How “Streams: Chinese American History for Kids” fits with different types of Homeschooling

Streams fits well with many different styles of homeschooling as we will show, but first we will discuss generally what your children will learn from Streams and general ways to use it, as this will help parents see how it can fit into different homeschooling models. 

The core material in Streams can be covered in 9 weeks as a stand-alone unit study on Chinese American history.  This provides a review of key points in American history while highlighting the Chinese American contribution.  This could be nicely paired with a unit study on the history and culture of China.

Streams is also set up to be easily integrated in to any American history curriculum you are already using.  Each week of Streams clearly marks the time period covered in that week, so if you know when to insert those materials into your core curriculum.  This will supplement your American history to include a boarder array of perspectives, preparing your children for our diverse world.

Another key point to note is that Streams does not take a lot of prep on the part of parents!  We know parents are all busy and the last thing we want is to add more stress.  We have done the research and organizing for you.  It is clearly laid out what books you will need at what point in the curriculum, and links to the videos are right in each lesson.  There is no printing, cutting, or pre-studying necessary on the part of the parents!

Different styles of Homeschooling 

Charlotte Mason – With living books, short lessons, and a strong poetry component, we believe Streams fits in perfectly with a Charlotte Mason education.  There are also links to works by Chinese American painters and architects that could be used for picture studies.  We do not provide worksheets or busywork, but written and/or oral narrations can always be done on the readings, especially the chapter book.  The timeline events can be put in a Book of Centuries or on any other timeline you may already use.

Unschooling - If you unschool, then you probably don’t need us to tell you how to use it.   If some of the books are “strewed” around the house, anything could happen!

Classical/Classical Conversations – The emphasis on history and literature in Streams would fit in perfectly with a classical style of education.  Streams includes events that children can put on a timeline, putting Chinese American history in context. 

 Eclectic homeschooling- In this model you are used to picking what you are interested in and individualizing your studies for your family.  Streams is flexible and will be right up your alley.

Christian – We are a Christian family and we believe that all people are image bearers of God and studying diverse history honors that and prepares our children to interact with God’s diverse creation.  The content of Streams is largely carried by individual books, poems and videos, which are not explicitly Christian but are not in conflict with Christianity.  The beauty of reading with your children is it leads to many opportunities to discuss anything that might be inconsistent with your worldview.

Secular- The learning in Streams is largely carried by the individual books, poems and videos, and these are not explicitly Christian or religious.  Again, the beauty of learning with your children is that it provides for many opportunities for discussion.

Religious but not Christian - The learning in Streams is largely carried by the individual books, poems and videos, and these are not explicitly Christian or any specific religion.  Again, the beauty of learning with your children is that it provides for many opportunities for discussion.

Neurodiverse kids- The beauty of parent-directed learning is that you can customize for the needs of your own children.  In our home we have gifted and twice-exceptional kids, so we avoid busywork and keep the lessons short, but allow them to dive deeper or ask probing questions when they are interested.  Do you have a child who is very sensitive to sad or tragic things?  We have marked with an “*” the items that may have too much “hard history” for younger or sensitive children.  Parents should preview items in Streams for appropriateness for their family.

 Online curriculum – Streams has links to short videos online, but it is primarily about reading picture books, poems and one chapter book.  Here Streams gives families a short, easy lesson they can do together that will supplement what they are learning online.  The poems are best discussed with a parent using the discussion guide, which is short and to the point.  It is a chance to get that connection that homeschool can offer, even if most of their learning is online.

In our home we have done different styles of homeschooling, and Streams: Chinese American History for Kids was designed to be flexible and easy for parents to get the value out of it without stressing out!