Offshoots

What Reviewers Say

The publisher's site describes Offshoots as a secular, digital unit-study curriculum for ages 6-12 from Offshoots Learning.

How It Works

A typical day begins with the parent reading a selected 'living book' or high-quality literature selection aloud to children of all ages gathered together at the kitchen table. Following the reading, the parent uses the open-and-go guide to lead a group discussion and assign age-appropriate activities, such as nature journaling, simple science experiments, or art projects related to the unit's theme. Older students in the 4th-6th grade range might complete more detailed written narrations, while younger children focus on drawing or oral storytelling. Each lesson is designed to take about 45 minutes to an hour, covers science, social studies and the arts rather than reading or math, and uses the unit's lesson plans and printables, suggested books, and supplies most families have around the house.

Switching to This?

Offshoots does not offer formal placement tests because it is designed as a flexible, family-style program where children from kindergarten through 5th grade learn the same topics together. Families can start at any time of the year by simply choosing a unit topic that interests them, such as Weather or Dinosaurs, and can do the units in any order. If you are switching from a traditional, workbook-heavy curriculum, expect a period of adjustment as you move away from checking off boxes to a more conversational and literature-rich style of learning. Most families find it helpful to preview the required book list for a unit to ensure the reading level aligns with their children's attention spans, but no specific academic prerequisites are required to begin.

Curriculum Details

Price

$14.95 - $148.95

Units are sold as digital PDFs at $14.95 each. Bundles: three themed units for $34.50, an 8-unit Collection for $79.50, and all 16 units (two years of lessons) for $148.95. The publisher recommends 6-8 units per school year.

About $80 per year (one 8-unit Collection bundle; the publisher recommends 6-8 units per school year)

Grades

K - 5

Available As

Digital

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts Science History/Social Studies Art

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

45-60 min/day

Student Independence

Needs instruction

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Secular

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as the primary instructor, facilitating hands-on activities. The curriculum is designed to be 'open-and-go' with very little prep required.

How This Compares

When compared to Gather 'Round Homeschool, Offshoots is frequently described as a 'simpler' and more minimalist option, prioritizing nature and literature over the high volume of student notebooking pages found in Gather 'Round. Against The Good and the Beautiful, Offshoots is much easier to teach to multiple children simultaneously from a single guide, whereas The Good and the Beautiful often requires separate, grade-specific levels for language arts and math. Parents choosing between Offshoots and Five in a Row will find that Offshoots provides a more structured approach to science and history themes, while Five in a Row focuses more intensely on repeating a single picture book for five consecutive days to teach literary elements.

Getting Started