal. He has to go to great lengths to get Sam to eventually try the infamous green eggs and ham. 

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Green Eggs and Ham

• Sam-I-Am mounts a determined campaign to convince another Seuss character to eat a plate of green eggs and ham
• Illustrated in color
• By Dr. Seuss
• Hardcover Book
• Dr. Seuss (Author)

$5.10

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Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

This is a funny book with great rhymes as the letters of the alphabet try to all clamber up onto the coconut tree until the tree collapses and they all get banged up. However, the race to climb up the coconut tree is still ongoing! 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Martin Jr, Bill (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 36 Pages – 03/22/2011 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$7.99

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Bear’s New Friend by Karma Wilson

One of Karma Wilson’s great bear books, Bear’s New Friend describes in its simple rhymes the adventures of Bear. He is out playing in the woods on a hot summer day when he meets many friends along the way.

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Bear’s New Friend (The Bear Books)

• Hardcover Book
• Wilson, Karma (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 04/01/2006 (Publication Date) – Margaret K. McElderry Books (Publisher)

$12.54

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Each Peach, Pear, Plum by Allen Ahlberg

The book begins with a young boy, Tom Thumb, and a poem-filled I-spy game, where the reader meets characters from both fairy tales and nursery rhymes, ending as they spy plumb pie — and everyone!

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Each Peach Pear Plum (Picture Puffin Books)

• Ahlberg, Allan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 10/07/1986 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)

$6.82

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Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw

One of the best picture books by Nancy Shaw with its humorous rhymes and drawings, this is a great read for young kids about some silly sheep and their troublesome dealings with their jeep.

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Sheep in a Jeep (board book)

• Recommended Age: 0-3 years
• Recommended Grade: Grade VPK
• Weight: 0.7 lbs
• Satisfaction Ensured.
• Produced with the highest grade materials

$6.84

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Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

This is one of my favorite books to read to the kids. Margaret Wise Brown’s children’s books are so beautifully depicted in their soothing and simple words and stories. In this sweet story, the reader is introduced to all the animals on the farm and the comfortable environment in which they dwell.

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Big Red Barn

• Brown, Margaret Wise (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 01/06/1995 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$7.19

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The Owl and the Pussycat by Ian Beck

This sing-song rhyming book, from the original poem by Edward Lear,  is a fun and adventurous story. An owl sings a love song to his love the pussycat, and the author creates an imaginative scene around them, including the land where the bong tree grows.

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat

• Edward Lear; Ian Beck (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 10/02/1997 (Publication Date) – Corgi Childrens (Publisher)

$15.70

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Sheep Out To Eat by Nancy Shaw

Nancy Shaw tells about a flock of sheep out to eat at a restaurant. They are confused about the dishes served there, and end up causing havoc in the entire restaurant. Finally, they find the type of food that they like and are finally contented.

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Sheep Out to Eat (Sheep in a Jeep)

• Shaw, Nancy E. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 03/27/1995 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.19

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Madeline by Ludwig Bemelman

“In an old house in Paris,” twelve little girls and Miss Clavel do everything together. But when Madeline wakes up crying one night, she is taken to the hospital to have her appendix removed. The other girls visit her and see all the gifts she gets before she returns home.

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Madeline

• Hardcover Book
• Ludwig Bemelmans (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 54 Pages – 01/01/1967 (Publication Date) – The Viking Press (Publisher)

$9.42

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Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

This cute book follows the Little Blue Truck down the road, as he makes friends with all the road-side animals. They all make their noises and call to him. When his friend the Dump gets stuck in the mud, the Little Blue Truck and all his animal friends come to the rescue.

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Little Blue Truck

• Hardcover Book, Little Blue Truck Alice Schertle Author Jill McElmurry Illustrator Children’s Books Toddlers Trucks Cars Animals Kids
• Hardcover Book
• Schertle, Alice (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 05/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$9.99

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Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle

The Little Blue Truck enters the busy, fast, city. Every one of the cars is in a hurry and agitatedly honks at Little Blue. Finally, the mayor steps out and tells the cars to listen to Blue’s proposition to go slow, and patiently take turns.

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Little Blue Truck Leads the Way Board Book

• Schertle, Alice (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 38 Pages – 07/07/2015 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.88

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Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Barnyard Dance was a favorite of our daughter when she was a toddler. She had us read it to her over and over again. All the farm animals gather and begin a dance in the hay of the barnyard, making all the fun sounds that animals do!

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Barnyard Dance! (Boynton on Board)

• Boynton, Sandra (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages – 09/27/2022 (Publication Date) – Boynton Bookworks (Publisher)

$4.83

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Over in the Meadow by Paul Galdone

Over In the Meadow is a counting rhyme book. The book begins with mother and “her little turtle one” and ends with a mother fox with her ten babies. It has little bits that describe what the animals are doing and saying as they go about their day and finally go to bed. This book has been put to a song which I sing to my child each time I read it.

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Over in the Meadow: An Old Nursery Counting Rhyme

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Paul Galdone (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 06/01/1989 (Publication Date) – Aladdin (Publisher)

$1.85

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Five Little Monkeys, Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow

Do you want to know the silly story behind the song about the five little monkeys jumping on the bed? You will learn here, as Eileen Christelow tells of the monkeys getting ready for bed. They jump on the bed, and when one of them gets hurt and the doctor tells them not to jump on the bed, they mischievously do it again. 

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Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Deluxe Edition (A Five Little Monkeys Story)

• Hardcover Book
• Christelow, Eileen (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 10/07/2014 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$10.99

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The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

The seven Peters kids are a strange bunch in all their unique and separate food preferences. Mrs. Peters can hardly keep up with all the food she must prepare every day.  She gets tired of it — and tomorrow is her birthday! The seven kids all put their dishes together, and it turns out so horrible they hide it in the oven…but their mother wakes up to a big surprise!

