AMDG+

Dear Parent;

Like you, I think we all ask ourselves from time to time [sometimes daily!] if we have what it takes to educate our children.  The answer is a resounding 'yes,' for God's grace makes all things possible.  It sounds like you are fine-tuning your homeschooling, which is a good sign.  You recognize that things could be better and are working to develop a plan.

As far as faith formation, if you are using CHC materials that part will come very naturally.  CHC's entire program is based on the belief that our holy Faith is not a separate part of life, but rather is our life.  [In Him we live and move and have our being.]  Whether we recognize it or not, our Faith permeates every facet of our lives; therefore, CHC's materials honor that belief by including our Faith in a very natural way.  For example, as your children make their way through CHC's reading program, they will be exposed to stories of Catholic families like theirs, addressing issues like sharing, honesty, chores, and obedience in ways that children can relate and learn about their Faith at the same time.  We frequently hear reports from CHC families that, after this natural exposure to Christ-like living, their children voluntarily incorporate these character and faith-building lessons into their lives.

In regard to using some CHC curriculum and making up the rest on your own, yes, it is possible to use this approach.  A few things to consider as you decide which path to take:

Using CHC lesson plans eliminates the need for you to write up your own.  When you use the 'full meal deal'--lesson plans and the materials they list--you eliminate the worry about leaving educational gaps from year to year.  Using the full program gives you the assurance that nothing critical has been forgotten.

Mixed with the gratitude for homeschooling that you mention, most of us still feel overwhelmed from time to time!  If the full program is used, it is simple on 'burnout days' to cut back to the core subjects, which are clearly marked in the lesson plans.  This approach gives everyone a breather, but insures that all the important bases are covered.

Nevertheless, it is certainly possible to select and mix a variety of materials, write up your own plans for each grade, and still homeschool successfully.  [It just requires more time and planning.]  You know your children's needs and the unique demands of your family better than anyone.  Ask Our Lord's guidance in how to proceed, and I'm sure He will show the Way that will work best for your family.

God bless your dad for helping with science and history!  No matter which program you use, it is such a gift to have a co-teacher, isn't it?

In Their Hearts,

Nancy Nicholson