I love Five in a Row! While using FIAR, we got with another family to do activities related to whatever book we had picked. It was fun and something we all looked forward to. When Brian was 9, what would have been his fourth grade year, I bought a couple of volumes of Beyond Five in a Row. We had begun to use it and were enjoying it.
Shortly after we had begun our new year, I contacted Denise, the mom of the other family, to see what her plans were for the new year and if she wanted to plan some activities together. She told me that she wasn’t using FIAR or Beyond this year. So I asked what she was planning to used and she told me about The Student of the Word. It intrigued me. I thanked her and checked out the website.
I loved that The Bible was the center of all the learning. I loved that in six years the children would inductively study the entire Bible. I loved that it included what we needed for all the subjects; I would have to purchase or locate resources to complete the ‘lessons’ (specific resources are recommended, but choice is up to you). I loved that it did not push any doctrines but would list the topics for study but leave you to teach it in however you believe, unlike some adult studies I have done that lead you step by step to arrive at the same conclusion as the author.
Needless to say, this is what we used for the rest of the children’s education. Tiffany used this her entire life, although I also used FIAR with her because I love it so.
The Student of the Word exposed me to new ideas for homeschooling but also fell in line with philosophies I agreed with. It utilizes copywork, dictation, read alouds, and discipleship to name a few.
I love that after purchasing the curriculum (which took me two years) and some resources I did not have to think about what we were going to use the next year, very much, because the bulk/core of our curriculum was taken care of. I could then focus on any new resources I wanted to buy. That gave me such freedom!
When I learned how the author, Merle Reese, made her schedule for the year, I was thrilled and learned the secret to never suffering from burn out!
This has gotten rather long, so I’ll close for now. I will probably share more specifics about SOW next week. One thing is for certain though, no matter what curricula choices you make, cover it in prayer. Follow the leading of the Lord and your homeschooling journey will be a very good one.
Until next time, God bless,
Michele ºÜº