Across America

Name: Across America
Brand: Hewitt Learning

by Hewitt Learning

Multi_subjectGrades 1–4

About This Curriculum

A unit study curriculum that integrates multiple subject areas around studies of the United States, featuring 38 units where students travel from state to state learning about early American history and geography.

What makes it unique: Comprehensive integration of all subject areas (math, language arts, Bible/character, social studies, science, art, music, health, and thinking skills) around state-based units while maintaining structured daily lesson plans.

Across America: State-by-State Unit Study with Multi-Subject Integration

Across America is a unit study curriculum that integrates multiple subjects around learning about U.S. states for grades 1-4. The program includes 38 units that combine math, language arts, social studies, science, art, music, and character studies while 'traveling' from state to state through American history and geography.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking a structured unit study approach for grades 1-4 who want integrated learning around American history and geography themes, particularly those who prefer daily lesson plans but want variety beyond traditional textbooks.

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides structured daily lesson plans with detailed teacher guidance. The format supports systematic instruction while maintaining flexibility for unit study approaches.

Includes 'detailed daily lesson plans' in the Teacher's Manual and is described as 'a structured program that lets them know what to do each day'

Knowledge CoherenceStrength

The curriculum builds coherent knowledge through its systematic state-by-state progression and historical focus. The thematic approach creates connections between geography, history, and cultural studies.

The 38 units follow a clear progression as students 'travel from state to state learning about early American history and geography' with themes drawn from each state's study

Cross Curricular IntegrationStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong integration by organizing all subjects around the study of U.S. states and American history. Unlike many unit studies, it successfully includes math and language arts alongside traditional unit study subjects.

Review notes that 'it integrates all of the subject areas around studies of the states' and 'Math and language arts (including reading) are covered, unlike most other unit studies'

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides substantial teacher support through detailed manuals and lesson plans. However, given the breadth of subjects covered, teachers may need additional background knowledge support.

Includes 'a three-ring binder Teacher's Manual that explains the program, describes the scope and sequence for each subject, then provides detailed daily lesson plans'

Individual Subject RigorNeutral

The curriculum addresses multiple subject areas but may sacrifice depth for breadth. Grade-level supplements suggest recognition of the need for more rigorous content at different levels.

Covers 'Math and language arts (including reading)...Social studies, science, art, Bible/character, music, health, and studying and thinking skills' but requires grade-specific supplements to provide 'age-appropriate challenges'

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Evidence of retrieval practice and systematic review is limited in the available information. The multi-sensory activities suggest variety but not necessarily cumulative review.

Mentions 'songs, games, crafts, hands-on learning' and various activities but no specific mention of review or retrieval practice components

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com