How to Use Our Curated Book Lists in Your Homeschool

You know that feeling when you check out a beautiful stack of books from the library… and then they just sit there?

You had the best intentions.
You were going to read them all.
Dive deep.
Make it magical.

But real life happened.

That’s exactly why we include curated book lists inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership — not to give you more to manage, but to make connection easier.

Here’s how to actually use them in a way that feels simple, natural, and meaningful.

Use Them as a “Morning Basket” Anchor

Instead of checking out every book, choose one or two to anchor your week.

Place them in your morning basket and read:

• One picture book a day
• A short section from a longer read-aloud

You don’t need to finish every book on the list. Think of it as a menu,  not a checklist.

 Pair Books with the Art Project (This Is the Magic)

This is where art-first learning shines.

Before or after you complete the art project:

• Read a story connected to the country, artist, or concept
• Ask one or two simple discussion questions
• Let the art project reinforce what you just read

When children hear a story and then create something connected to it, the learning sticks.

They aren’t just reading about a place, they’re experiencing it.

Turn It Into a “Culture Day”

If you’re using one of the Around the World studies, choose:

• One book
• One art project
• One recipe

Play music from that region while you cook.
Let your child share one fact they learned during dinner.

Suddenly geography isn’t abstract, it’s personal.

Let Older Kids Lead

For older students:

• Have them choose one book from the list
• Prepare a short summary
• Share something interesting they discovered

This builds ownership and confidence , and it doesn’t require extra prep from you.

Use Books as Gentle Extensions (Not Requirements)

Some weeks you’ll read three books.
Some weeks you’ll read one.
Some weeks you’ll just glance at the list and move on.

That’s okay.

The goal isn’t completion, it’s connection.

Even one thoughtfully chosen book can deepen understanding in a way worksheets never could.

Keep It Simple at the Library

Instead of feeling pressure to grab everything:

• Choose 1–2 picture books
• Choose 1 nonfiction option
• Skip the rest if you need to

Your homeschool doesn’t need more volume. It needs meaningful moments.

Why Our Book Lists Matter

Our curated book lists are intentionally chosen to:

• Reinforce the theme of the study
• Spark curiosity
• Build cultural awareness
• Support visual and creative learners
• Encourage family discussion

They’re designed to support the art-first approach, not compete with it.

When you read and create together, you build layers of understanding.

And layered learning lasts.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re “not using the books enough,” let this be your permission slip:

One book.
One project.
One meaningful conversation.

That’s more than enough.