Other Resources
The Christ-Centered Curriculum™ is such a comprehensive program you may find, as have others, it is the only academic program you need for young students. It lays solid foundations in Bible study, Biblical principles, phonics, reading, spelling, grammar and comprehension skills, and basic arithmetic. Lay your foundation and be sure it is solid before you build other academic studies on it.
Time:
If your child begins at age three or four with CCC™ you could have the foundation in place by the time your child is seven or eight. The child of three will require several 10-15 minute relaxed sessions of instruction per day. Children 4 and older will require up to 45 minutes per day on CCC Phonics and up to 30 minutes on math. The child up to about age 10 or 11 requires two hours at the most per day in formal study (including instructed and independent study) in math and English. Break the study into several small time segments.
Spend the rest of the day developing Biblical principles of living and conduct in your child as you informally investigate social studies by reading true life stories; geography by studying maps; science as you explore the wonders of your garden; health as you discuss the importance of cleanliness at bath time; home economics and mathematics while baking a batch of cookies; "Man in Society" skills when you take the cookies to a neighbour. . . The ideas are almost endless. Have your older children share what they are learning from their more traditional studies. Social studies, geography and science need not be taught from a text book to young children but can be taught through experience and gentle instruction. It is not necessary, nor perhaps wise, to burden a child down with a long day of "book learning."
Printing Resources
An excellent companion resource you might consider for the teaching of printing is our booklet, "A Guide to Teaching Printing With Character." Philosophically it dovetails with the Christ-Centered Curriculum in teaching the spirit of the child and building character. It differs in its approach to the mechanics of printing with what we feel is a simpler technique that minimizes common printing errors.
Math:
We recommend Professor B Mathematics for use after Math A and B or it can be started alongside. Professor B Mathematics will take your child up to the end of Grade 7 math with the exception of geometry.
Continuing English:
Along with or after CCC, use Climbing to Good English and Pathway Readers as a very comprehensive Language Arts program for children up to the end of grade 8. Click here for information on integrating these programs with Christ-Centered Curriculum.
When properly taught, the CCCTM will not burden children down nor stifle creativity. There is no limit to the structure and character that can be built on a solid foundation. Isn't that what home education is all about?!
We believe the Christ-Centered Curriculum is a wise investment in the educational and spiritual foundations of your family.
