Carol Keith
- Reviewed on Thursday, April 15, 2010
- Grades Used: 3rd, 5th
- Dates used: 2009-2010
We used the BF Intermediate Early American History curriculum this year. I have never written a curriculum review, but decided to do one now because this is the best history curriculum we have ever used.
The things I like? Flexibility. Literature. Written reflection for the kids. By the end of the year they have written papers, compiled a history notebook, put together a beautiful timeline, taken tests, and made posters of different individuals. The program is flexible enough to use with young children, and complex enough to expand for older kids. I think I could have folded my 7th grader in without batting an eye. I found I was able to add or skip assignments to suit our family. The boys absolutely loved the literature. There is a 19th century book on George Washington that they just loved. We did the lit as read-alouds to avoid the difficulties in reading levels for the different grade levels.
The things you might want to think about? If this is your first year as a homeschooling family, you might want a little clearer structure. From time to time there are books mentioned to supplement the curriculum that are out of print. That can be frustrating. Also, for those of us who grew up in the public school system (:)), sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly what the main idea is. But give it a few weeks and you you will be fine. Also, one of the texts is "America's Providential History" - we certainly do not completely agree theologically with this book. But we found the only portions of the book used during the year were fine - it's not the main thrust of the course, but check it out for yourself.
Truthfully - just a beautiful, fantastic, solid, Biblically-based curriculum! I hope you decide to use this curriculum.
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kalphs
- Reviewed on Wednesday, May 27, 2009
- Grades Used: 2nd
- Dates used: 2009
This year during our study of history for Ambleside Online Year 1 we utilized several of the American History books by Edgar and Ingri D'Aulaire. Our daughter enjoyed the books so we decided to purchase Beautiful Feet Early American History.
Beautiful Feet curriculum is based on the teachings of British educator, Charlotte Mason.
Beautiful Feet Early American History Primary is an introduction to American history covering the time of Leif the Lucky to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Rea Berg has chosen such outstanding literary classics as "The Story of the Pilgrims, Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims, The Courage of Sarah Noble, The Matchlock Gun and the D'Aulaire's "Leif the Lucky, Columbus, Pochahontas, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Buffalo Bill."
Overall our family has been pleased with this curriculum and will continue to utilize it in the future.
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Emma's Mom
- Reviewed on Sunday, April 19, 2009
- Grades Used: 2nd
- Dates used: 2008-2009
We used Beautiful Feet this year for our Early American history class. My son REALLY enjoyed this way of learning. He has a love for history now. I believe this is due to the "living book" method of learning they introduced to us. We were disappointed they didn't have another curriculum that followed Early American history. I did change some of the assignments as they felt more like busy work. I made up tests after studying different sections to see how well my son retained the information and he made an A every time. So not only did he enjoy the books but retained the information as well. We will be using Tapestry of Grace next year and hope that we enjoy it as much as the Beautiful Feet curriculum.
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dittobrooks
- Reviewed on Thursday, September 11, 2008
- Grades Used: 3rd & 5th
- Dates used: 2007-2008
We LOVE this program! I tried to use this when my children were smaller--K and 2nd grade, and was a bit frustrated with all the copy work. However, waiting a couple of years made a huge difference. My children really enjoy the books and WOW, this is the way to study history! They are learning, learning, learning. We love to cuddle on the couch while we do this. We do the Early Am. History and I am looking forward to adding in History of Science.
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