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The Seven Silly Eaters

• The Seven Silly Eaters By Hoberman Mary Ann Frazee Marla ILT
• Hoberman, Mary Ann (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 08/01/2000 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.99

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly! by Pam Adams

If you know the song for this book, your preschooler will just love singing it with you! This old lady thought nothing would happen by swallowing a single fly — but she keeps swallowing bigger and bigger animals. What will happen when she swallows a goat, a cow, a horse? ”Perhaps she’ll die!” 

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (Classic Books) (Classic Books with Holes Board Book)

• Adams, Pam (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 14 Pages – 11/01/2000 (Publication Date) – Child’s Play International (Publisher)

$6.50

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There’s a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss

Here is a simple story that your children will love. The main character goes about his house, showing off all the creatures that live there. For example, the Zable on the table or maybe the Geeling on the ceiling.

There’s a Wocket in my Pocket: Dr. Seuss’s Book of Ridiculous Rhymes (Big Bright & Early Board Book)

• Dr. Seuss (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages – 05/08/2018 (Publication Date) – Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$6.99

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Jamberry by Bruce Degen

The bear and his friend go on a berry adventure — collecting all kinds of berries — blackberries, hayberries, cranberries, and pawberries! This storybook concludes with an overwhelming berry jamboree!

Jamberry

• Degen, Bruce (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 01/22/2008 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$7.99

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This list of books is a wonderful selection to collect for your home library! Find a cozy spot in the house and read these great books with your preschooler. What classic rhyming book would you add to this list?

Looking for more resources for preschool? You may enjoy these similar posts!

As you prepare your young child to learn the alphabet, these adorable ABC books will entertain children with a wide variety of interests using colorful illustrations and delightful writing.

Before I teach my kids the letters of the alphabet, we spend the first several years of life reading excellent books together. Creating a literate environment is the key to reading readiness.

Often parents are pressured into thinking they should start teaching their children to read long before they are ready. If you wait until they show signs of interest, kids will learn much more quickly. Here are a few signs I watch for in my kids to know when they are ready to start learning their letters.

They will…

• point to letters and ask what they are.
• pretend to read familiar books.
• try writing letters.
• listen attentively when you read simple picture books to them.
• try to read words on the cereal box or road signs or other words around the house.

For more information about teaching a child to read, these resources are a great place to start!

When Is It Best to Start Teaching My Child to Read?
Teach a Child to Read With Two Importannt Habits
Simple Steps for Teaching Reading That Work
Companion Beginner Guide for Teaching Bob Books

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Alphabet Books for Kids

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

In this fascinating book, the letters are racing to the top of the coconut tree. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom uses interesting words to captivate its listeners. This is one of our favorite alphabet books.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Bill Martin Jr. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 08/01/2000 (Publication Date) – Beach Lane Books (Publisher)

$7.39

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My ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt

Next to each letter is a Bible verse, with the letter highlighted that corresponds with a word in the verse. Your kids will have so much fun learning Bible verses along with their letters.

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My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts

• Hardcover Book
• Hunt, Susan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 64 Pages – 07/01/1998 (Publication Date) – Crossway (Publisher)

$13.08

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Alphabet Soup by Kate Banks

A little boy uses his alphabet soup to make words, and as he goes on a wild adventure, each word he makes solves a problem, the book showing the letters of the alphabet along the way.

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Alphabet Soup

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Banks, Kate (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 08/09/1994 (Publication Date) – Dragonfly Books (Publisher)

$2.29

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Alphabet School by Stephen T. Johnson

Alphabet School, a wordless book, displays everyday objects, such as globes and windows, to make children see the hidden letters on each page. This is a creative way to teach young readers letter recognition in an easy-to-understand way.

Alphabet School

• Hardcover Book
• Johnson, Stephen T. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 09/08/2015 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (Publisher)

$17.24

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Dr. Seuss’ ABC Book by Dr. Seuss

This book asks readers what begins with each letter of the alphabet in entertaining, silly illustrations. If you’re looking for ABC books that center on teaching the alphabet in a way that’s just plain fun, this book is a great one to start with.

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Dr. Seuss’s ABC (Beginner Books, I Can Read It All By Myself)

• With Dr. Seuss as your guide, learning the alphabet is as easy as A, B, C
• Simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning
• Fun characters and bright colors
• Ages 3 to 7
• Hardcover Book

$5.98

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D is for Dump Truck by Michael Shoulders

If your boys love anything to do with cars, this book is sure to entertain them for hours. The creative rhymes and how each letter of the alphabet is used is a great way to introduce your kids to the alphabet.

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D is for Dump Truck: A Construction Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Alphabet Books)

• Hardcover Book
• Shoulders, Michael (Author) – Ryan, Tamara (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 10/01/2016 (Publication Date) – Sleeping Bear Press (Publisher)

$14.43

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A to Z by Sandra Boynton

As this alphabet book goes through each letter, it shows each animal performing a different action, which is a creative way to show young children how a letter can be used in words. This book is sure to make our book recommendation list.

A to Z

• Boynton, Sandra (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 16 Pages – 10/11/1984 (Publication Date) – Boynton Bookworks (Publisher)

$6.50

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A is for Apple by Tiger Tales

This is one of my son’s favorite books! The colorful flaps showing what each letter represents is an interesting way to capture a reader’s attention. “‘I’ is for icecream and igloo. ‘J’ is for jet and jam.” It also shows how the letters are written using arrows which show children how to trace letters using their fingers.

