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 A-C, 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 D, however, the focus shifts from strengthening reading ability to building reading comprehension. From Level D 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!

What is the difference between Level D Regular Readers and Level D Advanced Readers?

The Level D Advanced Readers includes the Level D Regular Readers plus eight more books and a reading schedule adjusted to fit the extra material. The Advanced Readers are not written at a higher reading level, but they do require that the student read more pages per assignment than the Regular Level D Reader package. Here is a list of the additional books in the Level D Advanced Readers:

The Story of Eli Whitney

The Thanksgiving Story

Naya Nuki

Tikta'Liktak

Stone Fox

Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia

Mr. Revere and I

Corn Grows Ripe

Do the Readers integrate with the History reading?

Yes, they do! For Level D 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 gives your student an opportunity to soak up 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 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:

Ages 6-8 | Level B All-Subject Package
Ages 7-9 | Level C All-Subject Package

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 D. 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.

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 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:

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

The Required Resources includes 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.

Read-Alouds E

HOW TO EAT A POEM: A SMORGASBORD

IN THE YEAR OF THE BOAR AND JACKIE ROBINSON

FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER

LETTER TO MRS. ROOSEVELT

MOCCASIN TRAIL

THE GREAT WHEEL

LITTLE BRITCHES

MIRACLES ON MAPLE HILL

ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY

CADDIE WOODLAWN

ACROSS FIVE APRILS

THE GREAT TURKEY WALK