A Gentle Feast Curriculum Review 2023

[@heatherray2025]

Always love hearing and learning from you. I wish I had been able to see this when we first started. We really struggled to find a good fit for our family because so few curriculums were sharing details of how they work day by day.

[@kindletogetherness]

When my eldest was little and we were starting off, the online homeschool community wasn't nearly as large. I get it.

[@Micasa22]

I put together our history (1 student in form 1), but love hearing about how CM curriculums work for others. We also started with where we are (home, neighborhood, state, country). I follow a lot of AO reads and there’s always this part of me that wonders if should I have also done their history. But hearing you talk about it is helpful to put my ‘why’ back into perspective.

[@kindletogetherness]

Yeah, I for sure think Miss Mason was clear that we begin with what the child knows and interacts with, we introduce them to the "greats" of their own country, and then we move outward to a sister country (for us, that is England). In Form 2, my boys are introduced to British history which greatly impacts and intertwines with our own.

[@SlowLivingWithAutism]

I homeschooled my children using components of Ambleside Online and doing our own thing with a "Charlotte Mason twist." Now my children are beginning to homeschool their children; it's amazing what's being offered now! This curriculum seems well worth looking in to. (I get to help with all the grandchildren ... I plan on starting some sort of weekly gathering to do science or history or whatever the parents think. The oldest is 6, so really I'll only be working with 3 children at first.) I've also looked into Simply Charlotte Mason and wondered your thiughts on that? It seems solid. And The Good and The Beautiful ... I like some of it, but it seems to be shifting and I'm not sure it eill be one worth committing to. Thanks for sharing! ❤ Joanne in SW MO

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Joanne! What a blessing to be able to see a second generation of homeschoolers coming up! I like some SCM resources. I’ve found that some of what they write themselves isn’t as “living” as what we desire in Form 1. I do love that they pair Bible with history rotations. A lot of value in that. TG&TB is pretty standard and close to the public school curriculums, just really beautifully laid out.

[@kiraasay1384]

We started using AGF the same year as you. I am so excited to cycle back around to Cycle 1 next year!

[@kindletogetherness]

Agreed, Kira! I’ll have three boys in cycle 1 next Fall. I started with only one! 😭

[@praylovehomeschool3997]

Thank you so much for this! I am getting ready to start our journey with AGF next week. We are starting in Cycle 3 with a Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3.

[@kindletogetherness]

You are so welcome! I hope it’s as good a fit for your family as it is for ours! Looking forward to seeing you in the Facebook groups! Please let me know if you have any questions.

[@TeachingTinyDisciples]

Thanks for sharing! This one is definitely on my radar! We are doing Kind Kingdom this upcoming school year, but definitely thinking of Gentle Feast for the future!

[@kindletogetherness]

There are so many amazing curriculums out there and The Peaceful Press is one of the best! We loved Kind Kingdom.

[@RODSQUADTVTheRealLife]

Hey! I follow you over on Instagram, but didn't realize you had a youtube channel as well! We use A Gentle Feast as well! Thanks for your review

[@kindletogetherness]

Yay! Thank you so much for connecting here. I am really slow over here on YT and don't maintain it as well as I should. 🤦‍♀

[@amandamendoza4181]

Your videos are so well thought out. I appreciate your effort in this, as well as your transparency on decisions made. Thank you!

[@kindletogetherness]

You are so welcome! Thank you for making such a kind and positive comment here. It is very encouraging to me.

[@taylourcurtis7246]

This is what I need!!!! I have 4 littles and AmblesideOnline just wasn’t convenient for me to schedule everyone! We still love the book recommendations tho!

[@kindletogetherness]

Yes, when I looked at AO, even recently, I haven't found their scheduling user friendly. Especially with several children. AGF takes the guesswork out of it. I also check out AO booklists among others.

[@thewritingmaiden]

Could you share a little more about what geography looks like in A Gentle Feast? Do they start the child off with their home, like you describe? Thanks!

[@kindletogetherness]

Yes, AGF follows Miss Mason’s suggestion and begins with the child’s home country for history and then also the child’s home for geography. We use Home Geography first which was written by Miss Mason. It has the child learn directionality, some basic mapping, general ideas about minerals, natural resources, etc. all using what the child knows (their bedroom, house, neighborhood, then county, state, etc).

