Catholic Heritage Curricula - Use Complete Program

by Mary
(Rhode Island)

We've used Catholic Heritage Curricula for every subject for kindergarten, first and second grade from 2008-2011.

Likes: I like that it is gentle without drilling mindless things for hours. It really is the closest to the CM approach that we wanted to take.

Dislikes: Really can't think of any. This is a wonderful program and we plan to use all the way through.

My First Catholic Speller

by Laura O
(Maryland)

Product: My Catholic Speller
Subject: spelling
Levels Used: grade 1 equivalent
Dates Used: 2005 - 2006 school year

Likes: As with other products by Catholic Heritage Curricula, this spelling program weaves the faith into the work beautifully. My First Catholic Speller is used primarily as phonics reinforcement of the Little Stories for Little Folks reading program (used in K and 1st grade.) Unlike subsequent levels of this program, the child is not expected to be tested on the spelling of each word.

Dislikes: For my one son who used this in its entirety, the workbook approach was wonderful. He didn't mind doing spelling that year as there was no pressure to test on his knowledge. With my younger son, we began this text and have set it aside as he was already 'beyond' what was being learned. That isn't a negative for this particular product so much as a reflection that I should have started it earlier with him as his ability to read took off quickly.

Language of God by Catholic Heritage Curricula

by Holly
(Gales Ferry, CT)

Product: Language of God
Subject: Grammar
Levels Used: B,C,D
Dates Used: 2007-Present

Likes: I like the fact that the content is Catholic. I like that the work is not overwhelming. The text is simple and concise. There is not too much busywork and for the child with learning difficulties there isn't so much extra work that overwhelms them.

Dislikes. There needs to be a tiny bit more review involved. Not too much in the lower grades but the fourth grade books should have more review.

My Catholic Speller (levels A - F)

by Laura O
(Maryland)

Product: My Catholic Speller series
Subject: spelling
Levels Used: A - F (2nd through 7th grade)
Dates Used: August 2005 - present

Likes: Along with learning spelling, our family loves how the faith is woven into the material. Several of the spelling words are specific to the Catholic faith, which helps the child learn more without feeling like the time is always spent on religion. As the student progresses through the levels, more apologetics are added to the lessons.

The work 'schedule' is easy for most children with 2 worksheet pages per week (one day for each) and then a day of reinforcing the spelling before doing a quiz / test. Most times my sons would do both worksheet pages on day 1 and then spend 2 days on other activities to reinforce the spelling rules.

Dislikes: When the student reaches the upper levels, all of the words in the list are in small cursive print. While I did not personally have a problem reading them, my older son was occasionally challenged and had to double check with me about the spelling.

Language of God Series

by Laura O
(MD)

Product: Language of God
Subject: Grammar and writing
Levels Used: A, B, D, E (correspond to 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th)
Dates Used: August 2005 - present

Likes: I love that most daily work is on one page so that the child does not get overwhelmed. Most daily work can be done in 10 minutes for younger grades. No additional teacher guide is needed as the text is written for the student and parent to work through together. The answer key is in the back of the book (I just cut it out so they can't go looking in moments of frustration.)

Dislikes: For my boys, the little writing in the books does not seem to be enough. While I love how 'gentle' it is for work, they often will get glossy eyed stares on some of the periodic review pages. I can't say that's the curriculum's fault, though, as they do this in other subjects.