Workbooks in Homeschooling: A Misunderstood Resource?
Our CEB team has met a fair amount of homeschoolers who recoil a little at the thought of using workbooks in their homeschool. We get it—who wants to replicate the schools with their repetitive worksheets when we have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give our children a rich, engaging, and living education?
But what if workbooks are exactly what you need?
What if we told you that workbooks could be the exact tool you’re looking for to help you provide an engaging education for your children?
Introducing Master Books
They are a workbook-based curriculum that should not be overlooked as you plan your homeschool year.
What makes Master Books special?
Their workbooks are:
- graded
- colourful
- Christian
- open and go
- cover a variety of subjects
But are they rigorous?
They are not highly academic, but they cover the basics. Some might even say they are, well, mediocre—meaning, “of moderate academic quality.” But doesn’t life sometimes call for mediocrity?
We’ve all experienced seasons where mediocre meals, housework, or family time is the only option. Don’t be ashamed! We’ve all been there—or will be there.
Is this a test of endurance… or contentment?
Ask yourself this question when you find yourself in “that season”:
Is the Lord testing you on how fast you can recover and get back to healthy eating, tip-top housework, and the most memorable family time?
Consider that maybe it’s your contentment that’s being challenged. How are you responding? What’s your attitude when life doesn’t allow for “the best”?
Who Are These Resources For?
This resource is going to appeal to families who:
- need something simple as they transition from a school setting to a homeschool setting, especially families who are not ready to abandon a typical way of doing school
- are expecting a new baby, experiencing illness, traveling, or tackling a big move and need a resource that can be used fairly independently
- have a child who needs to just “get through” some language arts (or other subject) so they can indulge in delight-driven learning
- are accountable to authorities and need some quick box checking
- want to be assured they are covering the basics but want room in their week to: have extensive and enriching family-centred morning times, read through booklists, go on field trips, dive down educational bunny trails, and pursue passion projects
Read number 5 again!
Did you notice it? Yes, workbooks can actually give you peace of mind and freedom to pursue all the other amazing educational opportunities that are afforded to homeschool families.
Do What Works for You
You need something that will work for YOUR family, in YOUR situation. Maybe this year it’s Master Books.
By Adrianne Curwen
Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 8 to 24. In 2021, the family added a son-in-law to the bunch. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions.
She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children.
She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there.
Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Creative Director and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new.
She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important mission field walk with Him.
