(source)

The problem with compulsory schooling is that it’s authoritarian and ineffective as a method of educating individuals:

1. It violates liberty for parents and children
2. It teaches authoritarianism as a way to get what you want and is undemocratic
3. Intelligence cannot be obtained through force
4. It produces a population of passive, obedient workers and consumers
5. It’s a surveillance state environment
6. It’s classist

1. It violates liberty for parents and children…

There is no choice in the matter if school is compulsory. You go to school or you (or the parent) get a fine, community service, or even jail time. Sometimes a court will order mandatory counseling, parenting classes, “support groups”, or alternative schools.

When I was reading about truancy laws, almost every source I read had a bias that you were a parents who wanted to learn how to make your kid go to school, and that if you just obeyed, you wouldn’t have anything to worry about.

It reminded me of when the NSA wiretapping program was found out. A common argument at the time was that if you had nothing to hide, you have no business worrying about the wiretapping program.

2. It teaches authoritarianism as a way to get what you want, and is undemocratic…

1. there is a central authority (such as a teacher, school administrator, adults, etc.)
2. limited political freedoms (such as when you can speak, what you can say, when you can go to the bathroom, etc.)
3. an emotional basis of legitimacy (“because I said so”)
4. political opposition suppression (asking “why” it is necessary to follow a procedure is not tolerated)

3. Intelligence cannot be obtained through force…

Children and young adults are given far too many arbitrary assortments of subjects to grasp. For 20 minutes you will learn fractions, then a bell rings and before you can finish your thought process, it’s time to read about the Vikings for another 20 minutes. And did you know the Earth’s lithosphere is composed of 7-8 major plates?

This fights against the natural process of learning. Learning is not completed in uniformly structured random chunks. That would be like learning to cook by following the directions on a collage of cut and pasted recipe parts.

The most common argument I see people state in criticism of not having compulsory schooling is, “how will anyone learn reading, writing, and arithmetic?”

The truth is that reading, writing and arithmetic can be taught in a very short amount of time. Some say around 100 hours but I haven’t found any hard evidence for the 100 hour number so I’m skeptical.

What’s not learned in around 100 hours is intelligence. Intelligence cannot be achieved through threats (bad grades, taking things away, low test scores).

The way formal schooling is set up, 30-40 children are emotionally and intellectually dependent on 1 adult per classroom. A child cannot even go to the bathroom without asking permission and getting a bureaucratic slip of paper signed by an authority first.

This is done in the name of safety.

But how much liberty are you willing to give up in the name of safety? Plenty of things are dangerous that we do every day without thought that could potentially be banned in the name of safety. Going to the bathroom has to be the least dangerous.

As far as intellectual dependence, a student’s growth is stunted because he or she will have a task, say, adding up numbers, and won’t be allowed to continue learning further without the authority’s approval first. This start and stop method of learning keeps everyone at the same basic level. Whereas, if the environment were more free, a student would be able to add up the numbers, and when they are finished, look on to the next task or page, and work as fast or slow as they need to.

There is a false assumption that has no evidence for it, that without Big Brother compulsory schooling, everyone would fall behind and be illiterate. I argue that compulsory schooling is what is making everyone fall behind and remain illiterate far more than without compulsory schooling.

Imagine 2 students. One is 5 years old and the other is 9 years old. They both learn to read at the same time, different ages. By age 13, they can both read exactly the same level and it’s not apparent what age they first learned to read.

However, in compulsory school, we put the 5 year old in the “gifted” program and the 9 year old in special ed.

The truth is that not everyone learns how to read or even should learn how to read at the same age. 

Just like how children physically grow at different rates, we don’t lengthen their limbs with braces if they’re not 3ft tall by a certain age, so we shouldn’t force children to read according to their age average.

4. It produces a population of passive, obedient workers and consumers

In classrooms around the country, there is the authority (teacher) and the subjects (students). The authority talks at the subjects and disseminates information. The subjects passively consume this information as if watching television.

There is no engagement. No dialogue. No democracy.

Imagine if you were in a conversation and the other person expected and enforced that you do not speak the entire time while they drone on for hours. You would probably have a hard time paying attention the full amount of time, right?

Why do we expect different of children who are still developmentally learning skills like attention?

Every breath in a classroom is regulated and surveilled, unless, however, you’re working diligently. There is no room for human behavior. No wonder status quo schools are rampant with behavioral problems from their students. They are subconsciously, and naturally rebelling against oppression.

Asking “why” is not tolerated. There simply isn’t time. Subjects are expected to simply accept that the pilgrims came to America, the Native Americans died from smallpox, and then what was left of them gathered together for a peaceful meal that we now have a holiday for.

If anyone told you a story as disjointed as this, you would not be wrong to ask for clarification, but we set a double standard with children, who we accept as having no rights and everyone is fine with that.

I disagree. Children deserve rights.

But this is the world we live in. School prepares from a very young age, compliance or consequences for being anything other than passive, obedient workers and consumers.

5. It’s a surveillance state environment

Imagine working in an environment where you had to ask permission of your boss in order to use the bathroom. But again, we accept as a society that children deserve no rights.

There is no trust of children all in the name of keeping them safe. It has created a nanny state in our schools where children are taught to be helpless and at the mercy of their authority figures.

6. It’s classist

What would you think if you went to work and you were divided into groups by age?

It is arbitrary to sort people into classes by age and teach to them according to that standard. Not everyone follows a neat and tidy age appropriate timeline to learning and that doesn’t make them deficient in some way.

Now I’d like to bring up the subject of grades. The U.S. has an obsession with quantifying everything and finds it uneasy not to. After all, how else will you be able to tell if something is going right or wrong?!

In the name of efficiency, we give children grades of A through F, or percentages of 0%-100% on just about everything you could possibly conceive. The students who achieve closer to an A or 100% are rewarded and treated better by the authority figure than those who achieve closer to the other end of the spectrum. This affects both parties self-esteem.

Now imagine a system where we didn’t numerically quantify the success or failure of a child. How would we be able to tell their success or failure then?

We would have to rethink things into a form other than success or failure of a child. For example, if a child finishes a book, that is a success. In this instance, we no longer need to determine that the child failed because they read 4 pages instead of 6. We can use common sense to determine that a book was read independently and therefore, is a success. We would have to eliminate the concept of a child’s failure and come to grips with using human judgement with all its flaws.

THE SOLUTION:

So what do we do to have an educated populace of citizens besides compulsory schooling?

Children would learn the way they did before compulsory schooling: with an active role in their community and returning to spending precious time with their families.

What I mean by community in this sense, is not the same as a network. Networks are what we have currently have in place. Networks are shallow relationships based on what you can get from each other. Community means “a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.”

