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Writer's pictureHannah Ward, M.Ed.
Oct 2915 min read

Free Magic Tree House Family Read Aloud Guide for Homeschooling

Updated: Dec 17

Sherlock Homeschooling Unit Study: Homeschooling with Magic Treehouse


The Magic Treehouse series is a powerful tool for building background knowledge, one of the two essential building blocks of literacy. In our country, there is a significant gap in this knowledge, which is vital for understanding and making sense of the world. According to Knowledge Matters, an organization that advocates for a curriculum rich in content, building knowledge across subjects like history, science, and the arts is just as important for literacy as learning to decode words.


Much of the current conversation around the illiteracy crisis focuses on the importance of phonics, which is absolutely valid. Readers need phonics to decode a wide variety of texts and recognize new words. However, a crucial aspect that's often overlooked is the knowledge gap.


Consider this: anyone with phonics knowledge can read these lines from Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll:

"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe."


While someone can decode the words, they may not understand the meaning because of the lack of context or background knowledge. The same challenge happens when reading a sentence filled with specialized jargon, such as:

"When the curators prepared the sarcophagus of the pharaoh found in the tomb, they treated the treasure with extreme care, preserving the ancient relics for future exhibitions."


Without the necessary background knowledge in Egyptology, a reader might struggle to grasp the full meaning. This is where Magic Treehouse excels.


In each adventure, Jack and Annie, the brother and sister duo, explore various historical periods, countries, and important events. Children learn about ancient Egypt, the Wild West, medieval times, and many more fascinating topics while building knowledge that will help them better understand future texts.


For this unit study, I have paired each Magic Treehouse book with two additional picture books to deepen learning. These read-alouds reinforce the key concepts and vocabulary from the main story, introducing kids to intertextual analysis—a crucial skill for reading comprehension. Additionally, each unit includes one focus area for discussion and a project-based learning recommendation that encourages hands-on exploration of the topic.

This study can be enjoyed by the whole family, making learning fun and meaningful. All Sherlock Homeschooling resources are free online, and if you'd like to support this work, you can download a printable PDF version at the provided link.

 

Book Pairing 2: How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague vocabulary list: carnivore, omnivore, herbivore

creative writing prompt: When I turned around, there stood a dinosaur, towering over me with a curious gleam in its eye, as if it wanted to be friends!

project: Design a dinosaur. Describe how large it is. What is its habitat? Is it a carnivore, an omnivore, or an herbivore? What do its eggs look like? Draw a picture of your dinosaur and write information about it.

 

Book Pairing 1: A Medieval Feast by Aliki

vocabulary list: castle, armor, knight

creative writing prompt: As I stepped into the grand hall of the medieval castle, the echo of my footsteps mingled with the whispers of knights and the scent of old stone and flickering torches.

project: Make a menu for a medieval feast that is impressive enough to delight a very picky king. Make sure there are many exciting courses for the castle’s guests to enjoy.



vocabulary list: pharaoh, sarcophagus, hieroglyphics

creative writing prompt: As the sun set over the Nile, I marveled at the towering pyramids, feeling the weight of history in the warm desert air.

project: Plan a vacation to Egypt. What would you like to see? Where would you stay? What would you eat? What kind of clothing would you pack? Who is coming with you?

 

Book Pairing 1: Seashore by Lucy Bowman

vocabulary list: pirate, treasure, compass

creative writing prompt: I brushed away the sand, and there it was, a chest overflowing with glittering jewels and gold coins, just waiting to be claimed!

project: Research a famous pirate. What was their name? What made them famous? Where did they live? What other interesting facts did you learn about them?


vocabulary list: ninja, stealth, senses

creative writing prompt: In the quiet of the moonlit forest, I crouched beside my sensei, learning the silent, graceful moves of the ancient ninja.

project: Imagine that you are visiting Japan. Make a book showing what you would encounter with your five senses. What would you see, hear, smell, taste, smell, and feel?

 

vocabulary list: rainforest, river, creature

creative writing prompt: Surrounded by towering trees and the calls of hidden creatures, I felt the heartbeat of the Amazon rainforest, alive with secrets in every shadow.

project: Research the layers of the rainforest. What plants and animals live in each layer? Draw or build a rainforest model showing what you learned.

