Tales and Trails: Europe
The first module in our comprehensive curriculum will begin an action packed tour of the world in Europe. Through the captivating folktales found in A Bedtime Full of Stories, by Angela McAllister, young learners will not only be immersed in the cultures and geography of each tale’s country, but will also be excited to cover:
- literacy
- numeracy
- science
- nature
- creative arts including handwork
- foreign language
- physical activities
- composer and artist studies
- music
- mindfulness
This 14 week cross-curricular module is packed with engaging, creative and hands-on activities. We also provide a booklist and poetry suggestions. The only essential book for the whole curriculum is A Bedtime Full of Stories.
Tales and Trails is aimed at learners between 5 and 8 years old, and can be used in its entirety or for selected subjects; it is also perfect for family, multi-age learning. Our philosophy is to provide plenty of practical opportunities that will lead to rich discussions and deep learning. Subjects are woven together to promote interdisciplinary learning and allow connections to be made. We also consider this curriculum to be rigorous, in terms of the way we have carefully planned for systematic and logical progression in each curriculum area throughout the module.
Find out more about the second module in the curriculum – Tales and Trails: Asia
Please note this is a digital curriculum; no physical products will be sent out. All purchases are final and non-refundable.
See the curriculum preview >>
In each of the seven units (each scheduled for two weeks), you will cover:
Literacy
- 2 creative narration activities (one for reviewing, and one for recording the story)
- 8 phonics/spelling, reading, writing and grammar lessons
- 2 readers at different levels
- 2 copywork pages at different levels
- 1 writing prompt to be completed in partnership with the educator
- discussion questions
- suggested poems for poetry teatime
- suggested books for extending learning
Numeracy
- 8 lessons sequentially building skills in
- Numeration (becoming confident with quantities 1 – 10; starting to work with 11-100; identifying even and odd numbers; skip counting by 2s, 5s and 10s)
- Operations (using whole-part circles and ten frames to solve simple equations; number bonds up to 10)
- Geometry (identifying 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes; exploring symmetry)
- Measurement (exploring how to use non-standard units of measurement and using a ruler)
Science
- 1 big question with a fun (and simple to prepare) experiment or activity
- several ideas to prompt exploration of the concept
- a set of discussion questions to build understanding
Nature
- 2 or more activities that build upon the unit’s science topic
- additional nature study ideas linked to the unit’s story
- 1 activity that explores a native tree
Humanities
- 1 activity to explore the geography of the country
- 1 activity to explore the culture of the country
- 1 recipe
- 8 phrases in the country’s language
Foreign language
- 10 phrases in French (with audio)
- 10 phrases in Spanish (with audio)
Creative arts
- modelling prompt
- form drawing activity
- wet – on -wet watercolour activity
- handcraft activity
- 2 creative projects for story narration (as mentioned in literacy)
Composer and artist study
- 1 painting by the module’s artist-in-focus to study, with discussion questions
- 1 composition by the module’s composer-in-focus to study, with discussion questions
Movement
- 2 physical activities such as yoga, dance, aerobic activities, co-ordination activities
Mindfulness
- an activity linked to being present, building empathy, or managing emotions
Our resources
Our secular resources are the perfect fit for eclectic home educators. Inspired by a unique blend of educational approaches we offer a rich, engaging, rigorous experience for young learners. Underpinned by evidence-based best practice for the core subjects, we weave in: a wealth of creative activities drawing from Waldorf; practical, tactile and child-led opportunities influenced by Montessori; a feast of ideas and subjects in line with Charlotte Mason; and projects and suggestions for learning outdoors inspired by Forest School.
Tales and Trails
Travel the world with beautiful tales and our comprehensive curriculum for 5-8 year olds
Nature resources
Inspire your nature studies with hand painted printables and guides
Circle time
Lively and engaging songs, fingerplays and games for 3-8 year olds
Unit studies
Perfect for enrichment ideas or use at home education co-ops for 4 - 8 year olds
What people say about our resources
‘Kindle the Sparks’ Tales and Trails is a work of art. It’s plainly obvious that the creators of this all-encompassing curriculum have an in-depth and personal understanding of how children learn best. The charming illustrations bring the story and easy to grasp instruction to life. As a home educator I know well that none of us are meant to do this alone. Freya Holland and Maartje McDermott’s creation is a joy to share with young learners and I would highly recommend it to everyone!’
Josephine T, Forest School Leader, Home Educator and Nanny.
‘Graciously crafted, all- encompassing curriculum with an umbrella approach to key areas/ subjects and introducing different cultures. Beautifully illustrated, and presented; each lesson is very clearly explained to facilitate the educator in its delivery. No expensive resources; uses what you probably have in the house. Rooted in a deep respect for every child, focusing on and facilitating child-led learning throughout the curriculum journey. I cherish the way the curriculum is based on thought provoking, enriching stories that eliminate the strife and suffering that so many traditional stories have - allowing for the development of resilience in our little ones’ souls, but in a more gentle manner. ‘
Nikki R, Primary and Secondary SEN Teacher, Forest School Leader, and Home Educating mother of two.
After feeling in a bit of a home education rut, this curriculum has given me the motivation to try something new. We read a LOT in our house and I love that each unit is based on a different story, whilst incorporating a wide range of subjects and activities that will keep everyone engaged. I ordered the book before I had even finished reading the whole curriculum! The appendices are great and will really help keep us going as I am definitely someone who needs things ready to use without having to gather lots of extra resources! I am excited for our book to arrive.
Louise M. Home educator to two children
Free resources when subscribing to our mailing list
Summer Fingerplays
Fun verses and actions to celebrate the garden, beach and creatures.
Co-ops
A detailed how-to guide for setting up a wide variety of home-ed groups or co-ops
Elderflower cordial recipe
Start your own family ritual of picking elderflowers to celebrate the start of the summer with this delicious elderflower cordial recipe!
Viking ship template
Make your own little viking ship using this sweet and simple template!
Plus more!
Kindle your child’s spark for learning today