For example, a single alternative (of many potential alternatives) to compulsory schooling could be the following loose “curriculum” of natural life experiences:

• play
• household responsibilities
• personal interests and curiosity
• internships and work experience
• travel
• books
• elective classes
• family
• mentors
• social interaction

Traditional schooling takes away time that would normally have been contributed to participating and building the community and family. This form of “unschooling” would allow children and young adults to get back to those roots and become whole individuals and society members moreso than if they were sitting in a classroom the majority of the day.

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

12th grade

1. personal finance

Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties

Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies

2. home repair

New Fix-It-Yourself Manual: How to Repair, Clean, and Maintain Anything and Everything In and Around Your Home

3. car repair

Auto Repair For Dummies

4. credit

Repair Your Credit Like the Pros: How credit attorneys and certified consultants legally delete bad credit and restore your good name

5. finding a job

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2017: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

6. physical health

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Disease: The Story of Disease and Mankind’s Continuing Struggle Against It

7. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

8. business

Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes, and Stay Out of Trouble (Small Time Operator: How to Start Your … Keep Yourbooks, Pay Your Taxes, & Stay Out…)

Start Your Own Business, Sixth Edition: The Only Startup Book You’ll Ever Need

The Business Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

9. accounting

The Accounting Game: Basic Accounting Fresh from the Lemonade Stand

Accounting Made Simple: Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less

Accounting Workbook For Dummies

10. career paths

Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type

11. leadership/management

How To Win Friends and Influence People

12. teaching (education)

Teaching: Ultimate Teaching Techniques! – Teach Like A Champion, Grab Your Students’ Attention And Engagement, Supercharge Their Learning, and Transform … Creativity, Productivity, Self Confidence)

13. music (playing)

– percussion

Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals Stands Stool and Sticks

– brass

Mendini by Cecilio MTT-L Trumpet, Gold, Bb

– wind instruments

Lazarro Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute for Band, Orchestra, with Case, Care Kit, Gloves and Warranty

OR

Legacy CL750 Intermediate Clarinet with Deluxe Carrying Case

OR

Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L+92D+PB Gold Lacquer E Flat Alto Saxophone with Tuner, Case, Mouthpiece, 10 Reeds and More

– stringed instruments

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)

OR

Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package, Vintage Sunburst

OR

Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

OR

Crescent Electric Bass Guitar Starter Kit – Translucent Green Color (Includes CrescentTM Digital E-Tuner)

– electronic instruments

Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano

piano stand

piano bench

pedal

14. dance (performance)

So You Think You Can Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Women’s Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

concert dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOg5Zf79dcs

latin/rhythm dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBrK9q6Nmu0

swing dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUS1QQhc324

traditional jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgErNADPalU

ballroom dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rmktHvvs0

freestyle dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxT7kK5Gygk

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5-BIeKri4

disco dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyquJMl3tA

15. fine arts (painting)

Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – paint kit

          US Art Supply 21-Piece Acrylic Painting Table Easel Set with, 12-Tubes Acrylic Painting Colors, 11″x14″ Stretched Canvas, 6 Artist Brushes, Plastic Palette with 10 Wells

     – canvas

Artlicious – Canvas Panels 12 Pack – 8″X10″ Super Value Pack Artist Canvas Panel Boards for Painting

16. applied arts (printmaking)

The Printmaking Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – woodcarving tools

           StarSide 12pcs Sculpting Art Hand Woodcarving Tool Chisels Knife Kit For Basic Woodcut DIY Tools

     – wood

           12 Baltic Birch Plywood Woodcut Painting Encaustic Panels Wood 8″ X 6″

     – engraving

           Royal Brush COPF17 Copper 8″X10″ Engraving Art Hummingbird

     – screenprinting

          Speedball Super Value Fabric Screen Printing Kit

17. design (user experience)

Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability (3rd Edition) (Voices That Matter)

Sketching User Experiences: The Workbook

18. medicine

Medicine: The Definitive Illustrated History

19. mathematics

All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide

Calculus Workbook For Dummies

19. psychology

Psych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More! (Adams 101)

Psychology by David G. Myers

The Psychology Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

20. history (world)

Timelines of History by DK

National Geographic Almanac of World History

History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day

The History Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

21. languages (english)

http://thegreatestbooks.org/

Linguistics For Dummies

The Literature Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

22. writing (non-fiction)

Four Seasons of Creative Writing: 1,000 Prompts to Stop Writer’s Block (Story Prompts for Journaling, Blogging and Beating Writer’s Block)

23. philosophy (ethics)

Philosophy 101: From Plato and Socrates to Ethics and Metaphysics, an Essential Primer on the History of Thought (Adams 101)

Philosophy & Ethics For Dummies 2 eBook Bundle: Philosophy For Dummies & Ethics For Dummies

The Philosophy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

11th grade

1. romantic relationships

How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving

2. the healthcare system

The Health Care Handbook: A Clear and Concise Guide to the United States Health Care System

3. mental health

– activity therapy

The CBT Art Activity Book: 100 illustrated handouts for creative therapeutic work

– expressive therapy (self expression through creative expression)

The Expressive Arts Activity Book: A Resource for Professionals

– cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook For Dummies

– dialectical behavior therapy

DBT® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets

– meditation

guided meditations
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys/videos?view=0&flow=grid&sort=p

Buddha in Blue Jeans: An Extremely Short Simple Zen Guide to Sitting Quietly

4. first aid

(I recommend getting certified by a professional)

Basic First Aid Training video

First Aid Kit Hard Red Case 326 Pieces Exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines

5. time management

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

6. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

7. negotiation/debate

Thank You For Arguing, Revised and Updated Edition: What Aristotle, Lincoln, And Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion

8. accounting

The Accounting Game: Basic Accounting Fresh from the Lemonade Stand

Accounting Made Simple: Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less

Accounting Workbook For Dummies

9. career paths

Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type

10. teaching (education)

Teaching: Ultimate Teaching Techniques! – Teach Like A Champion, Grab Your Students’ Attention And Engagement, Supercharge Their Learning, and Transform … Creativity, Productivity, Self Confidence)