[@cheshathompson5740]

Had you ever looked at or considered Simply Charlotte Mason Bible/history/geography ? I’m still in research mode but just wanted to see if you had

[@kindletogetherness]

I have. I love how they weave geography, history, and bible together, BUT I do not like the 6 year history rotation. That wouldn't fit our family well.

[@homeschoollifemom]

Thank you for this video! I know it’s been awhile since you posted but it was helpful. I have been so torn between AO and AGF! It seems like the free curriculum should be the way to go and like ppl view it as the ‘true Charlotte Mason’ curriculum. However like you I want that laid out plan for me week by week! And I also have used Brighter Day Press morning time this year and I LOVE it and already purchased the next volume for next year. So I like that with AGF the history/science/Geography is a separate set of plans from Morning Time. AND it’s also a huge win for me that all my kids will be studying the same time period! So I’m pretty sure I will be going with AGF but going to check out more of your videos. I haven’t looked yet to see if you have a video on it but if not I would love to see what the LA looks like for the older forms. My son is using 100 Gentle lesson in Sight and Sound level 2 and cycle 1 language arts this year. My youngest is using the level 0. I have loved all of it.

[@kindletogetherness]

I keep swinging back to the AO site and grab some free reads from time to time, but the site overwhelms me personally still. We are hanging with AGF and it feels right for us. You’re absolutely correct about AGF morning time. It’s not necessary if you have one you like. For us, because it keeps composer, artist, poet, folk songs, fables, etc in the time period being studied, we love it. I do add in some missionary studies and we change up the Bible readings.

[@kimangele]

I love the way this looks! I’ve been doing so much research into what curriculum to go with. We come from tgtb LA with playful pioneers. Some of that went right over their heads…my twin girls are young soon to be 2nd graders. They will be 7 in November. I’ve looked a lot into my father world. And now torn bc this looks so beautiful! The scary part is knowing if it will work for my children for our family! Any advice would be awesome! How do you settle and pick…I do want my children to have a strong biblical foundation…. Thanks in advance! You have such a gentle and friendly personality! Love your videos!

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Kim! I totally understand. We loved our year with The Playful Pioneers, Jen does a beautiful job with her curriculums. My experience with MFW is that it can be a lot! It’s solid and really wonderful in respect to including our faith, but I have seen several mothers overwhelmed with it when trying to implement everything it includes. I also know there are many families who love it and thrive! Regarding AGF, it works well for us, obviously, but it won’t be a perfect fit for all families. Maybe remember that the curriculum you choose isn’t going to make or break your year…connection with those girls is so much more important. I’d personally choose a curriculum that you as the mother feels comfortable and confident using. If you’re comfortable, they will thrive. 💕

[@user-ot8vd2ns9v]

I’m strongly considering AGF, and have found your videos so helpful! How do you get all of your children on the same cycle when they all reach school age at different times. For example, I’d love to start my 1st grader in cycle 1 next year but my other daughter will only be 4 and not ready to start until my oldest is in cycle 3. Any tips?

[@LittleBlessings3]

Hi there! Each child will just enter into whichever cycle the family is working on. For instance, if your oldest is in Cycle 3, your next child will enter 1st grade at Cycle 3, but will be working (most likely) in a lower form. So the whole family will always be in the same Cycle, each working in their own form (grade level ranges). Hope that makes sense.

[@kindletogetherness]

As someone said below, you enter each child wherever your school aged kids already are. It works pretty well. My 2nd son entered in cycle 3 and my third son entered in cycle 1.

[@hannahwyatt2756]

Hoping to purchase AGF asap! Very curious to see a l handwriting flip through!

[@kindletogetherness]

I’ll try and get one at some point. We’ve primarily enjoyed the cursive.

[@hannahwyatt2756]

@Kindle Togetherness awesome that's what curious about

[@LionWolverine]

I'm thinking of switching to AGF after four years of AO and then one year with CMEC. How long does your morning of readings take? I know you can't compare with AO, but just looking at how much I'd have to read aloud for AO y4 to my two boys, plus a y6 girl, and two littles, it's daunting! I love your channel and your IG, we've chatted a bit on there.

