When thinking about how to teach language arts to my young kids, I have a short list of requirements and Language Lessons for a Living Education checks every box!
When we first started homeschooling, thought I needed to do every subject at the same time to homeschool “right.” I thought I needed to do a full language arts, science, math and history every week or it wouldn’t work out. And on top of that, those should all be done multiple times a week.
Well, with a house full of little kids, that was crazy. It just wasn’t possible to do that many lessons with each kid and make meals and not be completely exhausted! Let’s be honest…I was exhausted…a lot!
While my older kids grew up on Classical grammar and spelling books we never finished, I have enjoyed using the Language Lessons for a Living Education by Master Books for several years now because they have unlocked a key to language arts success….especially for busy or overwhelmed moms.
** This is a sponsored post. I received this product or compensation for review purposes only and was compensated for my time. I was not asked nor required to share a positive review; all opinions are my own. READ DISCLAIMER HERE for more information.
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What We Loved About Language Lessons for a Living Education
This summer I started using Level 2 Language Lessons for a Living Education with our youngest daughter who is 7. In the past, I have used several other elementary and high school levels with her and my other kids.
Now this curriculum has a huge variety of learning activities…stories and spelling and grammar and copy work and much more. I’ll be honest, my daughter is a bit of a perfectionist and sometimes melts down when she gets stressed over school work. I know I’m not the only one to have a kiddo like that.
But what I like about this curriculum is that each page has very low key activities. The print is large. There is plenty of space to fill in blanks or do copy work etc. So, for a child that gets overwhelmed, like her, I can say, “Hey, Let’s just do one page and then we are done!” Its not a lot of work…doesn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes.
I have used more rigorous curriculum in the past….intense, classical curriculum with lots of memorization, for example. But all that did for us was stress out me and my kids. We were following someone else’s preferences and trying to meet someone else’s interests and energy level. It was completely unnecessary to do that to ourselves!
Julia is currently practicing reading a lot and her favorite thing right now is that she can read most of what is on the pages of her book. She gets so excited when she realizes that she knows what it says! And of course I appreciate that the directions and the activity pages are mostly written at a level that a 2nd grader could read! I’ve seen quite a confidence boost in her seeing her be able to independently decode.
There are many wonderful, fun activities, but the gentle pace of this curriculum and others in the Master Books series for younger kids are making teaching feel so much easier and less stressful!
What’s Inside The Curriculum That Check’s The Boxes!
Master Books’ award-winning Language Lessons for a Living Education Level 2 offers a complete homeschool curriculum in language arts. Designed as a one-year course, it’s filled with fun stories, scripture memory, picture studies, spelling words, grammar, and creative writing exercises—perfect for homeschool families looking for a faith-filled and gentle approach to learning.
This 180-day course helps children build strong foundations in early reading, observation skills, nonverbal communication, and the mechanics of communication. Students move beyond the basics of reading to apply punctuation rules, sight words, and age-appropriate vocabulary words in a variety of fun learning and practical application formats.
Unlike many intense language arts curriculums, this one prioritizes learning that doesn’t stress children out…and it doesn’t most of the time!
This level of Language Lessons for a Living Education is more than just grammar and writing practice—it’s a faith-infused journey into the world of language. The course is structured to build confidence through consistency, creativity, and connection. It blends Charlotte Mason elements with structured phonics and grammar in a way that makes learning language both meaningful and enjoyable. Here’s what stands out the most:
- Integrated Faith and Academics: Scripture memorization, Bible stories, and Christian character themes are woven into daily lessons, reinforcing a strong biblical worldview throughout the year.
- Story-Based Learning: Students follow the relatable adventures of Claire and Micah, which provide a natural springboard for discussion, oral narration, and creative writing.
- Practical Grammar and Mechanics: Punctuation rules, parts of speech, and sentence construction are taught through gentle instruction and reinforced in engaging exercises that feel age-appropriate and achievable.
- Visual and Verbal Thinking: Picture studies, poetry, and copywork encourage observation skills, critical thinking, and literary appreciation—even at an early level.
