Christopherus Homeschool Curriculum Review

by Kristen
(Traverse City, Michigan)

Structured guidance. Academics with practical skills. Christopherus homeschool curriculum offers a complete and customizable Waldorf-type education.

My family has been very pleased with the Christopherus homeschool curriculum. We've used the preschool/kindergarten guides for three years and are now halfway through the first grade curriculum with my eldest child. I've liked all the materials thus far and am planning to use the second grade program next year.

I like the curriculum because it's based on Waldorf education and is completely tailored for homeschoolers. Christopherus truly understands that homeschooling is the best choice for many families and it doesn't try to completely replicate a Waldorf classroom in your home.

It does recognize the development stages of the child and I feel this is vital - it's addressing where my daughter is at now. The author takes a lot of time to help the parent understand the phase of childhood the preschooler, the kindergartener, the first grader (and I assume on up) is at. This has helped me gain an understanding of when I should push my child to keep working on something, when I should expect them to sit and absorb - and when I should let things go for that lesson.

There is a strong emphasis on teaching the child listen with quiet attention, and to persevere with work - traits sorely lacking in most children and most educational styles today.

I like the structured guidance given in the first grade curriculum and up. For me this is very nice because I appreciate having some of my lesson planning done for me. The curriculum is also written so a mother wanting to restructure and develop her own plans from it would be able to, however.

I also like how strongly the curriculum emphasizes them importance of an ordered home life and the development of practical skills - it's not just all academics. It focuses on all aspects of life: from academics, to homemaking skills, to the arts. I feel like my children are getting a complete and well-rounded education that will equip them to excel in all aspects of life (even taking care of their homes) - not just learning academic facts. I think they'll be light years ahead of where I was when I graduated from high school simply because they won't have to learn the practical "every day" aspects of life - that will have been part of their whole education.

One other thing I like about the Christopherus curriculum is that it allows me to take what I like from Waldorf education principles and also work with our own religious festivals and stories and lessons from our beliefs. And I can leave out or change anything I don't feel is right for us.

I feel like the Christopherus curriculum is very affordable. The preschool/kindergarten book is very economical and the supplemental guides (which I recommend getting) are also inexpensive. The materials for the grades are more expensive, however they are quite comprehensive and I've felt like I've certainly gotten my money's worth with them. The grade materials include all subjects and are arranged in block/unit studies.

The publisher also offers an online support and discussion forum for a low quarterly or yearly fee and I have gotten so much support there. There is also one-on-one consultation service available. I feel like these services really enhance the curriculum and can help parents who feel unsure about a situation or issue with their child(ren) to work out solutions and regain their confidence.

Many of the materials needed for the curriculum can be gathered right outside your front door or at your local park/nature trail which is very nice. There are also some expenses that are only one-time expenses - such as a small blackboard.

For me it has been very cost-efficient because this one curriculum set will be used with all my children. The few supplemental books have been inexpensive. Supplies recommended are generally sturdy - the block crayons I purchased when I started preschool are still being used 3 years later and with many years left on them. I feel such quality recommendations have saved me a lot in the long run!

The children also make their own workbooks (called Main Lesson Books) out of blank bound books which are very inexpensive. It becomes a treasure of art and academics for the child and doesn't cost much to provide each child with his or her own set.

Kristen, thanks for the wonderfully thorough review of the Christopherus homeschool curriculum. Your advice and money-saving tips are beneficial to others looking for an affordable Waldorf education. Happy Homeschooling! Heather :)