Why Master Books Works for All Christian Homeschool Families
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This post is written by Brooke, founder and owner of Homeschool Resource Co. As an advocate for Christ-centered homeschooling and a self-proclaimed eclectic homeschooler, she‘s sharing her favorite homeschool curriculum and how it's impacted her family.
Not only that, but she'll be diving into why Master Books could just be the perfect curriculum for EVERY Christian homeschool family. While that's a wild accusation to make read on and see if she can persuade you, too!
About Master Books Homeschool Curriculum
If you’ve been searching for a curriculum that aligns with your faith, adapts to your family’s unique needs, and offers robust support, then look no further. Master Books is the ultimate Christian homeschool curriculum!
First, let me tell you a little about our homeschool.
I am a pastor's wife and homeschool mom of 5. At the time of writing this post (2024), my kids are aged 11, 9, 6, 4, and 2. With my husband the pastor and both of us leading music ministry at our church, we have a very busy life.
I was not homeschooled. In fact, I'm the first person in either of our families to homeschool, fully. In our 8 years of homeschooling, I've tried box curricula, digital curricula, unit studies, printables, virtual classes and so much more.
After trying to replicate the public schooling I experienced, being in a homeschool desert, and not having support from friends, or peers, I faced a lot of heartache in our homeschool journey.
In fact, it wasn't until our 5th year that I finally figured out we were eclectic schoolers. Not only that, but we don't start official schooling until 1st grade, we homeschool year-round, and love the philosophies and tendencies of Charlotte Mason, but also the structure of workbooks and curricula for core subjects.
We love family-style schooling and integrating supplemental resources into our days. Field trips, outings, library days, curricula, rest, and breaks coexist because they're all important and serve specific purposes.
We believe in a wholesome homeschool, founded by Biblical principles, approaching from a Christ-centered worldview, with access to materials and experiences that are interactive while attending to every learning style.
We don't fit a specific box. Only three and a half of my children are schooling. I say half because my 4-year-old wants to read but still has days where she is on the fence, so I don't push it.
Most days, we cover all our subjects in just a couple of hours. Some days, when we become enthralled with a History story or a culture in Geography, we put it all aside and dive into our interests.
Does this sound like your family? Probably not. We should all be unique here.
So how can I say that Master Books is the ultimate resource for every Christian homeschool family? Because it checks all the boxes. Even if you only need to check some of them.
Come with me on a journey to discover, and fall in love with, Master Books curriculum in your homeschool, why it's amazing for Christian homeschool parents, and learn about what my favorite resources from Master Books are!
What Makes Master Books Unique?
Master Books is a Christ-centered homeschool curriculum from New Leaf Publishing Group. They've been around for over 40 years and are the sole publishers of Ken Ham's works and most of the materials from Answers in Genesis.
If you didn't know, Ken Ham is the apologist behind the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, both in Kentucky. His resources are extremely Biblically sound and accurate, providing a great experience for believers in both education and spiritual maturity.
That being said, you can have confidence that Master Books homeschool curriculum is not just educational; it’s engaging and Biblically based. With Master Books every lesson is infused with Biblical principles, making learning not just informative but transformative.
Is Master Books a box curriculum or an all-in-one solution?
Well, yes and no. Master Books makes it easy for you to purchase a grade-level bundle that includes their 4 core subject recommendations; Math, Science, ELA, and History. But you can also shop à la carte – which is what we prefer.
What is Master Books?
A standout feature of Master Books, and one of my personal favorites, is its flexibility. We know that homeschooling isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each family has its own rhythm and each child works at their own pace.
If you're a family that values grade levels, they got you! If not, they're still the place to be!
Master Books understands this deeply, offering a curriculum that can be easily adapted to fit your schedule and educational goals. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling veteran or just starting, this adaptability can make all the difference.
At the beginning of each workbook, there are recommended lesson plans that you can follow, or kids can work at their own pace! But it doesn't stop there. You'll find that Master Books can also be used family-style and even has Charlotte Mason-style learning materials!
What teaching style is Master Books?
This is probably one of my favorite topics! Because Master Books is a mainly eclectic homeschool curricula that focuses on a living education. Here's a little snippet from their website that I think fully encompasses the mission of Master Books:
By definition, eclectic is to derive ideas, styles, methods, philosophies from a variety of sources. …we take the “best of” ideas to create an effective, individualized learning experience for students based on their strengths, readiness, and interests.
You may see parts of our style that follow a traditional approach, the living stories and shorter lessons similar to a Charlotte Mason approach, or a child-centered, hands-on approach like the Montessori method. Our focus is on developing solutions that are neurodevelopmentally appropriate and use recognized cognitive learning practices to get the best results in a real-world environment.