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A is for Apple (Smart Kids Trace-and-Flip)

• Tiger Tales (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 26 Pages – 09/06/2011 (Publication Date) – Tiger Tales (Publisher)

$5.42

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On Market Street by Arnold Lobel

A little boy goes shopping on Market Street, buying things from each letter of the alphabet. The things he buys look like people with donuts for skirts or apples for arms. This ABC book, written by the acclaimed Arnold Lobel (Frog and Toad stories) and illustrated by Anita Lobel, won a Caldecott Honor award.

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On Market Street

• Hardcover Book
• Lobel, Arnold (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (Publisher)

$18.59

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ABC’s on Wheels by Ramon Olivera

Simple and easy to understand, this picture book goes through the letters one by one, showing how they are used in everyday vehicles. As this board book shows a wide variety of cars and trucks, it is sure to be another one your boys will enjoy.

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ABCs on Wheels

• Hardcover Book
• Olivera, Ramon (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 07/05/2016 (Publication Date) – Little Simon (Publisher)

$17.02

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Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert

Each page shows different fruits that start with a certain letter. Included in the back is a guide to all the fruits mentioned earlier. Your little readers will love the colorful pictures and simple prose.

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Eating the Alphabet

• Ehlert, Lois (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 28 Pages – 04/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.36

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Picture books are a great way for you to start teaching your child the letters of the alphabet. Snuggle up on the sofa and read them together. Keep it relaxed and fun. Make your child’s first association with reading a delightful experience!

Every child should grow up reading the Boxcar Children Mysteries Book Series! These timeless books capture the hearts of young children with heart-warming characters and captivating plots. This series would make a wonderful addition to your home library! 

Summary of the Boxcar Children Mysteries

The renowned Boxcar Children series, originally written by Gertrude Chandler Warner is a great series for your kids to grow up loving! 

The orphaned Alden family, Henry (14), Jesse (12), Violet (10), and Benny Alden(6), after having run away because they were being sent to an assumedly cruel grandfather’s house, find a mysterious end of a freight train on the coast of New England in a forest in which all their grand adventures begin. 

Although the entire series suggests it, the original story is the only one with the children living in the safe place of the boxcar. After the first book, they slowly become young detectives, cracking numerous mysteries and solving problems. 

They commit themselves to the hard work required to care and provide for the younger siblings, stumbling upon many mysteries along the way that sparked many of the novels in the series. Their adventures go from surprising discoveries, uncovering an amazing secret and strange things from the Revolutionary War to a run-down ranch, a bad storm, and a mysterious Aunt Jane. 

It will surely captivate your children’s imagination, and they will soon be turning the pages with eager anticipation for a read of the next book!

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Books in the Series

The Boxcar Children mysteries consists of 162 books, including quite a few extra specials and side-series. The first nineteen listed below are all written by the original author, Gertrude Chandler Warner, and the rest were written by a different group of authors. 

1. The Boxcar Children 
2. Surprise Island 
3. The Yellow House Mystery
4. Mystery Ranch
5. Mike’s Mystery
6. Blue Bay Mystery
7. Woodshed Mystery
8. Lighthouse Mystery
9. Mountain Top Mystery
10. Schoolhouse Mystery
11. Caboose Mystery
12. Houseboat Mystery
13. Snowbound Mystery
14. Tree House Mystery
15. Bicycle Mystery
16. Mystery in the Sand
17. Mystery Behind the Wall
18. Bus Station Mystery 
19. Benny Uncovers A Mystery 

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The Boxcar Children Mysteries Boxed Set 1-4: The Boxcar Children; Surprise Island; The Yellow House; Mystery Ranch

• Albert Whitman Company
• Warner, Gertrude Chandler (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 672 Pages – 09/01/1990 (Publication Date) – Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$16.03

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About the Author Gertrude Chandler Warner

This American author created the first 19 books of The Boxcar Children inspired by her childhood dream of wanting to live in a train car. She lived in Connecticut, and with World War I approaching, became a 1st grade teacher, although she never finished high school because of an illness. She wrote many other children’s books along with the Boxcar Children mysteries.

What age is the Boxcar Children series for?

All my kids have at least read the first few books and loved them! The readability grade range is probably from about age 6-12 (1st- 4th grade), depending on the child’s interests and level of reading. They are a great series to start kids on to help them continue learning to read.

Themes in the Boxcar Children Book Series

The Alden children learn and serve selflessly alongside many of their friends, putting others’ happiness before their own. They creatively work to live a lively and innocent life together. 

The Alden family characters are relatable to kids and the lessons they learn as well. The lasting impression throughout the entire series is the brave siblings’ love for each other. They focus on the needs of their brothers and sisters, working to stay a closely-knit family. 

Using the Boxcar Children Book Series in your Homeschool

If you are a new homeschooler or have young children, this would be an excellent starter book series to read aloud to your kids. The chapters are short so they will be able to keep your kids attention easily. I would read the first book to them to introduce them to the fascinating fictional world of the Alden family and Warner’s style of writing. Keep reading and soon your kids will want to read the books for themselves. 

The Boxcar Children Mysteries are excellent books to give to a new reader. When my kids are ready to begin reading books on their own, I choose books with larger fonts, illustrations, and less text per page. This helps them slowly transition from picture books to chapter books. 

We start with books like Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel or Little Bear Stories by Else Homelund Minark. Next comes the Boxcar Children Books! This series is perfect to bridge the gap for kids who want to read chapter books. 

The Boxcar Children Book Series on TV

After reading a few of these books, your kids will be sure to love the TV show on the Boxcar Children which you can find on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Surprise Island full movie is currently free on YouTube. 