 

vocabulary list: sabretooth, prehistoric, mammoth

creative writing prompt: As the icy wind swept across the frozen land, I watched mammoths roam in the distance, their massive forms blending into the snowy landscape.

project: Research a prehistoric animal from the ice age that is now extinct. Draw and describe the animal. What was the animal’s diet? What was the animal’s habitat? How large was the animal? Is there anything else interesting you learned about the animal?

 

vocabulary list: moon, astronaut, gravity

creative writing prompt: Through the window of the lunar space station, I gazed out at the silent, endless expanse of stars over the Moon’s rocky, cratered surface.

project: Design your own space station. Be sure to plan how people will survive there. What will they eat, drink, and breathe? What work will be done on your space station? What are you naming your space station?

 

vocabulary list: dolphin, submarine, octopus

creative writing prompt: Diving below the surface, I was surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, where fish of every color darted among the swaying sea anemones.

project: Design a submarine. Draw your submarine and describe how it works. Where would you like to travel in your submarine?

 

vocabulary list: rattlesnake, cowboy, colt

creative writing prompt: Dust swirled around me as I wandered through the silent ghost town, the echoes of old cowboy boots still lingering on the wooden planks.

project: Research cowboys. What did cowboys do for work? How did they get around? Where did they live? What did they wear? What did they eat? What other interesting facts about cowboys did you learn?

 

vocabulary list: warrior, plain, wildebeest

creative writing prompt: In the golden glow of the savannah sunset, I watched a pride of lions lounging under the shade of an acacia tree, their majestic manes flowing like golden grass in the wind.

project: Choose an African animal to research and draw. What does the animal look like? What is their habitat? What is their diet? Is there anything interesting that you learned about this animal’s behavior?

 

vocabulary list: icicle, frozen, dogsled

creative writing prompt: Amidst the shimmering icebergs, I spotted a polar bear gracefully gliding across the frozen landscape, its white fur glowing in the soft Arctic light.

project: Research how an igloo is made. What are igloos used for? How do they stay warm? What materials are igloos made from. Draw or make a model igloo.

 

vocabulary list: volcano, eruption, destroyed

creative writing prompt: As I stood at the edge of the smoldering volcano, the ground rumbled beneath me, and clouds of steam billowed into the sky, reminding me of the powerful forces of nature at work.

project: Research to find out what volcano is closest to where you live. Is the volcano active or dormant? When did the volcano last erupt?

 

vocabulary list: ancient, emperor, soldier

creative writing prompt: Walking along the Great Wall of China, I felt the weight of history in every stone, imagining the whispers of ancient warriors who once stood watch over the land.

project: Research and observe dragons in Chinese art. Use the inspiration to design your own Chinese style dragon. You can draw, paint, or model the dragon with paper or clay.

 

vocabulary list: cliff, invasion, monk

creative writing prompt: With the roar of longships slicing through the waves, I braced myself as the Vikings surged onto the shore, their battle cries echoing across the misty fjord.

project: Design a Viking shield. Viking shields were often round. You can make your shield out of cardboard and draw a unique design on it.

 

vocabulary list: tunic, theater, game

creative writing prompt: As the sun rose over ancient Olympia, the air buzzed with excitement as athletes prepared to compete for glory in the Olympic Games.

project: Research the modern-day Olympics. How have the Olympics changed over time? How have the Olympics stayed the same through time? If you were in the Olympics which sport would you want to compete in?

 

vocabulary list: ship, disaster, deck

creative writing prompt: Standing on the deck of the Titanic as it sailed into the sunset, I felt the thrill of adventure, unaware that this journey would become a legend of tragedy and courage.

project: Research what the world’s largest ship is today. How much larger is it than the Titanic? What is the ship used for? Would you want to take a trip on that ship?

 

vocabulary list: buffalo, hunt, stampede

creative writing prompt: As the wild buffalo thundered across the open plains, clouds of dust swirled around them, and I could feel the ground shake beneath my feet, alive with their powerful presence.

project: Research what native lands you live on. Who are the indigenous people who first lived on the land you lived on? You can use native-land.ca to find this information.