11. music (listening)

best of classical
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_50_Greatest_Pieces_of_Classical_Music

best of opera
http://www.ranker.com/list/best-opera-songs/bustermcdermott

best of electronic
http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-20-best-dance-music-tracks-in-history-6251507

best of folk music
http://www.npr.org/2009/06/19/105677068/folk-alleys-100-most-essential-folk-songs

best of pop
http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/2155531/the-hot-100-all-time-top-songs

best of blues
https://mygreatmusicdebate.com/my-top-100-blues-songs-of-all-time/

best of country
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/100-greatest-country-songs-of-all-time-20140601/1-johnny-cash-i-walk-the-line-1956-0196051

best of hip hop
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-50-greatest-hip-hop-songs-of-all-time-20121205/grandmaster-flash-and-the-furious-five-the-message-19691231

best of jazz
http://www.jazz24.org/jazz-100/

best of reggae
https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-Reggae.html

best of r&b
http://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-r-b-hip-hop-songs

best of rock
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407/bob-dylan-like-a-rolling-stone-20110516

best of alternative
https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-Alternative.html

best of metal
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/black-sabbath-paranoid-1970-w486954

best of punk
https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-punk.html

best of progressive
http://www.popmatters.com/feature/141547-best-25-rock-songs-of-all-time/P4/

best of psychedelic
http://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-psych.html

12. dance (history)

American Dance: The Complete Illustrated History

13. television (creation)

Create Your Own TV Series for the Internet

The Comedy Bible: From Stand-up to Sitcom–The Comedy Writer’s Ultimate “How To” Guide

14. theater (scenic design)

Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design

15. film (filmmaking)

How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro

– equipment

Beginner Filmmaker Starter Kit for Canon EOS DSLR 5D Mark II III 6D 7D 7D II 70D 60D T6s T6i T5i T4i T3i SL1

(use cell phone camera)

16. fine arts (drawing)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – graphite pencils, erasers, sketchpad and pencil sharpener

          33-piece Professional Art Kit – Drawing and Sketch Kit with Pencils, Erasers, Kit Bag and Free Sketchpad – Art Supplies, Drawing Pencils, Graphite Pencils, Pencil Sharpener

     – pastels

          Mungyo Non Toxic Square Chalk, Soft Pastel, 64 Pack, Assorted Colors (B441R078-7003A)

     – markers

          Crayola Pip-Squeaks Skinnies Washable Markers, 64 count, Great for Home or School, Perfect Art Tools

     – pens

           Sakura 30062 6-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set, Black

     – sketch book

          Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad, 5.5″X8.5″ Side Wire

17. applied arts (mixed media)

Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – eyedropper

          1oz Amber Glass Bottles for Essential Oils with Glass Eye Dropper

     – paints

          Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I

     – paintbrushes

          Loew-Cornell 245B Brush Set, Pack of 25, Multi Color

     – palette knife

          Uxcell 5-Piece Painting Knife Set

     – stamps

          Melissa & Doug Stamp-a-Scene-Fairy Garden

     – stencils

          24 Creative Plastic Stencils from Highlights

     – glue

          Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, Clear, Washable, 4 Pack, 0.24-ounce sticks

          Elmer’s School Glue, Washable, 4 Ounces

          Gorilla Original Gorilla Glue, 4 oz., Brown

          Cbetter Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun with 25pcs Glue Sticks High Temperature Melting Glue Gun Kit Flexible Trigger for DIY Small Craft Projects&Sealing and Quick Repairs(20-watt, Blue)

     – newspapers or plastic work surface

     – paper towels

     – sandpaper

     – scissors

     – spray bottle

18. design (graphic)

Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills

The Non-Designer’s Design Book

19. earth science

Earth Science by Edward J. Tarbuck

20. space science

Space: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

The Astronomy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

21. politics (government)

The Politics Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science

The Everything American Government Book: From the Constitution to Present-Day Elections, All You Need to Understand Our Democratic System

22. geography

Geography Coloring Book

Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK

Geography of the World by DK Publishing

23. history (scientific)

A Short History of Nearly Everything

The Story of Western Science: From the Writings of Aristotle to the Big Bang Theory

The History Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

24. languages (linguistics)

Linguistics For Dummies

25. writing (fiction)

Writing Fiction For Dummies

26. philosophy (western schools)

A History of Western Philosophy (Naxos Audiobooks Non-Fiction)

The Philosophy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

27. mathematics

All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide

Pre-Calculus Workbook For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

9th grade

1. personal finance

Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties

Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies

2. study skills

10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less)

– materials

Blue Sky 2016-2017 Academic Year Weekly & Monthly Planner, Wire-O Binding, Charcoal Cover, 5″ x 8″ (18732)

3. social skills

Improve Your Social Skills by Daniel Wendler

4. romantic relationships

How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving

5. mental health

– activity therapy

The CBT Art Activity Book: 100 illustrated handouts for creative therapeutic work

– expressive therapy (self expression through creative expression)

The Expressive Arts Activity Book: A Resource for Professionals

– cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook For Dummies

– dialectical behavior therapy

DBT® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets

– meditation

guided meditations
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys/videos?view=0&flow=grid&sort=p

Buddha in Blue Jeans: An Extremely Short Simple Zen Guide to Sitting Quietly

6. first aid

(I recommend getting certified by a professional)

Basic First Aid Training video

First Aid Kit Hard Red Case 326 Pieces Exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines

7. time management

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

8. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

9. negotiation/debate

Thank You For Arguing, Revised and Updated Edition: What Aristotle, Lincoln, And Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion

10. leadership/management

How To Win Friends and Influence People

11. music (theory)

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Flash Cards, Bk 2 & 3

Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 2

Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 1-3: Ear Training 2 CDs

Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method)

12. dance (performance)

So You Think You Can Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Women’s Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

concert dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOg5Zf79dcs

latin/rhythm dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBrK9q6Nmu0

swing dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUS1QQhc324

traditional jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgErNADPalU

ballroom dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rmktHvvs0

freestyle dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxT7kK5Gygk

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5-BIeKri4

disco dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyquJMl3tA

13. television (creation)

Create Your Own TV Series for the Internet

The Comedy Bible: From Stand-up to Sitcom–The Comedy Writer’s Ultimate “How To” Guide

14. theater (playwriting)

The Dramatic Writer’s Companion: Tools to Develop Characters, Cause Scenes, and Build Stories (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

15. film (theory)

Cinematography: Theory and Practice: Image Making for Cinematographers and Directors

16. fine arts (sculpture)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Sculpture: From Antiquity to the Present Day

– materials

     – clay

          Polyform Sculpey Original Polymer Clay, 1.75-Pound, White

     – pottery sculpting tools

          2013newestseller 10PCS Wooden Clay Sculpture knife Pottery Sharpen Modeling Tools Set

17. design (product)

Product Design (Portfolio) by Alex Milton

18. agronomy (agricultural science)

– producing plants

Giant Sunflower Kit – Hundreds of Jumbo Sun Flower Seeds for Planting – Yeilds Edible Seed

Tulip Bulbs – 12 Pink Impression Darwin Tulip – Bulb Size 11/12 cm – Fall Planting & Spring Blooms

Garlic Bulb (3 Pack), Fresh California Softneck Garlic Bulb For Planting and Growing Your Own Garlic