- Spelling and Vocabulary in Context: Weekly spelling words are used for spelling practice, dictionary creation, and vocabulary development, supporting long-term retention and meaningful application.
As a busy mom, I appreciate that this curriculum is an “all-in-one” language arts solution when added to any books you are reading. There is no need for a separate grammar, spelling and handwriting curriculum in my opinion.
What Weekly Lessons Cover
This language arts curriculum is designed to engage both sides of the brain—creative and logical—through an instructional blend of stories, phonics, grammar, and hands-on activities. Each week builds skills slowly and gradually, allowing your child to grow in confidence while developing essential communication skills. Here’s are they types of activities you will find almost every week in their lessons:
- Creative Writing and Narration Practice: Students craft basic sentences and personal stories using prompts, and regularly “tell back” what they’ve heard or read—building narration skills and early public speaking habits.
- Grammar and Mechanics of Communication: Through short lessons, students practice age-appropriate grammar like punctuation rules, compound words, and parts of speech using engaging examples tied to the week’s theme.
- Picture Study and Observation Skills: Thoughtfully selected images invite students to reflect, describe, and imagine—enhancing nonverbal communication and laying a foundation for literary analysis.
- Spelling and Vocabulary Development: Weekly spelling words are used for spelling practice, dictionary worksheets, and creating the student’s own dictionary, making vocabulary personal and memorable.
- Poetry, Psalms, and Bible Reading: Exposure to scripture memory, literary devices, and word rhymes through Bible stories and poetry selections helps deepen both literacy and faith.
I like that these topics are consistently covered every week. As a busy mom, I know how easy it is to skip certain elements of language arts if they aren’t my favorite…or if I have too many things to focus on. Everything is in ONE BOOK and I love that!
Who This Curriculum Is Perfect For
Not every child needs a rigorous textbook-style program to thrive in language arts—some need a gentler path with built-in faith, structure, and joy. This course is an excellent fit for families who value relationship-based learning and a biblical worldview woven into daily lessons.
This whole series is helpful for a mom trying to homeschool multiple children and keep them on track. We have found that even in weeks where life happens and we “get behind,” it’s pretty easy to double or triple up on lessons for a few days to get back to where we want to be.
In my opinion, Language Lessons works best for:
- Children who are transitioning from a phonics course and are ready to begin writing basic sentences
- Students who benefit from a story-based approach to learning, rather than abstract grammar drills
- Homeschool families looking for a one-year course that covers reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary in one
- Parents who appreciate Charlotte Mason influence, picture study, scripture memorization, and narration practice
- Learners who thrive with visual prompts, hands-on activities, and creative expression through writing and drawing
It may be less ideal for students needing accelerated literary analysis or those seeking a secular language arts curriculum—but for most early readers, this course strikes a beautiful balance between structure and creativity, skill-building and heart-shaping.
That said, it is not a great fit for someone who prefers a more rigorous, classical method that moves quickly. This curriculum will feel too slow and like it is underchallenging your student. If your child is an advanced reader, you may want to consider leveling up a grade or two to make sure they are still working at a level that offers some challenge to them.
Choose the Charlotte Mason Style Language Lessons For Less Stress!
As a mom who has homeschooled for 18 years, I think the biggest lesson I learned in the last 5 years or so is that my stress level as a mom matters. When curriculum choices are being made, that should be a factor even if it means we learn at a slower, gentler pace.
In reality, what it has meant is less tears, my kids have more time to explore their individual interests and they are more creative. And it has also meant that I can help move them along while having a full schedule doing other things. My older kids have successfully gone on to do things they love…despite our imperfect education methods. And funny enough, what I see them making space for even as adults are their hobbies and interests…many of which we cultivated when they were younger…all while going to school, working and starting families.
Whatever curriculum you use, make sure its one that prioritizes your kids, family and mental space for you as a parent!
Check Out All of Master Books Curriculum For Your Family!
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Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! After being very socially awkward growing up, she now loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership to their kids!
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