 

Book Pairing 2: Tigers by James Maclaine

vocabulary list: fierce, rare, poacher

creative writing prompt: In the heart of the lush jungle, the air was thick with the scent of earth and leaves as I caught a glimpse of a tiger's vibrant orange coat, blending seamlessly with the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

project: Research a holiday that is celebrated in India. When is the holiday celebrated? What is the holiday called? What is the meaning behind this holiday? How do people celebrate this holiday?

 

Book Pairing 1: Possum Magic by Mem Fox

Book Pairing 2: Koala Lou by Mem Fox

vocabulary list: wildfire, outback, kangaroo

creative writing prompt: As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, I marveled at the vast Australian outback, where kangaroos bounded across the red earth under a blanket of twinkling stars.

project: Select an Australian animal to research. What is the animal’s diet? What is the animal’s habitat? What are some interesting facts you learned about the animal?

 

vocabulary list: cannon, nurse, wounded

creative writing prompt: Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, I rushed to help the Civil War nurse bandaging wounded soldiers, her calm determination inspiring me to do my part in this desperate time of need.

project: Research American Civil War camps. Where did the soldiers sleep? What did the soldier eat? What did the soldiers do during their free time? Is there anything interesting that you learned about these camps?

 

vocabulary list: revolution, colonial, general

creative writing prompt: Sitting across from George Washington in his dimly lit tent, I listened intently as he spoke about the challenges ahead, his steady resolve filling me with hope as he shared his vision for a free nation.

project: Research the life of George Washington? Where was he born? What was he most well known for? What are interesting facts that you learned about George Washington?

 

vocabulary list: prairie, tornado, schoolhouse

creative writing prompt: As the sky darkened and the wind howled, I stood in awe at the edge of the field, watching a massive tornado twist and dance, a powerful force of nature swirling toward us.

project: Research tornado safety. How can people know that a tornado is coming? Where should people go during a tornado? Are there any other facts that you learned about staying safe in a tornado?

 

vocabulary list: theater, stage, actor

creative writing prompt: Sitting among the eager crowd at the Globe Theatre, I leaned forward in excitement as the actors brought Shakespeare's words to life, their performances igniting the air with laughter and drama under the warm glow of the afternoon sun.

project: Research some words that were first written by William Shakespeare. Are there any words that were first written by Shakespeare that you’ve heard before? Which word was your favorite?

 

vocabulary list: gorilla, mountain, gentle

creative writing prompt: As I quietly observed the gorillas in their lush habitat, I was captivated by their gentle interactions and powerful presence, feeling a deep connection to these magnificent creatures.

project: Research gorillas. What do gorillas eat? Where do gorillas sleep? What did you learn about gorilla families? Did you learn any other interesting facts about gorillas?

 

Book Pairing 2: Corn by Gail Gibbons

vocabulary list: thankful, Pilgrim, clamming

creative writing prompt: As I sat among the Pilgrims and Native Americans, the aroma of roasted turkey filled the air, and I felt a sense of gratitude and unity during this first Thanksgiving feast.

project: Ask your family members what they are thankful for. Write what they are thankful for down in a small hand-made book or poster. Consider illustrating what you’ve written.

 

vocabulary list: surf, island, tide

creative writing prompt: Riding the waves in Hawaii, I felt the exhilaration of the ocean beneath my board, the sun warming my back as I danced on the water, surrounded by the beauty of the island.

project: Research different types of surf boards. What are surf boards made with? How has the design of surf boards changed over time? How are differently shaped surf boards used differently?


vocabulary list: earthquake, harbor, cobblestone

creative writing prompt: As the ground shook beneath my feet and the world around me trembled, I braced myself, feeling both fear and awe at the sheer power of nature unleashed in an earthquake.

project: Research earthquake safety. What do you do if there was an earthquake? Where should you go if there is an earthquake? What other interesting facts did you learn about earthquake safety? 