Grow 5 Herbs from Seed with Nature’s Blossom Plant Kit – All You Need to Have your own Organic Herb Garden at Home

– plant education

American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

19. biology

Biology for Dummies

Biology Workbook For Dummies

The Biology Coloring Book

The Science Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

20. economics

The Economics Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Economic Facts and Fallacies

21. geography

Geography Coloring Book

Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK

Geography of the World by DK Publishing

22. languages (greek and latin roots, stems, and prefixes)

Vocabulary Packets: Greek & Latin Roots: Ready-to-Go Learning Packets That Teach 40 Key Roots and Help Students Unlock the Meaning of Dozens and Dozens of Must-Know Vocabulary Words

23. writing (non-fiction)

Four Seasons of Creative Writing: 1,000 Prompts to Stop Writer’s Block (Story Prompts for Journaling, Blogging and Beating Writer’s Block)

24. philosophy (metaphysics)

Philosophy 101: From Plato and Socrates to Ethics and Metaphysics, an Essential Primer on the History of Thought (Adams 101)

The Philosophy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

25. psychology

Psych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More! (Adams 101)

Psychology by David G. Myers

The Psychology Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

26. mathematics

All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide

Algebra II Workbook For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

8th grade

1. cooking

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

2. physical health

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Disease: The Story of Disease and Mankind’s Continuing Struggle Against It

3. self-defense

(I think this is best done in a class by an expert so I don’t have any resources for it)

4. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

5. woodwork

The Complete Manual of Woodworking: A Detailed Guide to Design, Techniques, and Tools for the Beginner and Expert

– materials

200mm Silverline Woodwork Chisel Set

carving wood

Gorilla Original Gorilla Glue, 4 oz., Brown

6. music (composing)

Finale 2014 Music Notation Software – Academic Edition

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Composition (Idiot’s Guides)

7. dance (history)

American Dance: The Complete Illustrated History

8. television (criticism)

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-tv-shows-ever-top-819499

9. theater (acting)

Reverse Charades

The Acting Bible: The Complete Resource for Aspiring Actors

10. film (criticism)

The Great Movies IV  by Roger Ebert

The Movie Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

11. fine arts (painting)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist

– materials

     – paint kit

          US Art Supply 21-Piece Acrylic Painting Table Easel Set with, 12-Tubes Acrylic Painting Colors, 11″x14″ Stretched Canvas, 6 Artist Brushes, Plastic Palette with 10 Wells

     – canvas

          Artlicious – Canvas Panels 12 PACK – 8″X10″ Super Value Pack Artist Canvas Panel Boards for Painting

12. applied arts (printmaking)

The Printmaking Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – knife kit

           StarSide 12pcs Sculpting Art Hand Woodcarving Tool Chisels Knife Kit For Basic Woodcut DIY Tools

     – woodcut

          12 Baltic Birch Plywood Woodcut Painting Encaustic Panels Wood 8″ X 6″

     – engraving

          Royal Brush COPF17 Copper 8″X10″ Engraving Art Hummingbird

     – screenprinting

          Speedball Super Value Fabric Screen Printing Kit

13. physics

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide by Karl F. Kuhn

Physics Workbook For Dummies

14. sociology

The Sociology Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Sociology: A Brief Introduction by Richard T. Schaefer

15. history (economic)

A History of Economic Theory and Method by Robert B. Ekelund Jr.

The History Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

16. languages (english)

http://thegreatestbooks.org/

The Literature Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Linguistics For Dummies

17. writing (fiction)

Writing Fiction For Dummies

18. philosophy (political)

On Politics: A History of Political Thought: From Herodotus to the Present (2 Vol. Set) by Alan Ryan

The Politics Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

19. mathematics

All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide

Geometry Workbook For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

7th grade

1. study skills

10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less)

– materials

Blue Sky 2016-2017 Academic Year Weekly & Monthly Planner, Wire-O Binding, Charcoal Cover, 5″ x 8″ (18732)

2. social skills

Improve Your Social Skills by Daniel Wendler

3. survival skills

Outdoor Life: The Ultimate Survival Manual: 333 Skills that Will Get You Out Alive

4. mental health

– activity therapy

The CBT Art Activity Book: 100 illustrated handouts for creative therapeutic work

– expressive therapy (self expression through creative expression)

The Expressive Arts Activity Book: A Resource for Professionals

– cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook For Dummies

– dialectical behavior therapy

DBT® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets

– meditation

guided meditations
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys/videos?view=0&flow=grid&sort=p

Buddha in Blue Jeans: An Extremely Short Simple Zen Guide to Sitting Quietly

5. first aid

(getting certified by a professional recommended)

Basic First Aid Training video

First Aid Kit Hard Red Case 326 Pieces Exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines

6. time management

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

7. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

8. music (recording)

– audio recording software

Propellerhead Reason 7 (Music Recording & Production Studio)

– percussion

Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals Stands Stool and Sticks

– brass

Mendini by Cecilio MTT-L Trumpet, Gold, Bb

– wind instruments

Lazarro Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute for Band, Orchestra, with Case, Care Kit, Gloves and Warranty

OR

Legacy CL750 Intermediate Clarinet with Deluxe Carrying Case

OR

Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L+92D+PB Gold Lacquer E Flat Alto Saxophone with Tuner, Case, Mouthpiece, 10 Reeds and More

– stringed instruments

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)

OR

Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package, Vintage Sunburst

OR

Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

OR

Crescent Electric Bass Guitar Starter Kit – Translucent Green Color (Includes CrescentTM Digital E-Tuner)

– electronic instruments

Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano

piano stand

pedal

– cable

USB Guitar Cable VAlinks USB Interface Male to 6.35mm 1/4″ Mono Male Electric Guitar Cable Studio Audio Cable Connector Cords Adapter for Instruments Recording Singing- 3m/10ft

– microphone

Floureon BM-800 Condenser Sound Studio Recording Broadcasting Microphone + Shock Mount Holder Blue

– headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones

9. dance (choreography)

So You Think You Can Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Women’s Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CkO4s1vj2Y

contemporary dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIV0TCgUeYE

jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfiNcwvt7PQ

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3y17D_K9Zw

folk dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYjYVQVf4UE

techno dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLRKdR4qLwQ

k pop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqZFU_dUr8

religious dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-HzEVk4pg4

10. fine arts (drawing)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – graphite pencils, erasers, sketchpad, drawing pencils, and pencil sharpener

           33-piece Professional Art Kit – Drawing and Sketch Kit with Pencils, Erasers, Kit Bag and Free Sketchpad – Art Supplies, Drawing Pencils, Graphite Pencils, Pencil Sharpener

    – pastels

         Mungyo Non Toxic Square Chalk, Soft Pastel, 64 Pack, Assorted Colors (B441R078-7003A)

