We must give careful consideration to curricula if we want to honor God in our homeschooling efforts. Biblical Truth needs to be the foundation for our academic study. In this post, I contemplate the value of curriculum and offer some specific recommendations. I also consider the ultimate goal of homeschooling.
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What’s the Big Deal?
Many parents homeschool to ensure their children are taught from a Biblical worldview. They recognize that public schools are in a quandary. The schools assert their neutrality while teaching subjects such as science and history, but they cannot be neutral. Formal education requires something to explain our existence and the origin of man.
I believe the Biblical account of creation. Others believe in the theory of evolution. We were not there to observe the beginning of our existence, so scientific study is based on assumptions. Belief in the Biblical account requires faith. Belief in evolution also requires faith. There is no neutrality – we either take God at His word, or we don’t. The public schools have simply replaced one religion (God) with another religion (evolution).
Recognize the Battle
A barrage of worldly wisdom is being fed to us. It’s abundant in our television programs, movies, books, social media, and museums. Consider the egregious lie that man evolved from apes. This corrupts the sanctity of human life, which has been created in God’s own image.
“ . . . in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
Such significant harm is done in the hearts and minds of children when they believe the lie of evolution. Few institutions have taken a stand on the authority of Scripture. Most of our public schools and universities teach a counterfeit truth.
So our children must be trained to recognize the difference. They will need to confront worldly philosophy with Scripture. As parents, let’s recognize this battle. We must teach God’s Word. We must treasure it in our hearts and minds.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (ESV)
Curriculum with a Biblical Perspective
There are opportunities for Biblical emphasis in every school subject. Handwriting offers penmanship practice using Scripture. Literature is enriched with the study of books by authors such as C. S. Lewis. Latin expressions such as “Solus Christus” remind us of the truth Christ alone. Art and music display man’s curious consideration of the heavenly realms.
Even the study of math, as unassuming as it is, reflects God’s order. Consider, for instance, the Fibonacci sequence.
A good curriculum will contemplate the complexity of our universe through a Biblical lens. That does not mean our children will be ignorant of “millions of years” and “prehistoric man.” These ideas are given appropriate consideration in a solid, Christian curriculum. However, the assumptions are uncovered, and the fallacies are noted.
History and Science Curriculum—Seeing God’s Hand at Work
His Story
When history is taught from a Biblical perspective, we see God’s hand at work over the span of thousands of years. We contemplate the motives of individuals who have wrought evil. We ponder our role as citizens. This shapes our response to the culture we live in today.
Over the past sixteen years, I have taught three different sets of history curricula. My all-time favorite is our current curriculum from Notgrass History. Man’s ideas will never be infallible. But I appreciate that the Notgrass content has been through the sieve of Scripture.
Science
When we study science from a Biblical perspective, we are inspired by Christian men and women. From a foundation of Biblical truth, they have tested theories about our universe. They have cultivated an awe-filled appreciation of our Creator.
The Apologia curricula has encouraged us to do that – to consider our Creator. We appreciated it’s Biblical focus and engaging tone. The high school series is an excellent choice for students considering careers in the field of science.
We used some of the older editions written by Dr. Jay Wile, who is no longer with Apologia. He has now written the Berean Builders Homeschool Science Curricula. His suggested course sequence (and prerequisite list) is helpful. When my son needed to take physics, I knew I would have to outsource. I was so glad to find that Dr. Wile offers self-paced classes, as well as live, online classes. My son attended a live physics class with Dr. Wile once a week, for a whole school year. He enjoyed Dr. Wile’s gregarious personality and looked forward to learning from him.
God’s Word is Truth. While it does not need evidence to uphold it – God, in His grace, has given us a universe that declares his handiwork. Science gives us a wonderful opportunity to marvel at this.
Invest in the Eternal
I taught many of our homeschool subjects using Christian curriculum. Because of this, I didn’t feel the need to use a formal “Bible” curriculum. I didn’t think more “Bible time” was needed. Our kids were studying Scripture in AWANA, Sunday school, and children’s church. Our teens were working through Bible studies recommended by our youth group pastor. We were praying together and discussing the Bible in our home.
