Joshua Bennett
Choosing a Catholic curriculum and textbooks for students can be a challenging task. There are various factors to consider, such as ensuring the materials align with the Catholic mission and values, cater to the needs and abilities of the students, and comply with the relevant standards and guidelines. The selection of textbooks should complement the curriculum, offering a rich and immersive learning experience that engages students intellectually and spiritually. It is also important to involve the academic community, including teachers, in the decision-making process to ensure a cohesive and effective Catholic education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and library holdings should be driven by the mission of Catholic education | The Catholic mission |
| Teachers should model "life-long learning" | N/A |
| Textbooks should be chosen based on content rather than the press company | Catechetical Standards |
| Textbooks should be chosen based on the needs and abilities of specific learners | N/A |
| Textbooks should be chosen from an approved list | N/A |
| Textbooks should be affordable | N/A |
| Textbooks should be beautifully and clearly presented | N/A |
| Textbooks should be chosen based on whether they are suited to Catholic education | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Curriculum and library holdings
Catholic educators have a wide range of literature to choose from when designing their curriculum. The Cardinal Newman Society has published a guide with a selected reading list and rubric to help educators determine which texts are best suited for Catholic education. This guide also provides a recommended reading list, which includes well-known, time-tested works such as adapted Greek and Roman myths, Aesop's Fables, Bible stories, folk tales, Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, and selected fairy tales from Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen.
Catholic schools should not shy away from asking teachers to teach works outside of the modern, secular English department purview. Teachers should be prepared to deliver rich works from the Catholic cultural and intellectual tradition, such as The Illiad, The Aeneid, and the works of Milton. Additionally, classic works from outside this tradition should be critically examined from a Catholic worldview.
Some examples of textbooks and resources used in Catholic schools include the Catholic Textbook Project, which creates history textbooks, teacher manuals, and student workbooks for Catholic schools. The Didache Series is another example of a Catholic religion curriculum that has been published since 2003 and is in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. For younger students, resources such as the Children's Catholic Bilingual Prayer Book created by the Archdiocese of Seattle are available.
When choosing a Catholic curriculum, it is important to consider the specific needs and abilities of the learners. There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum, and adjustments may be necessary as the year progresses. Connecting with other Catholic educators can be helpful in making informed decisions about curriculum choices.
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Catechism and certification
Various organisations, like the Diocese of Madison, provide lists of approved textbooks that conform to their Catechetical Standards. These textbooks are chosen based on their suitability for grade school children, rather than the publishing company. Similarly, the Archdiocese of Seattle has approved textbooks that correlate with their Religion Standards for elementary and secondary schools. These textbooks aim to provide a rich knowledge of Catholic faith and foster a child's love for God.
For those seeking a more classical Catholic homeschooling program, options like Catholic Textbook Project offer history textbooks, teacher manuals, and student workbooks that focus on the transformation brought about by Christ in history. Their textbooks are known for their beautiful and clear presentation, providing an unbiased understanding of the past. Additionally, resources like Saint Anne's Helper provide digital worksheets, activities, and audio lessons that complement the Baltimore Catechism.
Ultimately, the choice of curriculum and textbooks depends on the specific needs and abilities of the learners. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, consulting guides, reviews, and approved lists can help educators and parents make informed decisions, ensuring that the selected materials effectively impart the Christian vision of the world, life, culture, and history.
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Classical Catholic homeschooling
There are several Classical Catholic homeschooling curriculum programs available that provide resources, lesson plans, activities, printables, videos, audiobooks, and e-books. These programs often include memory work and online courses in subject areas such as the Trivium, Quadrivium, Philosophy, Theology, and Humanities. Some popular curriculum programs include:
- Mother of Divine Grace School: Provides parents with resources, support, and a personalized educational consultant to implement the MODG curricula.
- St. Thomas Aquinas Academy: An independent homeschool program dedicated to Catholic formation and education.
- Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA): Offers over 100 online courses in five subject areas with a focus on the contemplative life.
- Angelicum Academy: A liberal arts and classical great books curriculum with online Socratic discussions.
- Schola Rosa: An all-in-one Catholic, Classical, and Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum with various digital resources.
- Aquinas Learning: A family-friendly curriculum that offers live and interactive courses taught by highly qualified faculty.
When choosing Classical Catholic homeschooling textbooks, it is important to select those that align with the Catholic mission and values. The Cardinal Newman Society offers a guide for Catholic educators, providing a rubric to help determine which texts are best suited for Catholic education. This includes examining the purpose and goals of literature in Catholic education and ensuring that classic works are critically examined from a Catholic worldview.
Additionally, organizations like the Diocese of Madison provide approved lists of textbook series for specific grade levels, such as the PreK-8 Catechetical Standards, to ensure they meet their Catechetical Standards. The Archdiocese of Seattle also offers approved textbooks correlated to their Religion Standards for elementary and secondary schools.
Overall, Classical Catholic homeschooling aims to provide a well-rounded education that integrates faith and academics, teaching students to behold, wonder, and contemplate the truth, goodness, and beauty in the world through the lens of Catholic teachings.
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Catholic textbook publishers
Catholic Book Publishing is an example of a publisher that has been serving the Catholic community for over 100 years by publishing liturgical books, Bibles, and resources to help readers learn and live their faith. Ave Maria Press is another Catholic publisher that has received 25 awards from the Catholic Media Association. Ignatius Press is a third example of a Catholic publisher that offers textbooks, videos, and other resources.
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Catholic history textbooks
The Catholic Textbook Project is one example of an organisation that creates history textbooks for Catholic schools. Their textbooks bring history to life through a narrative format, engaging students and inviting them to explore the story of history. Their books also feature custom maps and full-colour reproductions of art to inspire wonder and delight. The Journey Across America series, for example, allows students to delve into the history, people, and geography of their own region of the United States, covering states such as Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Another textbook offered by the Catholic Textbook Project is "Light to the Nations, Part I: History of Christian Civilization", suitable for grades 7, 8, and high school. They also offer a companion textbook specifically for the history of the United States from 1492 to 1900.
The Cardinal Newman Society has also developed a guide for Catholic educators, providing a rubric to help determine which texts are best suited for Catholic education. This guide includes a recommended reading list of well-known, time-tested works.
Additionally, specific dioceses, such as Madison, WI, and Seattle, provide approved lists of textbooks that align with their Catechetical Standards for religious education. These lists include textbooks for various grade levels, from PreK to high school, covering a range of subjects, including history, religion, and prayer books.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all Catholic curriculum, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a Catholic curriculum and textbooks:
- The alignment of the curriculum with the Catholic faith and the school's mission.
- The academic level and learning style of the students.
- The availability of teacher training and support.
- The format and presentation of the textbooks.
- The reputation and reviews of the curriculum and textbook series.
Here are some recommended Catholic curriculum and textbook providers:
- Catholic Textbook Project: Offers history textbooks, teacher manuals, and student workbooks for Catholic schools.
- Seton Home Study: Provides religion textbooks designed to be taught alongside the Baltimore Catechism.
- TAN Academy: Offers the "Our Holy Faith" series of religion textbooks for grades 1–8.
- Sophia Institute Press: Publishes the "Spirit of Truth" curriculum, which is popular for its immersive journey through the Catholic faith.
- Didache Series: Presents the life and doctrine of the Catholic Church and is suitable for high school students.
When selecting Catholic textbooks, it is important to ensure they are appropriate for your child's grade level. You can refer to resources such as the Archdiocese of Seattle Religion Standards or the Diocese of Madison's list of approved textbook series for specific grade levels. Additionally, reviews and recommendations from other Catholic educators and parents can provide insights into the suitability of different textbooks for various grade levels.
