The best history and science for a little kid is the kind they can touch: a real owl walk on a cold night, apples from the orchard, how the world actually works. That is what The Living Year does, real history and science through one beautiful book and the real world, for ages four to nine.
See it in the free Apple Farmer Annie unit.
Get the free unitWhy the early years don't need a separate curriculum for science or history
Little kids don't learn history as a timeline or science as a textbook. They learn them as stories and real things: where apples come from, how an owl hunts, what people did long ago.
A single good book opens all of it, and a four or five year old remembers it because it was interesting, not because it was a course.
Formal, separate curricula for these subjects are built for older kids who can read to learn and hold a sequence. Starting them too early may end up trading wonder for worksheets.
Signs your child is ready for a science or history curriculum
Here are a few signs that it's time to get a dedicated history or science program. You don't need all of these (especially #5) to proceed.
- Your child reads to learn and can follow a longer narrative.
- They ask for more than what's in the books, and usually deeper questions than a picture book answers.
- You want a clear scope and sequence for your own peace of mind.
- Reading and math are solid, so there's room in the day. If reading or math is still a struggle, let history and science ride in the back seat.
- Your child shows serious interest in STEM.
Do I actually need a science or history curriculum for my homeschool?
Honestly... no. But many people like having one for structure.
Personally, I'll be skipping a history curriculum. After I build The Living Year, I am considering building the curriculum I would actually use, if I can find the time. I prefer to teach using books and actual historical sources.
As for science, even though I have a strong science background (research chemistry), I will be electing to use a curriculum, probably a few different ones alongside books, for structure, and to avoid leaving any gaps.
If your child is serious about STEM, they will almost certainly need to pursue post-secondary education. Being able to test well and solve problems is still important for that journey as of 2026, and that is one case where you should use a strong, academic curriculum.
However, I know skilled homeschoolers who have just continued with books for science as well.
What to add when you're ready
These subjects are heavily influenced by your worldview. Are you secular? Or are you Christian?
And for each of these, there is a spectrum. If you are secular, are you looking for an inclusive curriculum? Or a curriculum that is just missing any religious content?
If you're Christian, are you looking for Young Earth or Old Earth programs?
There's a lot to weigh here: worldview, cost, and how much structure you want. If you'd like help sorting through it, the Beginner's Guide walks you through choosing.
You can also check this section of our website to see what science & history curriculum we have broken down.
Favourite Christian Curriculum
Notgrass is a Christian curriculum best known for history, and for the older grades government and literature, told as a narrative with the Bible woven in. Masterbooks is Christian, affordable, and open-and-go, leaning on living books and narration, with young-earth science. Both are solid if you want a faith-based option with real structure.
For two popular Christian options compared, see our Notgrass vs Masterbooks article.
For young-earth Christian science, the two names are Apologia and Berean Builders, both tied to Dr. Jay Wile, with Apologia the most popular. To be straight with you: I don't believe in young earth and I'm not technically Christian, yet Berean Builders is one of my favourite programs, and one I plan to try. Compare the two here.
Favourite Secular Curriculum
For secular history, the two names you'll see most are History Quest and Curiosity Chronicles. I recommend History Quest. I can't speak to Curiosity Chronicles' content, but its writing style and activities don't work for me. That said, it's a good fit for some families, so it's worth a look if History Quest isn't yours. More info here.
For secular science, Real Science Odyssey is the more rigorous and most budget-friendly pick, and Elemental Science is a gentler, book-based option, a more secular take on the same idea as Noeo, though I didn't like it quite as much. See a comparison here.
Other resources
Story of the World (Susan Wise Bauer) is a narrative world history. The author is Christian and it covers world religions as part of the story, but there's no Bible study built in, so it works for secular and Christian families alike. This one is extremely popular and worth knowing about.
Noeo is one of my favourite science programs too: gentle and book-based, though it carries a mild Christian lean.
The Let's-Read-and-Find-Out science series is a gentle bridge: real science in picture-book form you can start young from the library.
Khan Academy is worth a mention: it's completely free and covers a lot of science online.
Lastly, my favourite academic program is an old-earth Christian program called Novare Science. This one is strong for university prep, but dry. I would pair it with plenty of interesting books. The reality is that science is technical and if your child intends to seriously pursue it, it probably won't always be fun or wonder-filled.
Where The Living Year fits
For the early years, The Living Year is your history and science. One beautiful book a season becomes real science, real history, art, and thinking, no separate curriculum required yet, for ages four to nine, secular and faith-friendly. When your child is ready for a dedicated program later, you'll know, and the books above are where to go. See The Living Year. Owl Moon is coming soon.
Affiliate disclosure: some links above are affiliate links. Shopping through them supports The Living Year at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
When should I start teaching history and science in homeschool?
Informally from the start, through books and real life. A separate, structured curriculum is optional and usually added around first to third grade, once your child reads to learn.
Do I need a history curriculum for elementary?
Not a formal one in the early years. Good books, read-alouds, and a book-based program cover it. Add Story of the World or similar when you want a scope and sequence.
Do I need a science curriculum for kindergarten?
No. Nature study, picture books, and simple hands-on activities are real science at this age.
What's the best secular history and science curriculum when I'm ready?
Pandia Press (History Odyssey, Real Science Odyssey) and Story of the World are the common secular picks.