     – markers

          Crayola Pip-Squeaks Skinnies Washable Markers, 64 count, Great For Home or School, Perfect Art Tools

     – pens

          Sakura 30062 6-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set, Black

     – sketch book

          Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad, 5.5″X8.5″ Side Wire

11. applied arts (mixed media)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques

– materials

     – eyedropper

1oz Amber Glass Bottles for Essential Oils with Glass Eye Dropper

     – paints

          Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I

     – paintbrushes

          Loew-Cornell 245B Brush Set, Pack of 25, Multi Color

     – palette knife

          Uxcell 5-Piece Painting Knife Set

      – scissors

           Scotch Precision Ultra Edge Scissors, 8 Inch, 3-Pack (1458-3AMZ)

     – stamps

          Melissa & Doug Stamp-a-Scene-Fairy Garden

     – stencils

          24 Creative Plastic Stencils from Highlights

     – glue

          Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, Clear, Washable, 4 Pack, 0.24-ounce sticks

          Elmer’s School Glue, Washable, 4 Ounces

          Gorilla Original Gorilla Glue, 4 oz., Brown

          CCbetter Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun with 25pcs Glue Sticks High Temperature Melting Glue Gun Kit Flexible Trigger for DIY Small Craft Projects&Sealing and Quick Repairs(20-watt, Blue)

     – paper towels

     – newspapers or plastic work surface

     – sandpaper

     – spray bottle

     – magazines

12. psychology

Psych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More! (Adams 101)

Psychology by David G. Myers

The Psychology Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

13. geography

Geography Coloring Book

Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK

Geography of the World by DK Publishing

14. history (modern)

History: Modern History in 50 Events: From the Industrial Revolution to the Present (World History, History Books, People History) (History in 50 Events Series Book 7)

The History Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

15. languages (linguistics)

Linguistics For Dummies

16. writing (journalism)

You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: The Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction–from Memoir to Literary Journalism and Everything in Between

17. philosophy (logic)

An Introduction to Philosophical Logic by Anthony C. Grayling

The Philosophy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

18. mathematics

All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide

Algebra I Workbook For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

6th grade

1. cooking

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

2. physical health

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Disease: The Story of Disease and Mankind’s Continuing Struggle Against It

3. inventing

Kids Inventing! A Handbook for Young Inventors

4. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

5. woodwork

The Complete Manual of Woodworking: A Detailed Guide to Design, Techniques, and Tools for the Beginner and Expert

– materials

200mm Silverline Woodwork Chisel Set

carving wood

6. music (playing)

– percussion

Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals Stands Stool and Sticks

– brass

Mendini by Cecilio MTT-L Trumpet, Gold, Bb

– wind instruments

Lazarro Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute for Band, Orchestra, with Case, Care Kit, Gloves and Warranty

OR

Legacy CL750 Intermediate Clarinet with Deluxe Carrying Case

OR

Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L+92D+PB Gold Lacquer E Flat Alto Saxophone with Tuner, Case, Mouthpiece, 10 Reeds and More

– stringed instruments

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)

OR

Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package, Vintage Sunburst

OR

Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

OR

Crescent Electric Bass Guitar Starter Kit – Translucent Green Color (Includes CrescentTM Digital E-Tuner)

– electronic instruments

Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano

7. dance (performance)

So You Think You Can Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Women’s Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

concert dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOg5Zf79dcs

latin/rhythm dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBrK9q6Nmu0

swing dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUS1QQhc324

traditional jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgErNADPalU

ballroom dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rmktHvvs0

freestyle dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxT7kK5Gygk

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5-BIeKri4

disco dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyquJMl3tA

8. theater (scenic design)

Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design

9. film (filmmaking)

How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro

– equipment

Beginner Filmmaker Starter Kit for Canon EOS DSLR 5D Mark II III 6D 7D 7D II 70D 60D T6s T6i T5i T4i T3i SL1

(use cell phone camera)

10. fine arts (photography)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (Photoshop CC + Lightroom) Prepaid Membership 12 Month (Download)

Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio LMS103

The Photographer’s Playbook: 307 Assignments and Ideas

Digital Photography Complete Course by DK

Digital Photography Workbook For Dummies

(use cell phone camera)

11. applied arts (architecture)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Chief Architect Home Designer Essentials 2017

The LEGO Architect

LEGO Architecture White House (21006)

Archidoodle: The Architect’s Activity Book

– materials

     – eraser

          Paper Mate Pink Pearl Premium Erasers, Large, 3-Count

     – pencil sharpener

          Prismacolor Scholar Pencil Sharpener

     – graphite pencil

          Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium, Metal Tin, 12 Count (34214)

     – fine line pens

          Sakura 30062 6-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set, Black

     – paints

          Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I

     – brushes

          Loew-Cornell 245B Brush Set, Pack of 25, Multi Color

     – scale rule

          Timely Expanded House Plan Template (32T)

     – set square

          325mm Hypotenuse Metric Professional Geometry Set Square Drawing Drafting Triangle with Grip

     – circle template

          Westcott LetterCraft Large and Small Circles Template (T-831)

12. agronomy (agricultural science)

– producing plants

Giant Sunflower Kit – Hundreds of Jumbo Sun Flower Seeds for Planting – Yeilds Edible Seed

Tulip Bulbs – 12 Pink Impression Darwin Tulip – Bulb Size 11/12 cm – Fall Planting & Spring Blooms

Garlic Bulb (3 Pack), Fresh California Softneck Garlic Bulb For Planting and Growing Your Own Garlic

Grow 5 Herbs from Seed with Nature’s Blossom Plant Kit – All You Need to Have your own Organic Herb Garden at Home

– plant education

American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

13. earth science

Earth Science by Edward J. Tarbuck

14. space science

Space: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

The Astronomy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

15. politics (government)

The Politics Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science

The Everything American Government Book: From the Constitution to Present-Day Elections, All You Need to Understand Our Democratic System

16. history (natural)

Natural History (Smithsonian) by DK

The History Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

17. languages (foreign)

– french

Living Language French, Complete Edition: Beginner through advanced course, including 3 coursebooks, 9 audio CDs, and free online learning

My French Coach – Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

– spanish

Living Language Spanish, Complete Edition: Beginner through advanced course, including 3 coursebooks, 9 audio CDs, and free online learning

My Spanish Coach – Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

– japanese

Living Language Japanese, Complete Edition: Beginner through advanced course, including 3 coursebooks, 9 audio CDs, and free online learning

My Japanese Coach – Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

18. writing (non-fiction)

Four Seasons of Creative Writing: 1,000 Prompts to Stop Writer’s Block (Story Prompts for Journaling, Blogging and Beating Writer’s Block)