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi 👋🏼 Thanks for following here and on IG. Our morning time (all the riches & Bible) is about 45 mins daily. We do it during breakfast. My Form 1 (1st-3rd grade) kiddos have about about 1-1.5 hours of lessons left after that. My form 2 (4th-6th grades) has about 2-2.5 hours of lessons after morning time. My Form 2 does his own reading. I do the read alouds for everyone together in MT and also for natural history I choose to combine my sons and so I read the material.

[@aprilbarker1028]

What are some of your kids favorite history books from the curriculum?

[@kindletogetherness]

April, from this cycle they really loved: Echo, Number the Stars, The Journey That Saved Curious George, The Wright Brothers (landmark series), Winnie's Great War, and Leah's Pony.

[@tayloranthony4322]

Hey (: love your videos!! I was wondering specifically how much is covered of Ancient Rome and Greece and Egypt in these curriculums?

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Taylor, AGF covers a LOT of ancient history, including all three of those. Beginning in grade 5, students start studying the lives of different folks from Rome and Greece as well as ancient times. Then they continue on doing Greek & Roman Mythology at various times, as well as studying Plutarch.

[@homeschool.pray.repeat]

Am I understanding correctly that each cycle of A Gentle Feast is only teaching American History?

[@kindletogetherness]

So for form 1 students (first through third grades), yes. However, in Form 2 (4th grade) , students add in a “sister” country. So they study US and UK or CAN history. Then in Form 2 (5th grade and on through Form 4) they add in Ancient History as well. Students in 5th grade and up study the same period in history for US, Ancient, and a sister country’s history.

[@SlowLivingWithAutism]

​@@kindletogetherness That was one of my questions, too 😊 Thank you.

[@Mamaisawake]

I am curious if any of your student seem to be showing signs that they may be advanced or early learners and if this has worked well for them and/or if you were able to adapt? I love the idea of this program but I have a kiddo who is five and is soooo ready to start formal lessons. I don’t know how to approach a gentle CM education with her! (Currently plan to start my fathers world K program but still ruminating on what’s best)

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi! Yes, I had two kids that really wanted in on lessons before 6. For a bit, I stuck to my guns and sent them off to play and simply included them in baking and reading aloud and being outdoors. However, with one, he began picking up phonics independently so I moved forward with reading lessons. Then he wanted to stop and still wasn’t six, so we did. Imo, if a child is leading the way, gently start something they show interest in. See how it goes and add more if they are loving it.

[@Mamaisawake]

@@kindletogetherness thank you!

[@LittleBlessings3]

Hi! First of all, thanks for all the videos and great content you put out! Ive watched several of your videos and have found them helpful. I've looked into AGF a lot and love it! But, the prices recently increased and it has me now wondering if it's worth the cost! 😩 Do you feel like what you get in the base curriculum is worth the now $127? I've looked into AO and there's parts I like, but I actually think AGF is more in line with CM's principles in terms of how history is studied. Also, do you think there's enough world history in the upper forms (I know British starts in Form II or about 4th grade), but is there any other world history included?

[@kindletogetherness]

You are so welcome and thanks for sharing that this has been helpful! I do feel like the price is worth $127. Since most well done boxed curriculums are $400-1000 it makes sense that the manuals and book lists and plans are about $127 and then you purchase the books and wind up in a typical curriculum price range. As to history, yep! There is world history beginning in grade 4 or 5 depending on which cycle the student is in. My 5th grader is really enjoying it.

[@laurasharpton5963]

Just found your channel! So am I understanding correctly no matter the grade, all kids use the same books for history and read alouds? Also what about science?

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Laura, no they don’t use the same books for history no matter the grade. Each form uses the same books though. So Form 1 (grades 1-3), Form 2 (g 4-6), Form 3 (g 7-9), and Form 4 (g 10-12) each have their own book selections. All of your students study the same history cycle though so while they may read different books, they would be learning about the same period of time with a lot of crossover.

[@StephanieMT]

We love Gnomes in my house, i see a book behind you that i believe is titled gnome. What type if book is it

[@kindletogetherness]

Hehe. You’ve got great eyes. It’s a vintage book, “Gnomes” by Will Huygen

[@shweecarpenter493]

I am confused on when each cycle is done. Do you teach cycle 1 2 3 4 all at once or teach cycle 1 for the first semester cycle 2 for the second semester, etc? If so, then how many days is each cycle scheduled for?