Sale

The Boxcar Children Bookshelf (The Boxcar Children Mysteries, Books 1-12)

• Warner, Gertrude Chandler (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 1760 Pages – 09/01/2010 (Publication Date) – Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$52.43

Buy on Amazon

Don’t let your kids miss this incredible book series. Follow the Alden family on all their episodes as they solve mysteries, experiencing unforgettable adventures together! Your children will love these books! 

As you tuck your children in at night, this collection of poems, nursery rhymes, bedtime songs, and verses will be a great way to end your day with your little ones. 

Watch your little children’s eyes light up when they hear the funny poems of Shel Silverstein, let their imagination soar as they hear the tale of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod for the first time, or see their little eyes slowly nod off as you sing Brahm’s  lullaby. 

Bible verses are also comforting to young children. Hearing of God’s protection will help them not to be afraid. Scripture will remind them of Jesus, the good shepherd who cares for his sheep. 

Sometimes I like to read my kids a favorite bedtime story, but a short little children’s poem or verse or nursery rhyme is also a wonderful way to send them off to bed with the sweetest dreams. 

Bedtime Poems

Wynken Blynken and Nod by Eugene Field

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
    Sailed off in a wooden shoe—
  Sailed on a river of crystal light,
    Into a sea of dew.
  “Where are you going, and what do you wish?”
    The old moon asked the three.
  “We have come to fish for the herring fish
    That live in this beautiful sea;
    Nets of silver and gold have we!”
      Said Wynken,
      Blynken,
      And Nod.
  The old moon laughed and sang a song,
    As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
  And the wind that sped them all night long
    Ruffled the waves of dew.
  The little stars were the herring fish
    That lived in that beautiful sea—
  “Now cast your nets wherever you wish—
    Never afeard are we”;
    So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
      Wynken,
      Blynken,
      And Nod.
  All night long their nets they threw
    To the stars in the twinkling foam—
  Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
    Bringing the fishermen home;
  ‘Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed
    As if it could not be,
  And some folks thought ’twas a dream they’d dreamed
    Of sailing that beautiful sea—
    But I shall name you the fishermen three:
      Wynken,
      Blynken,
      And Nod.
  Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
    And Nod is a little head,
  And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
    Is a wee one’s trundle-bed.
  So shut your eyes while mother sings
    Of wonderful sights that be,
  And you shall see the beautiful things
    As you rock in the misty sea,
    Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
      Wynken,
      Blynken,
      And Nod.

Bed in Summer Robert Louis Stevenson

In winter I get up at night  
And dress by yellow candle-light.  
In summer, quite the other way,  
I have to go to bed by day.  

I have to go to bed and see         
The birds still hopping on the tree,  
Or hear the grown-up people’s feet  
Still going past me in the street.  

And does it not seem hard to you,  
When all the sky is clear and blue,  
And I should like so much to play,  
To have to go to bed by day?

The Children’s Hour by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Between the dark and the daylight,
      When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day’s occupations,
      That is known as the Children’s Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me
      The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
      And voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight,
      Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
      And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence:
      Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
      To take me by surprise.

A sudden rush from the stairway,
      A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
      They enter my castle wall!

They climb up into my turret
      O’er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
      They seem to be everywhere.

They almost devour me with kisses,
      Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
      In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!

Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti,
      Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
      Is not a match for you all!

I have you fast in my fortress,
      And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
      In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will I keep you forever,
      Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
      And moulder in dust away!

The Land of Nod by  Robert Louis Stevenson

From Breakfast on through all the day
At home among my friends I stay,
But every night I go abroad
Afar into the land of Nod.

All by myself I have to go,
With none to tell me what to do–
All alone beside the streams
And up the mountain-sides of dreams.

The strangest things are there for me,
Both things to eat and things to see,
And many frightening sights abroad
Till morning in the land of Nod.

Try as I like to find the way,
I never can get back by day,
Nor can remember plain and clear
The curious music that I hear.

The Sugar-Plum Tree by Eugene Field

Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy l. Nolte

The Moon by Emily Dickinson

The Lamb by William Blake

Bedtime Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Click on the links for the full song lyrics and video of someone singing. 

All Through the Night by Edward Jones

Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones’ watch am keeping,
All through the night.

Lullaby and Goodnight Brahms’ Lullaby

Lullaby, and good night,
With pink roses bedight,
With lilies overspread,
Is my baby’s sweet head.
Lay you down now, and rest,
May your slumber be blessed.
Lay you down now, and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.

I See the Moon Nursery Rhyme

I see the moon, and the moon sees me,
God bless the moon, and God bless me!

Wee Willie Winkie, a Scottish nursery rhyme

Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,
Upstairs and downstairs, in his nightgown;
Rapping at the window, crying through the lock,
“Are the children in their beds?
Now it’s eight o’clock.”

Sleep, Baby, Sleep

Sleep, baby, sleep
Your father tends the sheep
Your mother shakes the dreamland tree
And from it fall sweet dreams for thee
Sleep, baby, sleep
Sleep, baby, sleep

Sleep, baby, sleep
Our cottage vale is deep
The little lamb is on the green
With snowy fleece so soft and clean
Sleep, baby, sleep
Sleep, baby, sleep

Other Lovely Bedtime Nursery Rhymes

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

The Bitter Wind Doth Blow

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

Comforting Bedtime Bible Verses for Children

The most important lesson and perhaps the best thing you can leave with your child before they fall asleep is the reminder of the truest truth from God’s Word. Comfort them with the promises of God. 

Psalm 56: 3 

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”

Matthew 11:28-30. 28 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 4:8

“In peace I will lie down and sleep,  for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Psalm 3:24

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid;  when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Psalm 121: 1-4

1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
2. My help comes from the Lord,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.
3. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber.
4. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 3:5 

“I lay down and slept. I woke again for the Lord sustained me.”