But then we started a second season of homeschooling with two, young children, and I felt convicted. I had this nagging feeling we should be doing a formal Bible curriculum. I knew there would be value in working through the Bible in a systematic way.
We had used and appreciated many of the Answers in Genesis (AiG) resources. So I added the Answers Bible Homeschool Curriculum and twenty minutes of “Bible time” to our day. I love it! I love the curriculum and I love digging into God’s Word with my girls. It’s been a blessing.
There are some subjects we work through just so we can check them off the list. This isn’t one of them. I wish I had scheduled a “Bible time” in our first season of homeschooling, and I wish I had used this curriculum. It’s a worthwhile investment. (We also subscribed to the Answers Magazine, which I enjoyed as much as the kids!)
Too often, we spend hundreds of dollars on activities that offer little or no eternal benefit. Our culture promotes this mentality. But we shy away from focusing on things that are of eternal value. I have not always appreciated the need for Biblical resources in our home. May our hearts be burdened with the desire to nourish our children’s minds with Truth.
Sinking Sand or Solid Ground?
My teenage son and I often listened to the AiG live broadcast Answers News. The hosts include Dr. Georgia Purdom, who holds a Ph.D. in molecular genetics; and Bodie Hodge, who has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. They address news headlines (such as climate change, transgenderism, and evolution) from a Biblical worldview. We sharpened our critical thinking skills as we discussed these issues and completed the workbook “The Art of Argument.” Along with the AiG broadcasts, it was an engaging study of informal logic. (Our children can learn how to argue better – it’s a good thing! Really.)
Logic gives us the ability to counter the fallacies we are fed. Subjects such as history and science will be build on a foundation of sinking sand or solid rock. Sand will inevitably shift. Rock stands firm. Let’s invest in curricula that stands firm on Truth.
Will Our Children Excel Academically?
When I first started homeschooling, I worried that Christian curriculum would be insufficient. I wondered if it would leave holes in our children’s education. My husband and I both graduated from public universities. I feared our kids would not do well on college entrance exams. Then I found research facts from NHERI. The research shows that homeschool students are keeping up with (and even outscoring) public-school peers.
In our state, we have the option of free standardized testing through our “AEA.” (I wouldn’t recommend this for younger children – who may test inconsistently.) We meet with other homeschoolers for one or two mornings in the spring. The cookies are yummy and the testing staff are encouraging. While testing may be unnecessary, these test scores also helped to relieve my angst (early in our homeschooling years). It’s important to remember there is no substitution for tailored homeschool instruction.
Enhanced Academic Pursuits
Homeschooling requires a tremendous amount of work. But there are many options for enhancing academic pursuits. A plethora of online classes are available for grades K-12. Free resources such as Khan Academy are a tremendous help. Our children can also pursue interests through volunteering or job shadowing. Did I mention the field trips?
Significant support can be found in homeschool co-ops and hybrid schools. Students can dual-enroll and attend public-school for part of their day. High school students can access college courses offered across the country.
If our children will be pursuing further education, we must be diligent to prepare them. (Consider the subject requirements for a few select colleges and work toward that). We need to outsource subjects when we’re in over-our-heads, or when time or resources are limited. But with prayerful consideration and perseverance, our homeschooled children can certainly excel academically.
The Ultimate Goal
God calls every believing parent to train up their children in the way they should go. We can train up our children through academic study built on the solid foundation of Truth. I am so grateful for authors and experts who love God’s Word and also excel in their field of study. Many times over the years, I have said a prayer of thanks. I’m glad for how God has been at work – guiding our homeschooling efforts. In the areas where we are lacking, God fills in the gaps for us. He meets our greatest need as our Savior. And He meets our day-to-day needs as we strive to educate our children in a way that honors Him. Let’s be faithful in this pursuit!
Check out my recommendations in this post—to help you further your curriculum search!
Just getting started on your homeschool journey? This post offers six key considerations for selecting homeschool supplies and organizing your space. A checklist is provided to help you move forward with confidence!
