Why We Created These Handbooks for You We know the Handbook sets the tone for your entire homeschool year, and we wanted it to be simple, practical, and encouraging—not overwhelming, boring, or confusing. That's why we designed these guides to get you up and running quickly, empowering both you and your student to enjoy a year of independent, joyful learning. Why Keep It Simple? Because homeschooling is hard enough without a 300-page manual weighing you down! Each Timberdoodle Curriculum Kit comes with a softcover, easy-to-handle Handbook (8.5" x 8.5") packed with exactly what you need: Short bios of each component Access to our Online Scheduler A flexible reading challenge Helpful tips and tricks Handbook length varies a little by grade. (For example, 1st grade includes 36 weeks of fun Plus-Plus model ideas, while 9th grade skips that and keeps it sleeker.) Your Secret Weapon: The Online Scheduler With your Handbook comes access to our Timberdoodle Online Scheduler, giving you total control over your homeschool calendar. You can: Adjust your start date Plan vacation weeks Add custom courses Print a schedule that fits your life (not the other way around) We also print a sample weekly schedule right inside your Handbook to get you rolling. You'll find weekly and daily checklist options in the Online Scheduler, but we usually recommend weekly—it gives you structure and the flexibility to work homeschooling around real life. The Reading Challenge: Structure Without the Stress Each Handbook includes a Reading Challenge tailored to your child's grade level. You choose the pace: Light Reader Interested Reader Enthralled Reader We suggest themes and book ideas, but you pick the books. There are no rigid reading lists or guilt trips—just tools to help your child fall in love with reading. Bonus: Program-Specific Manuals Don't worry—your curriculum kit also includes all the necessary teacher manuals and program-specific resources. Think of the Handbook as your friendly GPS: a big-picture guide to help you plan, customize, and make the most of everything in your kit. Purchasing a Handbook Separately? If you're buying a Handbook on its own (by popular request!), here's what to know: Each Handbook purchase includes access to the Online Scheduler Due to their proprietary nature, Handbooks are non-returnable This handbook is designed to accompany the specific items in the corresponding grade curriculum, and is not a guide to homeschooling itself. So it will only be beneficial if you have (or plan to get) a good portion of the items from your desired grade._x000D_ Have questions before you order? Reach out—we'd love to help! *Handbooks come free with pre-built Curriculum Kits or Custom Curriculum Kits.
