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BookShark
General Summary
- Literature-based, secular curriculum for grades PreK-10
- Complete, structured 4-day schedule with minimal prep
- Print/book-based with optional online assessments
- Integrates history, literature, and language arts
- High-quality books and readings across subjects
Open-and-Go Convenience
Parents consistently praise BookShark's ready-to-use format:
"The schedule is fantastic – just open and go. It even gives you a heads-up for needed materials each week."
Reddit - Thoughts on Bookshark
"It's literature based, secular, and all I have to do is open the instructor guide and do the day… the most prep I do is read through to see what discussion questions are coming up."
Reddit - Thoughts on Bookshark
Quality of Literature & Engagement
Parents value the high-quality book selections that engage reluctant readers:
"My teen has never been a reader, struggled to stay focused on any book before, but once he found the right momentum… his reading interest took off. This curriculum has improved his reading comprehension, reading fluency and vocabulary."
BookShark Reviews - TheHomeSchoolMom
"Both my daughter and I have enjoyed countless hours… reading and discussing the content. It is quality time I have been cherishing."
Why I Chose To Homeschool With BookShark Curriculum: A Review
Secular Curriculum Option
Many families appreciate having a high-quality, non-religious option:
"We're not religious… Other curriculums required us to skip entire sections due to the religious nature. Discovering BookShark was amazing."
Reading with History: The Centerpiece of BookShark Curriculum
Cost Considerations
The upfront price is a significant consideration for many families:
"Now we're stuck having spent nearly $1000 for this mess… a disappointing waste of time and money."
BookShark Reviews - TheHomeSchoolMom
"The curriculum can be pricey but you can just buy the teacher lesson plan packets and go to your local library to use their chapter books."
BookShark Reviews - TheHomeSchoolMom
Heavy Reading Workload
Some families find the amount of reading overwhelming:
"If she doesn't enjoy chapter books I would steer clear of BookShark. It's basically… all reading. Tons and tons of books. No activities."
Reddit - Oak Meadow vs. Bookshark
"Very disappointing... hours of sitting down busy work."
BookShark Reviews - TheHomeSchoolMom
Science Content Feedback
Some users report concerns about the science curriculum:
"I crossed BookShark off my list because it's not truly secular – they simply skip over teaching any science that conflicts with biblical stories. So, no evolution, no mention of the age of the universe, etc. That was a deal-breaker for me."
Reddit - Oak Meadow vs. Bookshark
"I found the science a bit lacking."
Reddit - Thoughts on Bookshark
Who Thrives With BookShark?
Well-Suited For:
- Families seeking a complete, structured secular curriculum
- Parents who enjoy reading aloud and discussing with their children
- Students who learn well through literature and stories
- Families wanting to combine multiple children in one program
- Parents who desire minimal planning and preparation
Consider Alternatives If:
- Your child is a reluctant reader or struggles with sitting still
- You have very limited time for read-alouds and discussions
- You prefer a more hands-on, project-based approach
- Your budget doesn't allow for the upfront investment
- You want more emphasis on current scientific concepts
Our Bottom Line
BookShark offers a comprehensive, literature-rich curriculum with a secular perspective and outstanding organization. The program excels in providing structured, engaging learning through quality books with minimal parent preparation. However, the substantial reading load, significant parent involvement, and upfront cost may not suit every family. Success with BookShark often depends on having children who enjoy books and discussions, along with a parent who can dedicate daily time to facilitating the program.
Subjects covered
Core subjects: History & Literature (integrated social studies), Language Arts, Science, Math, Spelling, Handwriting
Electives: Optional resources for art, music appreciation, foreign languages, STEM kits, life skills courses
Special emphasis: Literature-based learning, secular curriculum, integrated approach across subjects, hands-on experiments in science
Teaching Format
Print-based: Primarily a print-based, instructor-guided curriculum with physical books and Instructor’s Guides (IGs)
Lesson structure: Organized into a structured 36-week, 4-day schedule with detailed daily plans, including reading assignments, discussion questions, and notes for parents
Implementation flexibility: Open-and-go format allows minimal prep; parents can adjust the schedule to fit their needs (e.g., stretch to 5 days if necessary)
Assessment methods: Optional online assessments available through BookShark Virtual; parents can track progress and check comprehension through discussion questions and quizzes
Hands-on components: Includes hands-on experiments and activities, particularly in science, to engage different learning styles
Parent involvement: High level of parent involvement required, especially in early years, with parents reading aloud and guiding discussions
Pricing
Overall cost: Approximately $500–$1000+ per year, depending on the level and materials included
All-Subject Package: Includes everything needed for one student for one school year; typically around $800 for lower levels and $900+ for upper levels
Subject Packages: Individual subject packages available (e.g., History, Science, Language Arts) at a discount of ~15% when bundled
À la carte options: Components can be purchased separately (e.g., just the Instructor's Guide or specific books)
Cost-saving options: Families can use library books or previously owned books with the Instructor's Guide; BookShark offers "Instructor's Guide only" sets
Optional add-ons: BookShark Virtual access available for an additional fee (around $50–$75) for online assessments and tracking
Value consideration: High upfront cost but includes a large collection of quality books and a fully laid-out curriculum; materials can be reused for younger siblings
Parent Involvement
High involvement required
Daily responsibilities: Parents serve as primary instructors, reading aloud, discussing content, and guiding hands-on projects (1-4 hours daily)
Preparation: Minimal prep needed due to structured lesson plans, but parents must read through upcoming lessons and gather materials as needed
Teaching requirements: Active engagement in reading, discussions, and checking work is essential, especially for younger students
Assessment duties: Parents review assignments, discuss answers, and provide feedback on writing and projects
Time commitment: Significant daily interaction is necessary, particularly in elementary levels; flexibility in pacing is allowed