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

Books of Wonderful Bedtime Stories

Children’s Garden of Verses

The Real Mother Goose

Great Children’s Stories by Frederick Richardson

Are you looking for a user-friendly curriculum to use in teaching your child to read? Bob Books are a simple and practical way to teach reading. I love them so much that I have used them to teach eight of our children to read. This Companion Beginner Guide For Teaching Bob Books is the perfect handbook to accompany you as you teach your child to read using Bob Books.

As a homeschool mom to ten, I have seen plenty of curriculum come and go! 
The Bob Books series by Bobby Lynn Maslen, however, remains my go-to for teaching kids to read.

The phonics-based method of Bob Books series uses very simple stories and funny pictures to engage young children. It is perfect for kids with short attention spans. These easy-to-read books are a great way to build young readers’ confidence and give your kids a love of reading. 

Teaching Kids to Read Using Bob Books

When I first started using Bob Books to teach our oldest son to read fifteen years ago, I felt like something was missing from the Bob Books set. I liked the simplicity of the program. I loved how it slowly progressed from simple words to more complex sounds and sentences, but I thought it would have been more helpful to have a parent guide that introduced new sight words and phonics skills as they appeared in the books. 

Looking online, I found other Bob Books resources like workbooks and Versatiles. They also have several Bob Books boxes, in addition to the original sets 1-5. What I wanted, however, was a handbook to tie it all together and lead me and my child step-by-step through Bob Books level. 

To fill this void, I did what many homeschool moms do when they can’t find a certain helpful tool… I made my own! 

I began with a simple manuscript tablet. I divided it into two parts: sight word list and phonics sounds. As we came to a new word or sound, I jotted it down in my notebook. This tablet became so handy that I have used it to teach eight of my ten kids to read. 

Just recently, I had the idea to take my original manuscript tablet notes and make it into this Companion Beginner Guide For Teaching Bob Books so that other parents can use this great resource as well!

The Bob Books Method

What I love about Bob Books is the slow progression from simple to more complex words and sentences. The first reader in Box 1 has short words that are easy for kids to sound out. The following first stories are also short with two to four words on each page.

 As the levels increase, the simple sentences become more complex. I noticed a marked jump in the number of new phonics sounds in Box 3 and again halfway through Box 4. 

Towards the end of Box 5, the sentences become longer and longer. Occasionally I had kids who struggled to adjust to reading the longer narratives. To help them transition, I would have them read a page and I would read the next page, alternating through to the end of the book. 

For Which Bob Books Is this Guide Designed? 

Because the Bob Books website has created several box sets in addition to the original five, it can be a little confusing to know which books to use and in what order. When I teach our kids to read, I use only the Box Sets 1-5 as listed below. 

Set 1, Beginning Readers

Set 2, Advancing Beginners

Set 3, Word Families

Set 4, Complex Words

Set 5, Long Vowels

*This post may contain affiliate links from which I may make a small profit at no extra cost to you.

How Will I Know If My Child Is Ready to Begin Bob Books? 

When I am teaching beginner readers, I play some games to help them with letter recognition and sounds. 

For young children to be ready to read Bob Books, they should be able to do two things.

1. Identify the names and sounds of each of the letters of the alphabet.
2. Sound out basic three-letter words. 

The games I use to help my kids be able to do this are described in the section of the guide “Getting Your Child Ready For Bob Books.”

How Do You Use the Companion Beginner Guide For Teaching Bob Books?

After a child exhibits signs of readiness as prescribed above, we start with the first stories in Set 1. Before our reading lesson, we use the Sight Words List and Phonics Sounds List in the guide to review the new sight words and phonics sounds in the next Bob Book. This review should be very brief, 5-10 minutes. 

What’s Included in the Companion Beginner Guide For Teaching Bob Books? 

This 24-page guide includes the following:

• A description of how to use the guide 
• Some ideas and games to help you get your child ready to begin reading the first Bob Books Set
• An index of sight words and phonics sounds in the order they are introduced in the books
• Sight Words List
• Phonics Sounds List
• Additional notes and FAQ

Sight Words List

The sight word list in this guide will help early readers identify irregular words that can not be sounded out. These high-frequency words are important for kids to recognize easily.

Phonics Sounds List

This systematic phonics instruction will help your beginning reader progress through the reading levels seamlessly. As they move through the book sets, this list will help introduce new sounds. 

Short vowels

Long Vowels

Endings

R Controlled Words

Words Ending in Y

Blends

Dipthongs

Digraphs

Compound Words

The playful stories with silly illustrations in Bob Books are a wonderful tool to help your kids have a positive first experience with reading. I hope this Companion Beginner Guide For Teaching Bob Books will be as helpful to you and your beginning reader as it has been for me and my children over the years. 

For more resources about teaching kids to read, you may enjoy these similar posts.

When Should I Start Teaching My Child To Read?

Teach a Child To Read With Two Important Habits

Simple Steps for Teaching Reading That Work

How to Help Kids Develop a Habit of Reading the Bible

If there was ever a time when kids should be reading the Bible, that time is now. The direction of the next generation is hinging on the spiritual formation of this generation.

Our kids live in a world where they are bombarded with deception and temptation at every turn. If we want them to be able to spot counterfeit or to discern between truth and error, they need to be familiar with the authentic Word of God!

One of the most difficult spiritual practices for adults is often maintaining a consistent Bible-reading habit. Because of this, I want to find different ways to help our kids develop this practice in their own lives. Below are some practical tips that have helped our kids develop a habit of regular Bible reading.