MasterBooks.com About Page
At MasterBooks.com, you'll see that most of the books are listed by grade ranges and not individual grades. This is because they understand that homeschoolers aren't average. There are no absolutes.
Every family may have different ideals, teaching styles, methods, or even interests- they want learning to be a unique experience.
Not only that, but they also have multiple learning options per grade range. With Master Books, you have the ability to tailor your child's education to their interests and skills while also adapting to your learning styles and teaching methods- ensuring that your homeschool fits your family.
For our family, we do history, Bible, science, and geography together, according to family style. We read the text, have discussion questions, do experiments, watch videos, and more. For Handwriting, ELA, and Math, the kids have individual learning texts and workbooks that cater to their skills and needs.
We are able to do all of this with Master Books.
Not only that, but if you're looking for video classes, Master Books offers that too! You can check out Master Books Academy to see all the online lessons they offer through their digital programs.
How much prep does Master Books require?
You'll find that Master Books is extremely simple to implement into your homeschool because they are an open-and-go curriculum. Each course includes a daily schedule in the inside cover that is based off of a 180-day school year.
You can also choose to purchase each course's teacher guide as a bundle, or separately. These guides are catered to parents who want to be an active part in their child's learning and include answer keys that will help you teach, and learn alongside, your kids.
How Master Books Caters to Different Learning Styles
One of the challenges many of us face in homeschooling is catering to different learning styles within our family. Some children are visual learners who thrive on diagrams and illustrations, while others might be auditory learners who benefit from listening to lessons and discussions. And let’s not forget our kinesthetic learners who need hands-on activities to grasp concepts fully.
Master Books excels in addressing these diverse needs by incorporating visual aids, auditory components, and interactive activities into their lessons. This multi-faceted approach ensures that every child finds something that resonates with them.
In “A Child's Geography: Explore the Holy Land”, we've cooked Hamentashen. In “America's Story 1”, we've learned about the history of the cotton gin and explored how it worked through videos. And in “God's Design for Life” we've journeyed in our own backyards to explore nature.
Because you explore each subject by interest and skill, you're able to work at your own pace and schedule to ensure that your homeschooling is a personal experience.
Isn’t it wonderful to have the freedom to tweak lessons so they align perfectly with how your child learns best? Through personalization, education becomes an exciting adventure rather than a daunting task.
Is Master Books Affordable?
Homeschooling shouldn’t break the bank, right? One of the most appealing aspects of Master Books is its affordability without compromising quality. Many homeschool families find themselves juggling finances while trying to provide the best education possible for their children. With budget-friendly options available, you can rest easy knowing you’re investing wisely in your child’s future.
Accessibility goes hand-in-hand with affordability. The resources are easy to use and readily available online, making it convenient for you to access everything you need from the comfort of your home. No more endless searches for supplementary materials or last-minute trips to the bookstore!
I told you before that I was homeschooling 3.5 kiddos. Last year, we spent less than $400 on curriculum and supplementals for all of my children. 95% of that budget was spent on Master Books. That's pretty affordable to me!
How To Choose Your Master Books Homeschool Resources
First, there's nothing like looking at a full book or curriculum in person. Getting your hands on that and flipping through the content makes for a golden experience. If possible, I 100% suggest that you make sure you visit the Homeschool Experience at the Ark and Creation Museum to immerse yourself in what Master Books has to offer and you can get a generous discount!
We went in 2023 and it was the highlight of our homeschool year. If you can't make it, seek out local or semi-local homeschool conventions in your area and see if Master Books may be there.
If all else fails and it isn't feasible to head to an in-person event, you can always head to MasterBooks.com to browse. Once you think you've made some decisions, you can get samples of your choices before you buy!
Below each curricula option, Master Books makes it easy to download and review, or even print about and use a few lessons. Try before you buy is even better!
Master Books Giveaway
Using Master Books to Encourage Critical Thinking and Faith Integration
In today’s world, critical thinking skills are essential. But how do we teach these skills while also integrating our faith seamlessly into everyday learning? Master Books strikes this balance beautifully.
The lessons are designed not only to impart knowledge but also to encourage students to think critically about what they’re learning in light of Biblical truths. It’s like planting seeds of wisdom that will grow throughout their lives.
We've previously talked about the importance of teaching from a Biblical Worldview. It allows you to build a solid foundation for faith, Christ-like character, and God-like wisdom that ensures that your children understand and will be able to defend their beliefs.
Now, you can take it to the bank because Master Books makes this mission easy.
Faith integration isn’t just an add-on; it’s at the core of every subject—from science and history to literature and math. This holistic approach helps children see God’s hand in all areas of life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for His creation.
Our 2024-2025 Master Books Homeschool Picks
In full disclosure, this does not include our Handwriting, Math, Electives, and other supplementals that we use.
