Our Process
Four decades of experience have taught us a thing or two about creating curriculum that works. Here’s how we do it.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this Florida history homeschool curriculum, students in grades 4-6 will have built a rich, lasting understanding of Florida's past and present, geography, and culture–from its first Indigenous inhabitants to its fascinating role in the Space Race. Through living books, primary sources, hands-on activities, map work, and Socratic discussion, students develop not only historical and geographical knowledge but the habits of a lifelong learner.
Florida History meets Florida's rigorous B.E.S.T. standards while keeping sight of what matters most: impactful literature, enduring lessons in character and history, and joyful learning.
Skills Developed
A strong sense of historical context and chronology through narrative and Socratic discussion
Geography and cartography skills through ongoing Florida map work
Narration and oral expression–cornerstones of Charlotte Mason and living books education
Vocabulary development and written reflection through the consumable Florida Notebook
Critical thinking and moral reasoning through open-ended discussion prompts
Research and independent inquiry through Explore sections and Rabbit Trail library extensions
Hands-on learning through crafts, activities, field trips. and real-world connections to Florida history and geography
Topics Covered
This Florida state history curriculum for grades 4-6 spans five eras of Florida's remarkable story:
Indigenous Peoples and Pre-Columbian Era (before 1513): The Calusa, Timucua, and other First Peoples · Shell mound civilizations · Three Sisters farming · Pre-colonial village life
Spanish Exploration and Colonization (1513–1763): Ponce de León · Cabeza de Vaca · Fort Mose and the first legally recognized free Black settlement in America · Spanish missions
Shifting Flags, the Seminole Wars, and the Civil War (1763–1877): British and Spanish rule · The Seminole people and their resistance · Statehood and the Civil War
Growth, Development, War, and Depression (1877–1940): Henry Flagler and the Florida railroad · The real estate boom and bust · Pioneer life · Hurricanes · The Great Depression in Key West
World War II and the Making of Modern Florida (1940–Present): WWII on Florida's shores · The Space Race and Cape Canaveral · The Cuban Revolution and immigration · The Everglades conservation movement · Modern Florida
Curriculum Overview
Florida History includes a Teacher Guide with 113 open-and-go lessons of approximately 30 minutes each, designed to be completed in one year at 3 lessons per week, or spread over two years for a more relaxed pace. Lessons are structured around five elements: Read & Narrate, Discuss, Record, Explore, and Play, giving each school day a natural rhythm that is both structured and flexible.
Students will dive into living books, narration, discussion, Florida geography map work, and notebook activities. A consumable Florida Notebook and 24"x36" Florida Map are included.
Hands-on activities include building a shell mound, planting a Three Sisters garden, constructing a model pre-colonial Florida village, and more. Guided field trip ideas bring the story of Florida to life beyond the page, from historic sites to the ecosystems at the heart of this study. Rabbit Trail reading lists offer optional library picks for families who want to dig deeper into Florida's history, geography, and culture.
Who It's For
Florida History is designed for homeschool students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and is an ideal fit for:
Charlotte Mason homeschoolers looking for a living books-based state history curriculum
Florida families seeking a curriculum that meets B.E.S.T. standards while keeping learning joyful and flexible
Homeschool families drawn to narrative history, geography, and literature-based learning
Multi-grade families–easily adapted for family-style learning across grade levels
No prior history curriculum required, this study is open and go from day one.
*We recommend that each student have their own Florida Notebook and Florida Map.
Four decades of experience have taught us a thing or two about creating curriculum that works. Here’s how we do it.
We handpick timeless, award-winning literature to nurture learning and character development.
Crafted by educators with expertise in history, children’s literature, English, science and education.
We’ve been there. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the real-life challenges and joys of homeschooling.
Decades of experience supporting homeschool families with beloved and time-tested curriculum.