Video: How to Help Kids Develop a Habit of Reading the Bible

#1 Read the Bible to Them

The first essential step to helping kids read the Bible is to read it to them. The more you engage with something new, the more your appetite grows for that concept or skill. Each new time you approach it, you will understand a little more of it. The same is true of the Bible.

I remember learning in college Psychology class about the pathways between neurons in the brain. Every time a baby has repeated experiences, the pathway between those neurons becomes stronger. This is why little children want you to read the same book over and over again.

It is also why pediatricians suggest you try a new food several times when starting a baby on solids. It takes repeated encounters to develop a taste and appetite for certain foods.

This concept applies to the Bible as well. The more kids hear the stories of the Bible and the style of the text, the more familiar it will be to them.

In the same way that scaffolding is used as a temporary framework for a new building, reading the Bible to young children helps prepare them to read the entire Bible independently. It will build a basic framework of the Biblical timeline in their minds and familiarize them with Biblical events.

When you read the Bible or Bible stories to your kids, beware of the temptation to sermonize the reading. The purpose of reading is to feed their spirit. Trust the Word itself to work powerfully in their hearts.

Our Home

Just as it is our duty as parents to protect, nourish, and care for our children, it is our duty as Christian parents to spiritually feed and equip them. Let’s “wash them in the water of the Word” and feed them with the “bread of life.”

In our home, we read the Bible to our kids morning and night. I read a chapter from A Child’s Story Bible at breakfast. (You can read more about how I Teach Bible in Morning Time here.)

In the evening, we read a passage of Scripture together around the table after dinner. This is a short ritual that we have built into our family life. Since it can be hard to gather everyone (especially in a large family), it’s easiest to do the Scripture reading when we are already together like we are at mealtime.

This practice is not something we are rigid about practicing. We miss readings from time to time, but it’s something we always come back to so it has become a tradition in our family.

After sharing this practice with others, I once had someone ask me, “Are you afraid your kids are getting too much Bible?” My answer is this. A reading takes about 5-10 minutes. With all the other endeavors we make time for in our day, is that really too much?

#2 Approach Personal Bible Reading as a Habit

I approach personal Bible Reading the same way I approach other habits that I want my kids to learn, for example, brushing their teeth or making their beds. I know that brushing their teeth is a habit that will secure good health for my kids for a lifetime, so I am not ashamed to expect them to do this as a daily practice.

In my own experience, the strategy that has most helped our kids develop this habit, is to put daily Bible reading on their homeschool checklist with the rest of their school work. As soon as young readers can read independently, reading the Bible is the first item on the list. This way when they look at their checklist every morning, they know it is the first task to complete.

When they sit down to read the Bible, the intent is simply for them to read the content, nothing more, nothing less. The purpose is not for them to have an experience of some sort.

If the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts in some way or if they respond to the reading with private prayer, that is between them and the Lord. It is not expected.

I cannot overstate that the task is very simple: read the Word. That’s it!

#3 Give Them a Progression of Bible Reading

Progressing through different story Bibles until they can read the literal text has been a great way to help older children develop a habit of reading the holy Scriptures in their daily lives.

The ultimate goal is for them to be able to comfortably read the actual Bible. This is always what we are always working toward even as we give them simpler Bible story books. Here is a sample of the progression we use.

#1 The Young Reader’s Bible

A great start for younger children as soon as they can read on their own is to give them The Young Reader’s Bible. We found an old copy at a book sale and it is now almost falling apart after having gone through all of our readers.

Usually they can read through an entire chapter easily because the chapters are short. Additionally, our kids read through this book 2 or 3 times before moving on to the next more difficult story Bible.

Sale

The Young Reader’s Bible

• Hardcover Book
• Bruno, Bonnie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 448 Pages – 06/11/1998 (Publication Date) – Standard Pub (Publisher)

$2.08

Buy on Amazon

#2 The Action Bible

When they finish the Young Reader’s Bible, I have them move next to The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello. This rendition still has illustrations, but more written text for each page. Our kids have enjoyed how this book is written in a comic book style with colorful pages and word bubbles with dialogue to tell each account.

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The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story

• Hardcover Book
• English (Publication Language)
• 832 Pages – 09/01/2020 (Publication Date) – David C Cook (Publisher)

$16.43

Buy on Amazon

#3 The Child’s Story Bible

The final Bible storybook our kids read in this progression is The Child’s Story Bible by Katherine Vos. This book has chapters that are about 2 pages in length with large text and (almost) no illustrations. The chapters are written in a style that is easy to understand although some of the English words are a little older. This is the same book I read to them in Morning Time so that also helps it to be easy for them to read it. (They read at their own pace in a different section.)

Sale

The Child’s Story Bible

• Hardcover Book
• Vos, Catherine F. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 382 Pages – 08/29/1983 (Publication Date) – Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$18.76

Buy on Amazon

The Jesus Storybook Bible is also another great place for kids to start.

Sale

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name

• Age Appeal: 4 – 8.
• Hardcover Book
• Lloyd-Jones, Sally (Author) – Holland, Ben (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 02/20/2007 (Publication Date) – Zonderkidz (Publisher)

$13.06

Buy on Amazon

#4 The Holy Bible

After this progression of children’s Bibles, our kids are usually ready (and excited!) to read the “real” Bible for themselves. This can be a special time to reward them with their own Bible.

Bible Reading Plan

Sometimes kids can have a hard time reading through certain books of the Bible so adding variety can help them break this up. I have used a 4-day rotation with our kids to help them as they read through different sections of the Bible. I pencil this out on a sticky note that goes in the front cover of their Bibles.

