By Caroline Honn
Where is homeschooling leading your family? Only God knows. When the Johnsons began homeschooling in 1990, they could not know how many others would benefit as a result of their dedication. As pioneers in a lifestyle that embraces the gift of the family, they began an apostolate, offering support and Catholic resources that were scarcely available when beginning their own homeschool journey. Since its inception in 1993, the Johnson’s company, Catholic Heritage Curricula (CHC) has grown, while maintaining their founding hallmark — to extend a simple, gentle, and affordable means of providing a wholly Catholic education with academic excellence. It is their belief that these qualities lead to “Educating for Eternity.”
Where do you go for curricula? Preschool through high school, discerning families seek Catholic alternatives to the myriad of homeschool options available today. Catholic Heritage Curricula materials are solid, simple options. While primarily orientated toward early primary education, limited resources are also available for upper grades. This unique, family run curricula company (they are not a school!), has a dedication to character building and spiritual growth. Their mission exemplifies a sincere desire to bring souls to Christ. Their materials are unquestionably Catholic. More than simply aspiring to learn about their faith, CHC encourages families to live their faith.
In an effort to keep up with today’s changing homeschooler, a survey was conducted to clarify what families need from their curriculum providers. Many respondents expressed a high level of burnout. They sought guidance without the strings of requirements attached, and they needed affordability. Overwhelmingly, they desired Catholicity. While Mrs. Johnson maintains that she is “…a firm believer in tailoring the materials to fit the child and homeschooling, not bringing school home…,” she recognized that this need for more specific yet flexible guidance was real, and that they could help.
When the Johnsons began homeschooling, they began a journey of discovery. CHC has grown from their dedication to the journey. A staff of artists, writers and other professionals have been developing lesson plans according to the response of parent-expressed needs. They are a welcome alternative to enrollment in more formal or structured programs, particularly for younger children. Today, you can purchase these reasonably priced, easy to use plans for kindergarten through second grade. Third grade plans are ready for release this spring and more grade levels are in production. How many plans will they publish in all? To this Mrs. Johnson replies, “Only God knows the direction of the apostolate!”
Each grade plan includes a scope and sequence for the year, weekly checklists, lesson plans on a two page per week format, supplemental appendixes, and a complete resource list. These 32 — 36 week plans are based on a four-day week, with Wednesdays left open. This ‘flex-day’ can be used for extra-curricular activities, Mass attendance, or doctor’s appointments. Everything is organized within the plans, right down to the order form for those affordable books. If you homeschool young children and are experiencing the same burnout frustration that so many busy parents report, CHC can help. If you are weighing the homeschool option, consider that organized lesson plans are available to assist you as a flexible, gentle guide. The invested time, research and prayer so critical to preparing these new materials from CHC are sure to bring relief to homeschoolers everywhere.
Homeschooling is a gift, and the folks at Catholic Heritage Curricula do their very best to help others find the joy in their own homeschool journey.
For more information about Catholic Heritage Curricula, please go their website or call 1-800-490-7713.
(Caroline Honn is a home education advocate and mother of three. The Honns live in Flagstaff, Arizona.)