 

vocabulary list: baseball, inning, cap

creative writing prompt: As I cheered from the bleachers, I watched Jackie Robinson connect with the pitch, sending the ball soaring over the outfield fence for a home run, igniting the crowd in a frenzy of excitement and pride.

project: Look up the chorus for the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. Write and illustrate the lyrics. Learn to sing the song. What baseball vocabulary did you find in the song?

 

vocabulary list: hurricane, seawater, flood

creative writing prompt: In the aftermath of the hurricane, I joined the community in clearing debris and rebuilding homes, feeling a sense of hope and resilience as we worked together to restore what had been lost.

project: Research hurricane safety. What do you do if there was a hurricane? Where should you go if there is a hurricane? What other interesting facts did you learn about hurricane safety? 

 

Book Pairing 1: Romans by Katie Daynes

vocabulary list: centurion, legion, armory 

creative writing prompt: As the snow blanketed the ground, I marveled at the sight of Roman warriors clad in armor, their breath visible in the frosty air as they prepared for battle, their determination unyielding against the winter chill.

project: Design some Roman armor, a sword, or a shield. You can use cardboard to make it. What did you use to inspire your design?

 

vocabulary list: newspaper, delegate, invention

creative writing prompt: Standing in the bustling streets of Philadelphia, I felt a thrill as I approached Benjamin Franklin.

project: Research the inventions of Benjamin Franklin. Which invention was the most interesting? Which invention was the most surprising? Do you use any of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions?

 

vocabulary list: narwhal, spear, village

creative writing prompt: As I peered into the icy waters, I was enchanted to see a narwhal glide gracefully beneath the surface.

project: Research an arctic animal. What is the animal’s habitat? What is the animal’s diet? What interesting facts did you learn about the animal’s behavior?

 

Book Pairing 2: Llamas by Maya Myers

vocabulary list: llama, altitude, spring

creative writing prompt: As I trekked through the stunning Andes Mountains, I smiled at a herd of llamas grazing peacefully, their woolly coats contrasting beautifully with the vibrant greens and rocky peaks surrounding them.

project: Research domesticated llamas. Why do people keep llamas on farms? What do llamas need to be happy? What are llamas’ jobs on a farm? What other interesting facts did you learn about llamas?

 

vocabulary list: traveler, wilderness, sketchbook

creative writing prompt: Under a canopy of stars, I sat by the crackling campfire in Yosemite Park, surrounded by towering granite cliffs and the soothing sounds of nature, feeling a sense of peace and adventure all at once.

project: Research a National Park. What is the name of the National Park? Where is the National Park located? When was the National Park founded? What is the National Park famous for? Are there any other interesting facts you learned about the National Park?

 

vocabulary list: leopard, crevice, survival

creative writing prompt: As I trekked through the rugged terrain of Nepal, my heart raced when I caught a glimpse of a snow leopard, its spotted coat blending seamlessly with the rocky mountainside.

project: Research snow leopards. What is the snow leopard’s habitat? What is the snow leopard’s diet? What interesting facts did you learn about the snow leopard’s behavior?

 

vocabulary list: savanna, helicopter, ranger

creative writing prompt: As I explored the vast savanna, I was thrilled to see a pair of majestic rhinos grazing peacefully, their thick skin glistening in the sunlight as they moved with quiet strength through the golden grass.

project: Research an endangered animal. What is the endangered animal’s habitat? What is the endangered animal’s diet? What interesting facts did you learn about the endangered animal’s behavior?

 

vocabulary list: expert, tortoise, cargo

creative writing prompt: Exploring the Galápagos Islands, I marveled at the unique wildlife around me, from playful sea lions basking on the rocks to giant tortoises slowly wandering through the lush greenery.

project: Plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands. If you traveled there, what would you most like to see? What animals would you be interested in seeing? What would you need to pack for your trip? How would you get to the Galapagos Islands?

 

vocabulary list: extinction, wild, herd

creative writing prompt: As I rode through the vast steppes of Mongolia, I was captivated by a herd of wild horses galloping freely against the backdrop of rolling hills, their manes flowing like the wind.

project: Choose a type of horse to research. What is the horse’s habitat? What is the endangered horse’s diet? What interesting facts did you learn about the horse’s behavior?


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