Master Books for Language Arts
We do Language Arts separately because I think it's important to teach phonics, writing, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, etc. with a cohesive, age-appropriate, and skill-level designed approach.
KINDERGARTEN/Pre-k
I typically don't give this a “grade level”. I told you that we don't start officially schooling until at least first grade or the child learns to read. But for the sake of helping you understand, here it is. 🙂
“Laying the foundation for homeschool language learning success, this open & go curriculum teaches phonics through Biblical interactive lessons, engaging worksheets, and exciting hands-on activities.:
First grade
Language Lessons for a Living Education 1
“Watch your student’s confidence grow as they have fun learning age-appropriate grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. Level 1 is a one-semester course students use after completing Foundations Phonics or another phonics course.”
Fifth Grade
Language Lessons for a Living Education 5
“Level 5 is equivalent to a fifth-grade level and moves the student toward mastery of reading and grammar as well as the mechanics of communication and writing.
We didn't buy this bundle because we have the companion book from when my daughter did this workbook.
Sixth Grade
Yes, we are doing two curricula for sixth grade ELA. My daughter (12) does really well in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling but struggles in creative writing. We've added a specific writing element in to encourage her.
Writing Strands: Beginning 1 –
“…help your junior high student master basic writing with unique exercises on dialogue, reporting, interviews, role playing, persuasion, story writing, organizing, and grouping ideas.”
Language Lessons for a Living Education 7 Set
“Successful communication is achieved as students learn new grammar and punctuation rules throughout the writing process. The study of etiquette, verbal and non-verbal communication, and worldview sets this course above the rest.”
Master Books for Science
Science is family-style for us. We read the short lessons together and answer the discussions questions. I often add in simple short-answer questions for my younger kids. Here, we also like to add in experiments and documentaries or videos when possible. If we discover a topic that is of interest, we'll dive in with other resources!
Applied Engineering: Study of God’s Design in Nature
“A fascinating homeschool science curriculum. Junior high students will study biomimicry which reveals how man-made designs are inspired by God’s design in nature. This study uses captivating books, engaging worksheets, and hands-on activities to demonstrate the world’s need for God’s creative genius.”
Master Books for Geography/Social Studies
Another subject that is family-style for us is Geography and Social Studies. We like to learn and dive in where we see fit! Last year we dove into Journey Through the Holy Land and loved it. This year, we're staying closer to home!
Elementary U.S. Geography & Social Studies (Curriculum Pack)
“Journey through the United States to discover culture and traditions, God’s natural wonders, history makers, history markers, science and technology, economic resources, exploration, and industries.”
Master Books for History
“Teaches upper elementary homeschool students (grades 3-6) the amazing history of the United States of America from the Civil War through the early 1900s.”
We did America's Story 1 last year and loved it!
Master Books for Bible
You'll find that Master Books is actually an imprint of New Leaf Publishing Group that also provides the Answers in Genesis Bible curricula- the leading publisher of biblical apologetic books. That's our Bible curriculum of choice!
We use one teacher guide and then each child has their own workbook.
Answers Homeschool Bible Year 1
“ABC for Homeschool is a four-year walk through the Bible. Each year includes an easy-to-follow 36-week schedule, with lessons and age-appropriate learning activities for levels K–5. Use the teacher book with all your students—no matter the age—or even with your whole family.”
Master Books also offers a supportive community.
We all know that homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be! When you choose Master Books, you’re not just getting a curriculum; you’re joining a supportive community of like-minded families who share your values and commitment to education.
Follow us on Instagram for fun, behind-the-scenes footage of our homeschool.
Master Books has an app with over 50,000 users and a Facebook Community with over 40,000 moms! These networks provide an invaluable resource for encouragement and advice. Whether you're facing challenges or celebrating successes, there’s always someone ready to lend an ear or offer guidance.
Is Master Books the right choice for your homeschool family?
Are you ready to see how Master Books can transform your homeschooling experience? We want to hear from you! What questions or concerns do you have with Master Books? Together, we can create an enriching educational journey grounded in faith and tailored specifically to your family’s, and student's needs.
Above all, one of the most important things that you can do as a Christian homeschool parent is to provide your kids with the knowledge of Jesus Christ through a living faith experience.
The method of education, teaching style, and academic excellence is never more important than cultivating a faith-filled family dynamic with loving parent-child relationships. And sometimes that takes a slightly different approach.
What an awesome giveaway! I love Master Books! We’ve been using it for years. My kids have done all levels of Language Lessons for A Living Education and are now on Level 9 which uses Pilgrim Progress – so amazing! We’ve done many other books and courses from Master Books Academy as well.
Thank you for doing this online.