Curriculum

Nota Bene:   It has been a pain-staking effort to find curricula that believers in Sovereign Grace can be comfortable using.  I am sad to say that there is virtually nothing out there that completely meets our needs.  I do believe, however, that most curricula in the hands of a Sovereign Grace teacher can be made acceptable.  Please keep this in mind as you consider the following curricula and texts.  Whenever a false doctrine or heretical persuasion appears in the texts, make note of it in your teaching to reflect the doctrines of grace.  Use this opportunity to teach your children that heresy abounds, and these doctrines are not what the children of God believe. 

The following selection, in our opinion, best teaches the academics and skills needed by our children.  The list is by no means complete and will be added to as time permits and suitable selections are found. 

Resources/Websites for the following are found on the Website page.

The following is a list of recommended curricula:

             The Noah Plan - teaches the Providence of God in history; use it with the doctrines of grace in mind.  This is our favorite curriculum because it is so biblically-based.  It can be hard to use because it requires much teacher research, but does provide a guide for teaching each subject on a weekly basis and for the entire year.  It includes all subjects.  It is rather expensive. 

             Mott Media Classic Curriculum - This is very good and uses  the McGuffey Readers.

               Covenant Home  - This uses the Classical approach.  Its philosophy is sound, but it is rather expensive.                                  

                 Christian Liberty - They are pioneers in home schooling and is inexpensive compared to so many others.   Some home school parents have felt that  the teacher guides do not provide adequate guidance, especially for beginning home school parents.  It has nice workbooks for the students and does require some caution  in teaching doctrine.

                  ABEKA - This curriculum has great teacher guides, but it is often redundant and has much seat work.  This curriculum is probably the easiest for home schoolers to use.  The teacher guides are very detailed and explanatory.

Math Texts:

           Right Start - This is recommended by the Noah Plan.  It is our favorite.

               Saxon Math  - It  is very  thorough and is preferred by  most home schoolers.

               Ray's Arithmetic  (1877 text) - Word problems are the beginning focus.  It is  available at Mott Media.

               ABEKA  - The math curriculum is somewhat advanced.  It provides good  teacher guides.

Reading/Spelling:

           Learning ABC's Through People of the Bible - by Cathy Brown - This is an introduction to the ABC's by using People of the Bible.  It is geared to K4 and K5.

               contact:  click on e mail us on home school page

              McGuffey Readers/Workbooks at Mott Media

              ABEKA Phonics

              McGuffeys Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book

              Victory Drill Book by Keepers of the Faith

              Noah Webster's Blue- Backed Speller

Readers:

          Complete Supplementary Reading List , divided into subjects and with websites;

              contact:   www.cathy@onefoldoneshepherd.org

          A Dangerous Journey (Pilgrim's Progress)

Writing/Grammar:

          Learning Language Arts Through Literature - Debbie Strayer, Diane Welch

             Blue Book, Red Book, Yellow Book, Orange Book, Purple Book - Debbie Strayer - These are very good grammar books and are progressive.  These are a favorite of ours.

               McGuffey Writing Series  - Mott Media (contains grammar)

              Harvey's Elementary Grammar And Composition -Mott Media -Begins with

              fourth grade up

Science:

           Biblical Science, a Sovereign Grace Biblical Science Foundation for Children K - 3rd

               To obtain,  contact us by e-mail:    www.cathy@onefoldoneshepherd.org

           Good Science - by Creationist Research Center

              Bob Jones Science - -very Bible oriented;  supply the doctrines of  Grace      

History: 

             The Noah Plan - Grade Level Lesson Books:  The Principle Approach - This is our favorite.  History is taught from the standpoint of Providence.  Scripture is used throughout.  Use with the doctrines of Grace in mind. 

            Christian Liberty Series - These are very good.  We use them with the Noah Plan.  Keep the doctrines of Grace in mind.

            Bob Jones Heritage Series  - Good outline of American history.  Supply the doctrines     

                                                                          of Grace.

Bible Doctrine:

              Bible Doctrine for Younger Children  - Netherlands Reformed - These espouse the

              Reformed faith.

              Bible Doctrine for Older Children  (Netherlands Reformed)

              (These have stories that make good reading assignments.)

Other Books You Must Have:

           The Home School Answer Book - by Dr. Ruth Beechick - Dr. Beechick is a wonderful counselor in home schooling.  She is wise beyond belief.  You will be comforted and well guided in this book.

               You Can Teach Your Child Successfully - Dr. Ruth Beechick - for 4-8th Grade

           Noah Webster Dictionary of 1828

              Bob Jones Children's Dictionary  (good for pronunciation of words)

              Christian Home Educators' Curriculum Manual by Cathy Duffy

                    -There are many great helps in this book.   The learning styles survey on pages 11-13 is a must. (page numbers may differ with newer editions)