• Day 1: Read 2 Old Testament Chapters

• Day 2: Read 1-2 Psalms

• Day 3: Read 1 New Testament Chapter

• Day 4: Read a Proverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legalistic to require kids to read the Bible every day? If we tell kids how important it is to read God’s Word every day, but don’t help them in forming a habit, I think that this could more easily lend to a failure mentality than if we treat it as any other habit we want them to establish.

It is against a child’s nature to attempt to perform good habits on their own. Small children need accountability, structure, and repeated encounters to establish habits. If we require them to do other subjects daily like math, writing, and history, why not the Bible?

Does putting Bible Reading on a checklist turn it into a rote task to accomplish rather than a meaningful quiet time? That is a result that can happen, of course, but if the purpose is solely to spiritually nourish our kids with the Word, simply reading will do that. We can trust the pure Word of God to work mightily in their hearts.

*This post may contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Scriptures to Inspire Us to Read the Bible

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day… I have more understanding than all my teachers…I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts…How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts, I get understanding. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119, various verses

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5

Pin it! How to Help Kids Develop a Habit of Reading the Bible

You can enjoy a rich curriculum while homeschooling multiple children. If you love Ambleside Online curriculum, but are unsure how to make it work for your growing family, you need to read this post! Learn how you can make Ambleside Online Homeschool Curriculum work For A Large Family!

If you are new to the blog, my husband and I have ten children. This year I have seven in school, two preschoolers, and an infant. Here is the grade level break down for this year: 12th, 9th, 8th, 6th, 4th, 2nd, and Kindergarten. This is quite a large age gap! Here’s how we make it work.

Video: Ambleside Online | How We Make It Work for a Large Family

Why Ambleside Online?

I was introduced to Ambleside Online when we began looking into homeschooling several years ago. At that time, our oldest child was around four years old. (He is now 18!) I instantly fell in love with the Charlotte Mason style curriculum which emphasized short lessons, living books, habits, science through observation and relationships, history learned chronologically, and a knowledge of God as understood through the Bible, not to mention their excellent book list!

Over the years and as our family grew, it became more challenging to find a way to make AO work in a large family, but at the same time, I wasn’t willing to give it up. I remember googling “Ambleside Online Homeschool Curriculum For Large Families” about ten years ago, but I could not find much content out there on this topic. In spite of this, I continued to use AO with our kids and managed to find a way to make it work. In this post, I am sharing all the ways that make Ambleside Online work in our family of twelve. I hope it will help someone else who might be searching for information on this topic like I was all those years ago.

Comment

This recent comment on YouTube also inspired me to write this post.

After reading this, I realized that there are probably other people who also love Ambleside Online and are wondering if it is possible to do with a large family. I am not sure that we have the best system, but in 13 years of homeschooling, these are the ways that we have captured the best of AO in a home with multiple children.

How We Use Ambleside Online in Our Large Family

If you are new to Ambleside Online curriculum, it would probably be helpful to first head over to their website to familiarize yourself with it before continuing with this post. I have written this for people who are already familiar with AO to help find ways to use it in a growing family.

I think it is important to say from the start that Ambleside Online is not necessarily a curriculum designed for a large family. It is just the curriculum I have loved from the very beginning. I have adapted it and made it work through the years as our family has grown.We view AO as a feast. We don’t do all of it. Currently, I only use my personal favorite books which is why I will give book lists below for the books I have picked to use with our family.

Additionally, we don’t ONLY use Ambleside Online. I have outsourced history to Veritas Press Self-Paced History lessons and we use some of the AO history book suggestions as supplemental reading. Also, we use seterra.com to teach geography. Additionally, there are also AO subjects that we don’t do because of the size of our large family. One of these is Plutarch.

You may also enjoy reading how Brandy Vencel is using AO with multiple children in this post. Making Ambleside Online Work For A (Very) Large Family.

Books We Love

What are our favorite must-read Ambleside books? You can browse our list of personal favorites below.

Through the years as our family kept expanding, I had to assess at the beginning of every year how best to cover the books that are on my must-read list. For this reason, I won’t give a detailed description of how we cover these books. It changes from year to year based on pregnancies, babies, and ages and number of kids in school. Also, I don’t necessarily do them in certain years or grades. I just try to make sure that either by reading aloud to them or them reading on their own, these are the AO resources that each child gets at some point in their elementary years.

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

Literature

Year 0-We use almost all the books recommended for Year 0, so I will not list these.

Year 1

• Aesop’s Fables for Children by Milo Winter
• Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
• Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
• Paddle to the Sea by Holling C Holling

Year 2

• Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. We have an audio version of this book. A few years ago everyone listened to this before bed. Currently we are reading The Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor as our Read Aloud.
• Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
• Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham
• The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle. The old English in this book is tough at first, but once you get used to that, this book is just fantastic. Loved by all our kids!

Year 3

• American Tall Tales by Adrien Stoutenburg
• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
• Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat
• Optional: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling (Not an absolute favorite of mine, but if time allows.)

Year 4

• The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
• The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

Year 5

• King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green

Year 6

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• Black Ships Before Troy (Retelling of The Illiad) by Rosemary Sutcliff
• The Wanderings of Odysseus (Retelling of The Odyssey) by Rosemary Sutcliff

In addition to the literature books, I love all the AO Free Reading book lists. We have collected several these books and I refer our kids to them when they are looking for something good to read.

Biography

Year 1

Read all the Ingri and Edward D’Aulaire books. They are excellent!

Year 2

• Trial and Triumph by Richard Hannula (Covered in Morning Time)
• The Little Duke (A challenging book best suited for kids who love a good story, but so good once you get into it!)

Year 3

• Leonardo da Vinci by Emily Hahn- A challenging but good book. I read this aloud to my kids.
• Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Peter Vennema and Diane Stanley-This is a picture book and a child can read on their own.
• The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty- Fun to read at Thanksgiving!