19. philosophy (history)

History of Philosophy: Overview of: Eastern Philosophy, Western Philosophy, and the Most Important Thinkers through the Ages (René Descartes, Kierkegaard, … Rousseau, Christian Philosophy Book 1)

A History of Philosophy Book Series (9 Books) by Frederick Copleston

The Philosophy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

20. mathematics

Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

5th grade

1. mental health

– activity therapy

The CBT Art Activity Book: 100 illustrated handouts for creative therapeutic work

– expressive therapy (self expression through creative expression)

The Expressive Arts Activity Book: A Resource for Professionals

– cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook For Dummies

– dialectical behavior therapy

DBT® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets

– meditation

guided meditations
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys/videos?view=0&flow=grid&sort=p

Buddha in Blue Jeans: An Extremely Short Simple Zen Guide to Sitting Quietly

2. self-defense

(I think this is best done in a class by an expert so I don’t have any resources for it)

3. time management

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

4. sports

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

5. leadership/management

How To Win Friends and Influence People

6. music (listening)

best of classical
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_50_Greatest_Pieces_of_Classical_Music

best of opera
http://www.ranker.com/list/best-opera-songs/bustermcdermott

best of electronic
http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-20-best-dance-music-tracks-in-history-6251507

best of folk music
http://www.npr.org/2009/06/19/105677068/folk-alleys-100-most-essential-folk-songs

best of pop
http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/2155531/the-hot-100-all-time-top-songs

best of blues
https://mygreatmusicdebate.com/my-top-100-blues-songs-of-all-time/

best of country
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/100-greatest-country-songs-of-all-time-20140601/1-johnny-cash-i-walk-the-line-1956-0196051

best of hip hop
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-50-greatest-hip-hop-songs-of-all-time-20121205/grandmaster-flash-and-the-furious-five-the-message-19691231

best of jazz
http://www.jazz24.org/jazz-100/

best of reggae
https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-Reggae.html

best of r&b
http://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-r-b-hip-hop-songs

best of rock
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407/bob-dylan-like-a-rolling-stone-20110516

best of alternative
https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-Alternative.html

best of metal
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/black-sabbath-paranoid-1970-w486954

best of punk
https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-punk.html

best of progressive
http://www.popmatters.com/feature/141547-best-25-rock-songs-of-all-time/P4/

best of psychedelic
http://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-psych.html

7. dance (history)

American Dance: The Complete Illustrated History

8. theater (history)

Living Theater: A History

9. film (animation)

HUE Animation Studio (Blue) for Windows PCs and Apple Mac OS X: complete stop motion animation kit with camera, software and book

11. fine arts (sculpture)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Sculpture: From Antiquity to the Present Day

– materials

     – clay

          Polyform Sculpey Original Polymer Clay, 1.75-Pound, White

     – pottery

          2013newestseller 10PCS Wooden Clay Sculpture knife Pottery Sharpen Modeling Tools Set

12. chemistry

Thames & Kosmos CHEM C3000 (V 2.0)

Chemistry For Dummies

Chemistry Workbook For Dummies

The Science Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

13. the law

Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About American Law

Law For Dummies

The Crime Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

14. geography

Geography Coloring Book

Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK

Geography of the World by DK Publishing

15. languages (greek and latin roots, stems, and prefixes)

Vocabulary Packets: Greek & Latin Roots: Ready-to-Go Learning Packets That Teach 40 Key Roots and Help Students Unlock the Meaning of Dozens and Dozens of Must-Know Vocabulary Words

16. writing (fiction)

Writing Fiction For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

4th grade

1. physical health

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Disease: The Story of Disease and Mankind’s Continuing Struggle Against It

2. inventing

My Crazy Inventions Sketchbook: 50 Awesome Drawing Activities for Young Inventors

3. sports

The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book: Fun & Easy-To-Use Games & Activities To Help You Teach Your Children Fitness, Movement & Sport Skills

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

4. woodwork

The Complete Manual of Woodworking: A Detailed Guide to Design, Techniques, and Tools for the Beginner and Expert

– materials

 200mm Silverline Woodwork Chisel Set

 carving wood

5. music (history)

Music by DK

6. dance (choreography)

So You Think You Can Dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Womens Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CkO4s1vj2Y

contemporary dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIV0TCgUeYE

jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfiNcwvt7PQ

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3y17D_K9Zw

folk dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYjYVQVf4UE

techno dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLRKdR4qLwQ

k pop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqZFU_dUr8

religious dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-HzEVk4pg4

7. theater (playwriting)

The Dramatic Writer’s Companion: Tools to Develop Characters, Cause Scenes, and Build Stories (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

8. fine arts (painting)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist

– materials

     – paint kit

          US Art Supply 21-Piece Acrylic Painting Table Easel Set with, 12-Tubes Acrylic Painting Colors, 11″x14″ Stretched Canvas, 6 Artist Brushes, Plastic Palette with 10 Wells

     – canvas

          Artlicious – Canvas Panels 12 Pack- 8″X10″ Super Value Pack Artist Canvas Panel Boards for Painting

9. applied arts (printmaking)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

The Printmaking Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques

– materials

     – woodcut

          StarSide 12pcs Sculpting Art Hand Woodcarving Tool Chisels Knife Kit For Basic Woodcut DIY Tools

     – wood panels

          12 Baltic Birch Plywood Woodcut Painting Encaustic Panels Wood 8″ X 6″

     – engraving and etching

           Royal Brush COPF17 Copper 8″X10″ Engraving Art Hummingbird

     – screenprinting

           Speedball Super Value Fabric Screen Printing Kit

10. biology

Biology for Dummies

Biology Workbook For Dummies

The Biology Coloring Book

The Science Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

11. economics

The Economics Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Economic Facts and Fallacies

12. languages (english)

http://time.com/100-best-young-adult-books/

Linguistics For Dummies

13. writing (journalism)

You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: The Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction–from Memoir to Literary Journalism and Everything in Between

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

3rd grade

1. mental health

– activity therapy

The Big Book of Therapeautic Activity Ideas for Children and Teens: Inspiring Arts-Based Activities and Character Education Curricula

The Big Book of EVEN MORE Therapeutic Activity Ideas for Children and Teens: Inspiring Arts-Based Activities and Character Education Curricula

– expressive therapy (self expression through creative expression)

Creative Family Therapy Techniques: Play, Art, and Expressive Activities to Engage Children in Family Sessions

– cognitive behavioral therapy

Think Good – Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People

– dialectical behavior therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Children & Adolescents

– meditation

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)

2. time management

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

3. sports

The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book: Fun & Easy-To-Use Games & Activities To Help You Teach Your Children Fitness, Movement & Sport Skills

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

4. music (theory)

