Where to begin
Pick a unit topic that excites your family
The product description will let you know if the unit covers a single subject or functions as an all-in-one. *Math not included.
What if I want a scope/sequence?
Open and flip the page
Lessons are developed using a narrative-style writing or a living book approach to enhance retention, followed by clear and direct instruction. Just read, have a blank notebook ready, and follow the prompts.
Open the Core Connections Companion (optional)
This creates cross-curricular and interdisciplinary learning. Use it or not, it’s up to you.
Stop on time
Set a timer. Example: ~40 minutes for single subject; ~3.5 hours for all-in-one. Stop when it goes off.
Tracking time and high school credit?
How long?
- OLDER AGES: Most states require ~40 minutes/subject (6 subjects per day), so if using as an all-in-one and must abide by state regulation, then 3.5 hours total + math.
- SINGLE SUBJECT ONLY: ~20 – 40 minutes only
- YOUNGER AGES: Younger children or those who don’t need to meet a “credit requirement,” then we often hear 1-2 hours per day, completely dependent on family preference.
In Campfire, you don’t complete a lesson a day (just like in public school, you don’t complete a chapter per day). You work off the timer that is appropriate to your family and state. Stop when it goes off. It’s that simple!
See the simple step by step instructions
The Steps
Here is all you need to do from day one. You don’t need to memorize this. Most families read this once, then just open the unit and begin:
STEP 1. Decide whether you want to use Campfire Curriculums to cover a single-subject or use as an all-in-one curriculum (covering all school subjects except math).
TIP: If all-in-one, you’ll be using the main guidebook AND the associated Core Connections Companion (included with most purchases, free of charge). If single-subject, you’ll only use the main guidebook; set aside the Core Connections Companion.
STEP 2. Choose any unit that your family is interested in. Any age is welcome. The whole family can learn together. There is no prerequisite order, and no unit will put your student behind.
STEP 3. Monday morning, pass out or screencast a guidebook (all levels included with purchase). Note: main black font matches in the units, so everyone shares that same material together.
*High School/Adult: Advanced Guidebook.
*Elementary/Middle: Growing Guidebook.
*Very young students: Early Learner Guidebook.
*TIP: If screencasting with varying ages, you can use any guidebook.
STEP 4. Have a blank notebook ready for each student; the guidebook will direct them when to use it.
STEP 5. Set a timer (see below for details).
STEP 6. Open to Lesson One. Read the black text out loud from any guidebook and follow the prompts. (Black text matches across all levels, so everyone can learn together).
STEP 7. Stop when the timer goes off or when attention naturally fades. That’s it!
TIP: If you finish lesson one of the main guidebook before the timer goes off, move to the included Core Connections Companion (for families using this as an all-in-one). Otherwise, you may stop for the day or continue into lesson two.
TIP: If you don’t finish the main lesson before the timer goes off, you are still right where you are supposed to be! Just as you don’t finish a public school textbook chapter in a single day, you also are not intended to complete a Campfire lesson in a single day. Some days you will; many days you will not… and both are perfectly fine.
The Timer
Our lesson lengths vary on purpose. Your goal is to set a consistent daily homeschool schedule, rather than aim for a page completion. Set a timer for your homeschool day (or subject), stop when it goes off, and continue the next day. :
Single subject use: 20 – 40 minute timer. Multiple school subjects: ~3 hours (with added breaks, as desired).
The Units
You will complete multiple units per year. After your first unit reaches completion (typically in 4 – 6 weeks), you begin another. This results in 7 – 10 units being used per year. If you’re curious how that covers science or language arts in order (etc.), or how to claim proper high school credits for older students, we have it all laid out HERE.
The Questions
Many parents open their first lesson and immediately wonder:
*”Where is the teacher’s guide?”
*”Where are the worksheets?”
*”Is this a read-aloud?”
*”How do I keep track of credits or know which unit to begin with?“
How Units Are Designed
Our curriculum is written as if an engaging teacher is right there in the room, guiding your family and immersing your child step by step
– instruction is written directly into the lesson, with room for the parent to teach as much as desired
– parents and students can learn alongside each other
– guidance is embedded naturally in the text
You won’t find worksheets or a separate student workbook.
That’s intentional. Worksheets are often used to measure output, not understanding. We aren’t against paperwork and writing. We use note-taking, ourselves and other written output. We just don’t do it on a worksheet.
As in college, careers, or real life, learning happens through reading, seeing, doing, narrating, discussing, writing, note-taking, projects, and hands-on application. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Campfire. This mirrors what you find in higher-quality private school education.
All of this is directed within the unit and will be reflected in your child’s own notebook or projects. The notebook, work, and application is used for your personal records and state records.
This is not a passive read-aloud.
Lessons are written in living book format directly to the student and parent together. Within the lesson, you will find a captivating way of learning, that mimics job or skill shadowing.
The Structure
Flexibility by Design
Campfire adapts to your family… not the other way around.
Lessons are leveled, so families with varying ages can come together and complete the same unit!
Parents of multiple children might wonder: When does my older student read the sidebar content? There is no right answer. Some read it silently as they go along. Some go back and read the content for “homework” or review later in the evening. Some pause to read it out loud together as a family. It’s up to you!
There is a different level of expertise required from each guidebook level, as well.
You’re Not Doing This Alone
Questions are normal, adjustments are expected, and confidence grows with time. We have a wonderful community online, if you’d like to join the crew! Welcome to Campfire.
Ready to explore?
Browse units or read the curriculum guide to decide at your own pace.