Blossom and Root Review
An all-in-one nature-based homeschooling curriculum, Blossom and Root was founded in 2015 by Kristina Garner, a passionate educator and homeschooling mother. She developed this curriculum inspired by her experiences with her own children and her desire to offer a secular, nature-based educational option that integrates the arts and literature. Drawing from her educational background and inspirations from both Charlotte Mason's teachings and Waldorf philosophy, Garner aimed to create a flexible and creative homeschooling solution that would cater to the unique needs and interests of children and their families (Blossom & Root) (Homeschool Curriculum Reviews -). Blossom and Root has grown significantly in user base since its inception, becoming a well-regarded choice among homeschooling families for its innovative approach to education (Blossom & Root).
Grades: Prek-5th for Full Curriculum (6th grade coming soon!). River of Voices is designed for K-8th grades)
Early Years and Kindergarten (Preschool and Kindergarten)
Cost: Cost varies, with complete grade bundles available for up to $150
Online Community: Blossom and Root Families on Facebook
What Makes It Special
Blossom and Root stands out due to its secular and nature-based approach, emphasizing child-led learning and integration of the arts and literature into daily lessons. Unlike more traditional curriculums, it offers flexibility that allows parents to adapt the content to the child's pace and interests, fostering a love for learning through exploration and hands-on activities (Blossom & Root) (Modulo).
Curriculum Overview
Blossom and Root is designed as a comprehensive educational tool for children from early years through elementary, focusing on:
Nature study
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics)
Literature and language arts
Creative arts and crafts
Social studies integration
Educational Content
Nature-based explorations and projects
Science activities focusing on earth sciences, plant and animal kingdoms, and physical world phenomena
Art and music integrated learning
Literature-based language arts with history and geography components
STEAM projects and hands-on STEM activities
Social Studies
Social studies are seamlessly woven into the Blossom and Root curriculum through literature and thematic studies that explore different cultures, historical events, and significant figures, helping children develop a well-rounded perspective on global and historical contexts (Blossom & Root) (Modulo).
River of Voices: US History Program
The "River of Voices" series is particularly notable for its inclusive approach to U.S. history. This component collaborates with experts such as Kelly Reagan Tudor, an Apache Lipan representative, to ensure the representation of diverse perspectives and narratives, often missing from conventional history curricula (The Homeschool Graduate).
User Feedback
Parents commonly praise Blossom and Root for its flexibility, affordability, and the engaging, joyful learning experiences it offers. Children enjoy the interactive and creative aspects of the curriculum, which are often highlighted as fostering a renewed interest in learning. However, some users have noted that the curriculum may require supplemental resources for subjects like math beyond kindergarten and may not be as structured as some parents prefer (The Homeschool Graduate) (Blossom & Root).
Tips from Homeschooling Parents
To maximize the benefits of Blossom and Root, many parents recommend:
Supplementing areas like math with additional resources
Taking advantage of the curriculum's flexibility to adapt pacing and focus areas based on the child's interests
Utilizing the rich array of arts and crafts projects to enhance learning engagement
Using Blossom and Root with Siblings or Co-ops
In this video, Kristina shares tips on how to use Blossom and Root with children of different ages.
Online Community
Blossom and Root has a vibrant online Facebook community, where homeschooling parents gather to share insights, experiences, and support. This Facebook group serves as a hub for users of the Blossom and Root curriculum to exchange tips, ask questions, and find inspiration for daily homeschooling activities. It's an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned homeschoolers, providing a platform to connect with like-minded families, discuss curriculum-specific topics, and enhance their overall homeschooling experience with collective wisdom and diverse approaches
Ideal Fit
Blossom and Root is an ideal curriculum for families seeking a secular, nature-based education that is rich in the arts and literature. It's particularly well-suited for parents who are actively involved in their child's education and are looking for a curriculum that offers flexibility to tailor content and pace according to their child's interests and learning speed. It’s a great choice for families who value outdoor activities and hands-on learning as essential parts of education (Blossom & Root).
Who It May Not Suit
This curriculum may not be the best fit for families that prefer a highly structured, traditional academic approach or for those seeking a curriculum with a strong emphasis on math throughout the educational journey. Additionally, Blossom and Root requires a considerable amount of parental involvement, which might not align well with families looking for a program that supports more independent study for their children. Parents who prefer all-inclusive packages that require less preparation might also find it less suitable (Blossom & Root).
Value
The cost of Blossom and Root curriculum varies depending on the grade level and the scope of materials included. Resources are offered as digital downloads, with prices ranging from free for certain materials to about $150 for a complete grade's curriculum. The flexibility of purchasing only what you need or full grade bundles adds to its affordability and accessibility for different budgets (Modulo).
Ways to Get It
All Blossom and Root materials are available as digital downloads, which can be purchased directly from their official website or Gumroad store as individual units or full grade bundle. They do not offer physical copies, which allows for immediate access and use once purchased. Throughout the year, Blossom and Root typically runs sales during specific periods, offering significant discounts that make the curriculum even more accessible.
Note that printing can get costly.
I personally find the website a bit complex to navigate, so I’ve provided a grade-by grade buying guide.
Blossom and Root official website
Early Years Volume 1 (Preschool)
Early Years Volume 2 (Preschool)
Early Years and Kindergarten (Preschool and Kindergarten)
A River of Voices History of the United States Vol 1
Affiliate Disclaimer
This review is provided as an independent evaluation of Blossom and Root. While we maintain an affiliate relationship with Blossom and Root, the opinions expressed here are our own, aimed at providing comprehensive insights to help families make informed decisions about their homeschooling choices.
Top Secular Alternatives to Blossom and Root for All-in-One Curriculum:
Here are our favorite other all-in-one options for different types of learners.
Book Lovers, Gifted and Profoundly Gifted Learners: Torchlight Curriculum
For Gifted, Workbook-Lovers: Critical Thinking Co
Adaptive learning app for kids who love video games : BrainPOP Homeschool
For Middle and High School Students: Build Your Library
For kids who love watching videos, here are highly Engaging Free YouTube videos for middle and high school: Crash Course
For Project-Based, Standards-Aligned Curriculum and Online School: Oak Meadow
For Free or Freemium online curriculum: Khan Academy Kids, Khan Academy or FishTank Learning
For more Traditional/schoolish Standards-aligned adaptive online learning: Time4Learning
Nature-Based Curriculum for Reading and Math
For nature-based math, we recommend Wild Math
For nature-based early literacy, we recommend Wild Reading.
See all nature-based curriculum we recommend.
Explore All Other All-in-One Curricula
Dive into our comprehensive review of Blossom and Root, a secular, nature-based homeschool curriculum that combines flexibility with a rich integration of the arts and literature. Discover how it can transform your homeschooling experience.