Piano Cards: Beginner Level 1

Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians (Book & 2 CDs)

Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method)

5. dance (performance)

So You Think You Can Dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Girls’ Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

concert dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOg5Zf79dcs

latin/rhythm dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBrK9q6Nmu0

swing dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUS1QQhc324

traditional jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgErNADPalU

ballroom dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rmktHvvs0

freestyle dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxT7kK5Gygk

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5-BIeKri4

disco dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyquJMl3tA

6. theater (acting)

Reverse Charades

The Acting Bible: The Complete Resource for Aspiring Actors

7. fine arts (drawing)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

– materials

     – graphite pencils, charcoal, erasers, pencil sharpener, and sketchpad

          33-piece Professional Art Kit – Drawing and Sketch Kit with Pencils, Erasers, Kit Bag and Free Sketchpad – Art Supplies, Drawing Pencils, Graphite Pencils, Pencil Sharpener

     – pastels

          Mungyo Non Toxic Square Chalk, Soft Pastel, 64 Pack, Assorted Colors (B441R078-7003A)

     – markers

          Magicdo 24Cols Watercolor Pen, Stamp Marker pen, Watercolor Marker pen with Art Seal, Non-Toxic& Washable Markers for Kids and Adults Coloring Book, Doodling, Drawing

     – pen

          Sakura 30062 6-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set, Black

  – sketch book

     Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad, 5.5″X8.5″ Side Wire

8. applied arts (mixed media)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques

– materials

     – eyedropper

          1oz Amber Glass Bottles for Essential Oils with Glass Eye Dropper

     – newspapers or plastic work surface

     – paints

          Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I

     – paintbrushes

          Loew-Cornell 245B Brush Set, Pack of 25, Multi Color

     – palette knife

          Uxcell 5-Piece Painting Knife Set

     – stamps

          Melissa & Doug Stamp-a-Scene-Fairy Garden

      – stencils

          24 Creative Plastic Stencils from Highlights

     – paper towels

     – sandpaper

     – scissors

     – spray bottle

9. agronomy (agricultural science)

– producing plants

Giant Sunflower Kit – Hundreds of Jumbo Sun Flower Seeds for Planting – Yeilds Edible Seed

Tulip Bulbs – 12 Pink Impression Darwin Tulip – Bulb Size 11/12 cm – Fall Planting & Spring Blooms

Garlic Bulb (3 Pack), Fresh California Softneck Garlic Bulb For Planting and Growing Your Own Garlic

Grow 5 Herbs from Seed with Nature’s Blossom Plant Kit – All You Need to Have your own Organic Herb Garden at Home

– plant education

American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

10. geography

Geography Coloring Book

Brainbox All Around The World

National Geographic Kids World Atlas

11. languages (linguistics)

Linguistics For Dummies

12. writing (non-fiction)

Four Seasons of Creative Writing: 1,000 Prompts to Stop Writer’s Block (Story Prompts for Journaling, Blogging and Beating Writer’s Block)

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

2nd grade

1. physical health

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Disease: The Story of Disease and Mankind’s Continuing Struggle Against It

2. self-defense

(I think this is best done in a class by an expert so I don’t have any resources for it)

3. inventing

My Crazy Inventions Sketchbook: 50 Awesome Drawing Activities for Young Inventors

4. sports

The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book: Fun & Easy-To-Use Games & Activities To Help You Teach Your Children Fitness, Movement & Sport Skills

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

5. music (composing)

Finale 2014 Music Notation Software – Academic Edition

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Composition (Idiot’s Guides)

6. dance (history)

American Dance: The Complete Illustrated History

7. fine arts (photography)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (Photoshop CC + Lightroom) Prepaid Membership 12 Month (Download)

Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio LMS103

The Photographer’s Playbook: 307 Assignments and Ideas

Digital Photography Complete Course by DK

Digital Photograpy Workbook For Dummies

(use camera on phone)

8. applied arts (architecture)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Chief Architect Home Designer Essentials 2017

The LEGO Architect

LEGO Architecture New York City 21028

Archidoodle: The Architect’s Activity Book

– materials

    – eraser

          Paper Mate Pink Pearl Premium Erasers, Large, 3-Count

     – pencil sharpener

          Prismacolor Scholar Pencil Sharpener

     – graphite pencil

          Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils, Medium, Metal Tin, 12 Count (34214)

     – fine line pens

          Sakura 30062 6-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set, Black

     – paints

          Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I

     – brushes

          Loew-Cornell 245B Brush Set, Pack of 25, Multi Color

     – scale rule

          Timely Expanded House Plan Template (32T)

     – set square

          325mm Hypotenuse Metric Professional Geometry Set Square Drawing Drafting Triangle with Grip

     – circle template

          Westcott LetterCraft Large and Small Circles Template (T-831)

9. mathematics

Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies

Brain Quest Workbook, Grade 2

10. languages (foreign)

– french

Living Language French, Complete Edition: Beginner through advanced course, including 3 coursebooks, 9 audio CDs, and free online learning 

My French Coach – Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

– spanish

Living Language Spanish, Complete Edition: Beginner through advanced course, including 3 coursebooks, 9 audio CDs, and free online learning 

My Spanish Coach – Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

11. writing (fiction)

Writing Fiction For Dummies

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

1st Grade

1. manners

365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children and Teens Learn Etiquette

2. gun safety

Don’t Play With Guns Coloring & Activity Book

3. hygiene

Germs Are Not for Sharing (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)

4. mental health

– activity therapy

The Big Book of Therapeautic Activity Ideas for Children and Teens: Inspiring Arts-Based Activities and Character Education Curricula

The Big Book of EVEN MORE Therapeutic Activity Ideas for Children and Teens: Inspiring Arts-Based Activities and Character Education Curricula

– expressive therapy (self expression through creative expression)

Creative Family Therapy Techniques: Play, Art, and Expressive Activities to Engage Children in Family Sessions

– cognitive behavioral therapy

Think Good – Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People

– dialectical behavior therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Children & Adolescents

– meditation

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)

5. sports

The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book: Fun & Easy-To-Use Games & Activities To Help You Teach Your Children Fitness, Movement & Sport Skills

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

6. leadership/management

How To Win Friends and Influence People

7. music (recording)

– audio recording software

Propellerhead Reason 7 (Music Recording & Production Studio)

– percussion

Mendini by Cecilio 13 Inch 3-Piece Kids / Junior Drum Set with Adjustable Throne, Cymbal, Pedal & Drumsticks, Metallic Blue, MJDS-1-BL

– wind instruments

Set of 3 Music 1. Clarinet 2. Saxophone 3. Trumpet, Combo with over 10 Color Coded Teaching Songs

