Who Is This Curriculum For?
This curriculum is aimed at grades 6-8, fitting into most math approaches two years prior to starting high school algebra. If following traditional grade levels, Book 1 should be completed in grade 6 or 7, and Book 2 in grade 7 or 8.
The curriculum also works well for high school students looking to firm up math’s foundational concepts and grasp how a biblical worldview applies to math. High school students may want to follow the alternate accelerated schedule in the Student Workbook and complete each year of the program in a semester, or use the material alongside a high school course.
The curriculum can also serve as a reference for parents, teachers, and anyone else interested in learning or teaching math from a biblical worldview.
Note: Teachers wishing to use any of the material in the classroom will need to contact us about a seat license.
Where Do I Go Upon Completion?
Upon completion of Book 1, students will be ready to move on to Book 2. Upon completion of both years, students should be prepared to begin or return to any high school algebra course.
Are There Any Prerequisites?
Book 1: Students should have a basic knowledge of arithmetic (basic arithmetic will be reviewed, but at a fast pace and while teaching problem-solving skills and a biblical worldview of math) and sufficient mental development to think through the concepts and examples given. Typically, anyone in 6th grade or higher should be prepared to begin. You can use the placement test below to help you assess if a student is ready. Note: This placement test is purposefully written very simply. It should feel easy to a student who is ready to begin. The curriculum builds quickly from there.
Book 2: Book 2 is a pre-algebra program, so students should already have mastered arithmetic (including fractions and decimals) and basic geometry (including unit conversion). If following traditional grade levels, this curriculum is ideal for grade 7 or 8. It’s designed to build on what was taught in Principles of Mathematics: Book 1, however, so if you have not completed Book 1, check out the placement test to make sure you’re ready for Book 2. Students should be fairly familiar with the concepts on the placement test before beginning.
What Is Covered? How Does the Curriculum Build?
Math is cumulative. Everything in upper-level math is based on the basics. Many students who struggle in high school never really grasped the fundamental principles of mathematics.
In this curriculum, we start from the foundation up, helping students broaden their problem-solving skills, learn to think mathematically, and build a biblical worldview of math. Book 1 of the course focuses on arithmetic and geometric concepts; Book 2 then builds on this foundation with more algebraic concepts.
View Sample of Book 1
View Sample of Book 2
I Homeschool, and Math Is Not My/My Child’s Strong Subject. Can I Still Use This Curriculum?
Absolutely! The curriculum is written in a non-mathy, conversational style, designed to help students grasp concepts, whether or not they’re mathematically inclined. The text is written directly to the students, so students should be able to work through it mainly on their own in a homeschool setting. As a homeschool graduate myself, I tried hard when writing this curriculum to make sure that it would be understandable and useable by homeschool families, whether or not parents/students initially like math.
As I’ve talked with homeschool parents over the years, I’ve found that many parents and students fear math simply because of how it was taught. As they begin to understand the “big picture” of how math is simply a tool to describe God’s creation and see it in context of real-life applications, many find it becomes easier and less intimidating.
Additionally, there is an eCourse supplement available for Book 1 for those who need a little more hand holding during the curriculum.
What Can I Expect in the Curriculum?
Throughout the curriculum, you’ll find math taught from the perspective that math helps us describe God’s creation. Thus you’ll find history, science, and real-life applications everywhere. The math presentations are not just dry presentations of facts–they’re conversational explorations of how we describe the consistencies God created and sustains around us. The workbook problems, likewise, give students a chance to apply what they’re learning to real-life settings. Students learn to think both mathematically and biblically.
Is There a Teacher’s Guide?
We’ve tried to streamline everything to make this curriculum as easy to use as possible. Rather than long instructions on how to teach each lesson, the Student Textbook contains all the explanation of the material. Important terms are bolded in the textbook so teachers can easily spot them. Examples teachers can work through with the student if needed are all included there.
The Student Workbook/Teacher Guide contains all a teacher will need to teach the course, from a schedule to worksheets to an answer key. We’ve placed it all in one book so you save money, and made all the pages perforated so you can easily tear out sections or pages as needed. The teacher simply pulls out the schedule/front matter, answer key, quizzes, and tests, and then hands the remainder of the book to the student.
Are There Tests and Quizzes?
Yes. There are tests at the end of every quarter, and periodic quizzes throughout the material. Tests, quizzes, and an answer key are included in the Student Workbook/Teacher Guide.
Have Additional Questions?
Please contact us at info@christianperspective.net.