What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently characterize The Thinking Tree (also known as Fun-Schooling) as a creative, low-stress alternative to traditional "box" curricula. Cathy Duffy highlights that the program serves primarily as a framework for interest-led learning rather than providing specific lesson content. This is echoed by the Well-Trained Mind community, where users recommend the journals as an engaging supplement for "artsy" or "right-brained" children who find traditional worksheets soul-crushing. The trade-off is the high level of parent preparation required to source external educational materials. While the journals provide the "where" and "how" to record information, the "what" must be provided by the family. Critics and community members caution that without a diligent parent providing quality books and videos, the journals can become "busy work" or coloring books. However, for students with dyslexia or ADHD, the focus on art and games provides a vital pathway to literacy and engagement that more rigid programs lack.

How It Works

A typical week involves the student selecting several "core" library books or documentaries related to their current interests or the journal's theme. Each day, the child spends 60–90 minutes completing 2–4 pages in their journal, which might involve sketching a scene from history, writing a poem about a scientific discovery, or practicing spelling based on their reading. The parent meets with the student daily to discuss what they discovered and to ensure they are using high-quality sources. There are no tests; the completed journal serves as a comprehensive portfolio of the student's learning for the year.

Switching to This?

The Thinking Tree does not offer placement tests because journals are categorized by interest and general age range rather than strict grade levels. Families can start at any point in the year by simply purchasing a journal and a stack of library books. Families switching from a traditional program like Abeka or Bob Jones should expect a significant adjustment period; students may initially feel "lost" without specific instructions, while parents may need to overcome the fear that "coloring" isn't "learning."

Curriculum Details

Price

$18 - $310

Interest-led 'Fun-Schooling' journals. Individual journals ~$18–$55; grade bundles ~$110–$310; Dyslexia Games ~$190/series.

Grades

PRE-K - 12

Available As

Print Digital Audiobook

Coverage

All subjects

Subjects

Reading/Language Arts Writing Art Music History/Social Studies Logic & Critical Thinking Science

---

Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

30-60 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

---

Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as a facilitator and curator. Because the journals are frameworks, parents must help children select library books, documentaries, and educational websites to ensure the student has high-quality information to record in their journals.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: July 2026 by Claude (v2 research)

How This Compares

Gather 'Round Homeschool: Both use a unit study approach, but Gather 'Round provides the actual lesson content, whereas Thinking Tree requires you to find your own books. - Build Your Library: Both are Charlotte Mason-inspired, but Build Your Library provides specific book lists and schedules, while Thinking Tree is entirely student-led. - Moving Beyond the Page: Both focus on creative projects and unit studies, but Moving Beyond the Page is much more structured and rigorous in its output requirements. - Waldorf: Both prioritize art and "soul-nourishing" work, but Thinking Tree is a flexible workbook system rather than a comprehensive philosophical lifestyle.

Getting Started