– stringed instruments

New 30″ Kids Black Electric Guitar With Amp & Much More Guitar Combo Accessory Kit

– electronic instruments

RockJam 561 Electronic 61 Key Digital Piano Keyboard SuperKit with Stand, Stool, Headphones, & Includes Piano Maestro Teaching App with 30 Songs

– cable

USB Guitar Cable VAlinks USB Interface Male to 6.35mm 1/4″ Mono Male Electric Guitar Cable Studio Audio Cable Connector Cords Adapter for Instruments Recording Singing- 3m/10ft

Hosa MID-320BK 5-Pin DIN to 5-Pin DIN MIDI Cable, 20 feet

– microphone

Floureon BM-800 Condenser Sound Studio Recording Broadcasting Microphone + Shock Mount Holder Blue

– headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones

8. dance (choreography)

So You Think You Can Dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

– clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Girls’ Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CkO4s1vj2Y

contemporary dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIV0TCgUeYE

jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfiNcwvt7PQ

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3y17D_K9Zw

folk dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYjYVQVf4UE

techno dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLRKdR4qLwQ

k pop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqZFU_dUr8

religious dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-HzEVk4pg4

9. theater (scenic design)

Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design

10. film (filmmaking)

How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro

– equipment

Beginner Filmmaker Starter Kit for Canon EOS DSLR 5D Mark II III 6D 7D 7D II 70D 60D T6s T6i T5i T4i T3i SL1

(use cell phone camera)

11. fine arts (sculpture)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Sculpture: From Antiquity to the Present Day

– materials

     – clay

          Polyform Sculpey Original Polymer Clay, 1.75-Pound, White

     – pottery

          2013newestseller 10PCS Wooden Clay Sculpture knife Pottery Sharpen Modeling Tools Set

12. earth science

Janice VanCleave’s Earth Science for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work

How the World Works: A Hands-On Guide to Our Amazing Planet

13. space science

The Magic School Bus: The Secrets of Space

Space! by DK

The Astronomy Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

14. languages (greek and latin roots, stems, and prefixes)

Vocabulary Packets: Greek & Latin Roots: Ready-to-Go Learning Packets That Teach 40 Key Roots and Help Students Unlock the Meaning of Dozens and Dozens of Must-Know Vocabulary Words

15. writing (journalism)

You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: The Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction–from Memoir to Literary Journalism and Everything in Between

LeapFrog LeapReader Reading and Writing System

This list is what I would imagine my dream curriculum would have been for myself when I was growing up. If I’d gotten to choose my education, I would like to have drawn from these subjects and resources.

Kindergarten

1. inventing

My Crazy Inventions Sketchbook: 50 Awesome Drawing Activities for Young Inventors

2. sports

The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book: Fun & Easy-To-Use Games & Activities To Help You Teach Your Children Fitness, Movement & Sport Skills

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports

3. music (playing)

     – percussion

          VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set

     – wind instruments

          Set of 3 Music 1. Clarinet 2. Saxophone 3. Trumpet, Combo with over 10 Color Coded Teaching Songs

     – stringed instruments

          New 30″ Kids Black Electric Guitar With Amp & Much More Guitar Combo Accessory Kit

     – electronic instruments

          RockJam 561 Electronic 61 Key Digital Piano Keyboard SuperKit with Stand, Stool, Headphones, & Includes Piano Maestro Teaching App with 30 Songs

4. dance (performance)

So You Think You Can Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DctLJHiJgOI

     – clothing

Capezio Girls’ Boy Cut Low Rise Short

Danskin Girls Student Footed Tight

Capezio Girls’ Classic Short Sleeve Leotard

concert dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOg5Zf79dcs

latin/rhythm dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBrK9q6Nmu0

swing dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUS1QQhc324

traditional jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgErNADPalU

ballroom jazz dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rmktHvvs0

freestyle dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxT7kK5Gygk

hip hop dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5-BIeKri4

disco dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyquJMl3tA

5. puppetry

ALEX Toys Little Hands Paper Bag Puppets

6. film (animation)

HUE Animation Studio (Blue) for Windows PCs and Apple Mac OS X: complete stop motion animation kit with camera, software and book

7. fine arts (painting)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist

– materials

    – paint kit

          US Art Supply 21-Piece Acrylic Painting Table Easel Set with, 12-Tubes Acrylic Painting Colors, 11″x14″ Stretched Canvas, 6 Artist Brushes, Plastic Palette with 10 Wells

      – canvas

           Artlicious – CANVAS PANELS 12 PACK – 8″X10″ SUPER VALUE PACK Artist Canvas Panel Boards for Painting

8. applied arts (printmaking)

The Art Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary

The Printmaking Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques

– materials

    – woodcarving tool chisels

          StarSide 12pcs Sculpting Art Hand Woodcarving Tool Chisels Knife Kit For Basic Woodcut DIY Tools

  – woodcut

          12 Baltic Birch Plywood Woodcut Painting Encaustic Panels Wood 8″ X 6″

     – engraving

          Royal Brush COPF17 Copper 8″X10″ Engraving Art Hummingbird

     – screenprinting

          Speedball Super Value Fabric Screen Printing Kit

9. agronomy (agricultural science)

– producing plants

Giant Sunflower Kit – Hundreds of Jumbo Sun Flower Seeds for Planting – Yeilds Edible Seed

Tulip bulbs – 12 Pink Impression Darwin Tulip – Bulb Size 11/12 cm – Fall planting & spring blooms

Garlic bulb (3 Pack), Fresh California Softneck Garlic Bulb for Planting and Growing Your Own Garlic

Grow 5 Herbs from Seed with Nature’s Blossom Plant Kit – All You Need to Have your own Organic Herb Garden at Home

– plant education

American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

10. chemistry

The Magic School Bus – Chemistry Lab

Chemistry For Dummies

Chemistry Workbook For Dummies

11. languages (english)

http://time.com/100-best-childrens-books/

Linguistics For Dummies

12. writing (non-fiction)

Four Seasons of Creative Writing: 1,000 Prompts to Stop Writer’s Block (Story Prompts for Journaling, Blogging and Beating Writer’s Block)

LeapFrog LeapReader Reading and Writing System

These are my ideas for a new type of school curriculum. This is just an overview and the subjects, of course, would need to be taught in an age appropriate way, which I haven’t done here. Ideally, the student would pick from each subject what interested them.

These are my ideas for a new type of school curriculum. This is just an overview and the subjects, of course, would need to be taught in an age appropriate way, which I haven’t done here. Ideally, the student would pick from each subject what interested them.

These are my ideas for a new type of school curriculum. This is just an overview and the subjects, of course, would need to be taught in an age appropriate way, which I haven’t done here. Ideally, the student would pick from each subject what interested them.