Moving Beyond the Page is a secular, comprehensive homeschool curriculum designed for gifted and advanced learners, featuring literature-based, hands-on learning across language arts, science, and social studies.
What is Moving Beyond the Page?
Founded in 2005 by Keith and Kim Howe, Moving Beyond the Page (MBTP) delivers comprehensive education through quality literature and hands-on activities. The curriculum was specifically designed for gifted and advanced learners, though it adapts well for motivated students at any level. Grounded in Constructivist Learning Theory, MBTP views learning as an active process where students construct understanding rather than passively receiving information. The program incorporates elements from Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and classical education, creating a conceptual, holistic approach that starts with big-picture ideas before diving into specific skills.
Key Takeaways
- Designed specifically for gifted learners but adaptable for motivated students
- Secular curriculum—no religious content
- Covers ages 4-5 through high school with literature-integrated units
- Full-year packages run $475-$1,100+, including all materials
- Organized by age ranges (e.g., '7-9') rather than grade levels
Subjects and Structure
MBTP covers Language Arts (reading, writing, literary analysis), Science (hands-on experiments), and Social Studies (history and geography integrated with literature). Each year includes 6 science units, 6 social studies units, and 12 language arts units. Math is offered separately at each level, and reading/phonics instruction comes through partnership with the ABeCeDarian Reading Program. The curriculum organizes by age ranges rather than rigid grade levels—ages 4-5, 5-7, 6-8, 7-9, 8-10, 9-11, 10-12, 12-14, and high school—allowing families to place students where their abilities actually are.
What Sets It Apart
Literature-rich foundation: Classic and contemporary fiction, poetry, folktales, biographies, and science fiction drive learning across subjects. Hands-on and interactive: Heavy use of manipulatives, games, and tangible materials rather than worksheets. Interdisciplinary integration: Reading World War II novels while studying WWII history creates natural connections. Culminating projects: Each 3-week unit ends with a project or paper synthesizing learning. All-inclusive packages: Full-year purchases include every book, workbook, and material needed—no supplementary shopping required. Conceptual approach: Assumes gifted students discover much independently, focusing on deep understanding over explicit instruction.
Considerations and Limitations
Full-year packages run $475-$1,100+, representing significant investment. Language arts gaps exist at lower levels—formal grammar instruction is limited and cursive isn't taught. Math requires supplementation at some levels without traditional drill and review. The fast pace and conceptual approach assumes strong independent thinking; students needing explicit instruction or extensive review may struggle. The curriculum works best for creative, independent, gifted learners in families wanting secular materials with relaxed structure. Individual units ($20-$50) let families try before committing to full packages.
The Bottom Line
Moving Beyond the Page delivers on its promise of literature-rich, engaging education for advanced learners. The interdisciplinary approach and hands-on activities create genuine intellectual engagement rather than worksheet completion. However, it's not universal—students needing explicit instruction, extensive practice, or structured skill-building may need supplementation. The price point is significant but includes all materials. Request the free 240+ page sample to evaluate fit before purchasing full packages.