Year 4

• Poor Richard by James Daugherty, Kids absorb more if I read this aloud.
• Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober, I have older kids read this on their own.

Year 5

• Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis and Clark by James Daugherty
• Carry a Big Stick: The Uncommon Heroism of Teddy Roosevelt

Year 6

• Never Give In (about Winston Churchill), by Stephen Mansfield

Language Arts

We complete copywork, oral and written narration, dictation, and grammar as suggested by AO using Charlotte Mason’s methods. When practiced regularly, copywork and narration, specifically, cover so many concepts in one lesson.

I have written several posts on how we implement these.

Copywork and Dictation

Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Homeschool Writing

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #2: Copying the Best Pieces from Great Authors-In this post you can access free downloads of copywork we use for each AO year.

Recitation

Simple Ideas for Memory Work in Morning Time

Narration

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #3: Narration

Grammar

Our Large Family Homeschool Curriculum This post explains our overall homeschool curriculum, but one whole section shows how we teach formal grammar beginning in 4th grade as suggested by AO.

Notebooking

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #4: Notebooking

History

Our formal history curriculum is not part of AO history suggestions. We outsource history by using Veritas Press Self-Paced History. You can read more about that here. We do, however, supplement history with many of the AO history book suggestions. Below are the books that I have used either as read alouds or assigned readings for my kids.

• 50 Famous Stories Retold by James Baldwin
• An Island Story by H.E. Marshall (up to around chapter…..)
• Child’s History of the World by Virgil Hillyer
• This Country of Ours (selected chapters)
  • Note: Some chapters of the book This Country of Ours are little too detailed for my preference. I usually pick and choose the chapters that we use in this book.

As much as I love the concept of a Book of Centuries as suggested by AO, we have not found a way to successfully complete one. This is still something that I still want to try, however!

Math

Ambleside Online gives several math curriculum suggestions. From these, we have chosen Singapore Math U.S. Edition. With Singapore, the kids are mostly able to work independently with assistance from me as they approach new concepts. Other than helping the youngest child get started with the basics, I do not teach individual lessons to each of them. They read the lesson and sample problems in the textbook and complete the correlating workbook exercises. Kids who are old enough and trustworthy can check their own work in the teacher’s manual.

Another excellent AO suggestion is Right Start Math. Initially, I started out using Right Start with our oldest three children. I love their approach and philosophy, but the lessons were too teacher-intensive for our growing family. We switched to Singapore, BUT I still use many of the math games to teach concepts. The games are excellent! I highly recommend their Math Card Games book.

Nature Study and Science

Here are some of my favorite AO science suggestions.

Burgess Bird Book and Burgess Animal Book- (Two of my absolute favorites!) I buy the Peterson Field Guide Coloring Books and the kids will color along as I read the chapter. They love doing this! Afterward, we watch short YouTube clips of the animals we studied. Rebekah, from A Humble Place, has links to YouTube videos that correlate to each of the 40 chapters in the Burgess Animal Book.

James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriot

Story of Inventions by Frank P. Bachman

Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick

Story Book of Science by Jean Henri Fabre

Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray and Nick Mann

Nature Study

Although AO lists the Handbook of Nature Study for several years in a row, we have found field guides and apps to be more our style. One thing that has worked well for me is to assign the kids to do a nature notebooking page one day a week in place of copywork on that day. We base the format for these on the book The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady.

Subjects Covered in Morning Time

For a more detailed description of how we do Morning Time, you may enjoy reading How to Simplify Your Homeschool with Morning Time

Bible

When I was new to AO, they suggested The Child’s Story Bible by Katherine A. Vos as a resource for teaching Bible stories. I no longer see this on their website, but we continue to use and love this resource. We read a chapter every morning.

Picture Study

**Although AO has three terms for subjects like picture study, composer, and poetry, we only study one or two per year for each of these subjects.**

Although we don’t necessarily follow the suggested rotation for picture study, the lists are inspiration for which artists we choose to study. We love the Simply Charlotte Mason picture study portfolios.

Composer

We have only successfully studied a handful of composers. I love the Opal Wheeler books. We use Apple playlists as well to play composer pieces.

Poetry

Using the AO suggestions, we choose a poet to focus on for a period of time. I choose 4-5 of my favorite poems that they have written. We read one poem a day until it is memorized. Then we move on to the next poem until all (4 or 5) of them are memorized.

Church History/Missionary Biography

One day a week I read a chapter from Trial and Triumph (or other missionary biography) in place of our Bible reading. Trial and Triumph is a chronological collection of church history biographies.

You may also enjoy reading this post on a similar topic. 11 Excellent Christian Biography Resources for Your Homeschool

Hymn Study

I love AO’s idea of studying a different hymn every month! I have adapted it, however, and plan the hymns we study for the year based on hymns that my husband and I love and prefer to pass down to our kids. A few of the hymns AO suggests are unfamiliar to us. Likewise, some of our favorite are not included. As part of our bedtime routine, we sing a hymn and pray with the kids.

Shakespeare

I have not been successful at reading Shakespeare plays with all of our kids, BUT they love reading the retellings from Tales From Shakespeare. We read one or two plays per year either during Morning Time or Afternoon Read Aloud.

Summary of Ambleside Online Homeschool Curriculum for Large Families

This sums up the basics of how we use Ambleside Online Homeschool Curriculum with a large family. Another option to try is AO for groups. I have not done this personally, but it is worth looking at to see if it will fit for you. What questions do you have about Ambleside Online? Is there something I missed? I would also love to know which AO books are a must-read in your home!

Pin it! Ambleside Online Homeschool Curriculum for a Large Family