Is BookShark a History or a Reading program?

BookShark is both! We are a literature-based program that teaches History through reading and listening. In Levels K-2, the focus of our program is on developing and strengthening reading ability. This is why we offer multiple Reader levels for the early packages. Beginning in Level 3, however, the focus shifts from strengthening the reading ability to building reading comprehension. From Level 3 up, we integrate the Reading, Read-Alouds, and Language Arts assignments with the History readings. Instead of learning to read, your children will be reading to learn!

Do the Readers integrate with the History reading?

Yes, they do! For Level 3 and up, all of our Readers were chosen because of how well they represent the topics and times you'll be studying in History readings. The Readers in this package also integrate with Language Arts assignments. This approach allows your student to soak up the subject matter in three different ways: by listening, by writing, and (of course) by reading!

Can I use this package for both of my children?

Yes, you can use the All-Subject package with two or more students!

If your children are within three years of age, we recommend that you put them in the same BookShark All-Subject Package. Your children will be able to share most of the resources in the All-Subject Package, including Read-Alouds, Science, and History books. They can also share the Timeline Book and Timeline Figures, but you will need duplicates of some of the worksheets. You may also need additional Math resources. Please look at the ‚ÄúConsumables‚Äù tab to see a full list of the consumable materials in this package.

Please remember that Reading & Language Arts and Math are skill-based subjects. Even though your students are in the same age range, they may not have the same skill levels. Use the assessments on our Resources page to help you pick the correct Reading and Math option for each of your children.

Once you know the correct Reader and Math levels, customize the All-Subject Package to fit one of your student‚Äôs needs. Then, supplement the package with an additional Reading & Language Arts and a Math program that fits your other students.

Not sure if this is the right fit? Please review the options below to find a package that will work for both of your children:

If there is more than a three-year age difference between your children, we recommend that you purchase a separate package for each student.

Can my students share the Science Supplies Kit?

Yes! If your students are willing to work together as lab partners, they can share the resources in the Science Supplies Kit 4. You may want a second kit if you prefer that each student perform every experiment, or if you have more than two scientists sharing the Science package.

Do I need a microscope for Level 4 Science?

There are several optional microscopy experiments scheduled in the Science 4 Instructor's Guide and we think your children will love the opportunity to see the invisible world that is revealed under a microscope lens. Please note, however, that a microscope is not required for a successful Level 4 year. The illustrations within the Complete Book of the Microscope (included in the Level 4 Science Package) are perfectly adequate to show your children what they need to know.

If you would like your children to perform the microscopy experiments, be sure to purchase the Microscopy Science Supplies Kit 4 and (if you do not have one) a microscope! We recommend the BookShark Ultra Microscope. Our professional model microscopes can be used and re-used up through High School.

For a lower-cost alternative, please consider purchasing our palm-sized Miniature Magnifier/Microscope instead. It is powerful enough to do the beginner projects scheduled in the Science 4 Instructor's Guide and does not require the purchase of the Microscopy Science Supplies Kit 4.

Which Math program/level will be best for my child?

Math, like reading, is a skill-based subject. It is important to pick a program and a level that fits with your child‚Äôs learning style and ability. Please take a look at our Resources page for a comparison of our different math options. We also have placement tests to help you figure out the appropriate starting point for your child.

Can I purchase the package without Math?

Our All-Subject Packages are built to include everything you need for your school year: History, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Math. We love our packages so much that we discount them 20% off the retail price. You can purchase the elements of the All-Subject package without purchasing math, but you will not receive our 20% off package discount.

If you are certain none of our math options will work for you, please add the following products to your cart individually:

Level D+E Condensed Reading with History (this package is discounted 15% off the retail price)
Level 4 Condensed Language Arts
Science E Package
Spelling You See, Americana
RECOMMENDED The Grammar Ace Package
OPTIONAL Wordly Wise 3000 Book 4 & Teacher's Key

Do you have Handwriting for 4th Grade?

Handwriting is not included in our 4th Grade Condensed All-Subject Package, but we do have a Handwriting package for 4th Grade! please follow this link to add Handwriting Without Tears 4 to your cart.

What are the ‚ÄúRequired Resources‚Äù and why are they required?

The Required Resources include a big binder with 36-week tabs for your Instructor‚Äôs Guides, The Timeline Book, a reusable Markable Map, and a set of wet-erase markers. These resources will be reused in almost every level of our History program and can be shared by multiple students. You will be given the option to purchase these items every time you buy an All-Subject or Reading with History Package, but you only need to buy it once.

For more information on BookShark, please see our FAQs page.

All-Subject Package

Level D+E All-Subject Package

Level D+E All-Subject Package