[@kindletogetherness]

Such a great question. Each cycle is a full year curriculum by itself. Most of us begin in Cycle 1 (which covers the very earliest know history of North America through the settling of Jamestown and right before the Revolutionary War).

[@jennifermclucas9270]

Would you please explain how much of the curriculum is online? I'm trying to get my kids away from screens. 😅

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Jennifer. Very, very little. In truth, until Form 2, you can do it entirely off line for your kids. As the mother, you will want to peek at things in the online membership weekly, but I never found it necessary daily. Now that I have a form 2 student, he has a video he watches for 3-5 minutes during Geography once a week. Also, there are optional video book readings (we never did them, I just read the books to my children) online in most forms as well as some art tutorials in the natural history sections that are online. They aren’t required, just a fun add in if you want it. Beyond that, there are online videos for Solfa. As I said, in form 1 we did almost zero videos and did miss a thing. It’s a living books curriculum so we simply buy the books. I love the printed Teacher Planner which has all the plans in it for all forms for each week. I never needed to go online except when I prepped for my week on Sundays. Hope this is helpful.

[@jessicaellis1566]

I'm thinking about making the switch from TGAB but I'm confused -- Do we go and buy the books from the list separately? Does A Gentle Feast just have one big package that I can buy for cycle 1 that includes everything?

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Jessica! AGF provides the plans for grades 1-12 but you do have to purchase the living books that accompany the plans. So when you purchase you want to look at your student's form and purchase the living books you need based on their grade level. I have another video that explains how to order and what to order. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXaUgIykmqeib8k

[@rachelhenderson2127]

When do we study world history? Or ancient history? Thanks so much for the great video!

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Rachel! Most families that follow a Charlotte Mason approach begin a study of the history of a neighboring/sister country in Form 2 or 4th grade and then add in an ancient history stream the next year.

[@MeganArlene]

What math are you using? I was on the fence and your video helped! 👍

[@kindletogetherness]

Great to hear, Megan! We really like Elementary Arithmetic from Simply Charlotte Mason.

[@kawaiikawaiianimegirl4144]

Helpful thank you

[@kindletogetherness]

So glad to here it!

[@522caco]

Can you tell me more about the science? Thank you!

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi 👋 So in grades 1-3 Natural History is the science. It includes nature study (scientific observation and recording) and nature lore (living books about animal kingdoms and plant life). As students move into 4th grade and above, there are a mixture of living books on science (biographies, etc) as well as Family Science units with experiments, and eventually, Sabbath Mood.

[@lauraweir85]

Did you like the science living books for form 1? I tried one of the SCM elementary sciences last year with my second grader and ended up ditching it because we didn't like a lot of the books assigned.

[@kindletogetherness]

@@lauraweir85 Hello Laura! Yes, we very much enjoy them. Many of the Burgess books are used, some Arabella Buckley, as well as the Among the ….. People series by Clara Dillingham Pierson.

[@mariagoff1615]

Love all your content, but wanted you to know that I could barely hear you even with my volume all the way up. Maybe it's my device but just wanted you to know. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@kindletogetherness]

Sorry about that. I am not sure why! I listened today again, and it seems normal compared to my other videos. Is it every video?

[@lauraweir85]

I can hear your voice fine but the sound effects are much louder than your voice. The ding for subscribing made me jump!

[@kindletogetherness]

@@lauraweir85 Thanks for letting me know!

[@gilusoph]

Thank you for this wonderful review. Can you tell me if it would work for a Catholic family? Like is there any outright anti-Catholic content? It really sounds like a beautiful curriculum, especially since it's easy to add and take away books. I love CM education, but I have such trouble focusing and planning well. I also don't like a ton of structure and inflexible curricula.

[@kindletogetherness]

There are several Catholic families using it in our membership groups. I believe they modify a little bit of the beauty loop and morning time. As in the memory verse and hymn, as well as occasionally, there are theological texts used like, “The Dangerous Journey”. So Catholic and Orthodox families may choose to make changes to those components. Julie (the curriculum author) denotes Christian/religious books in the book lists so that families can make personal decisions about switches related to religious content.

[@gilusoph]

Thank you! That is great to hear! Are the Catholic families you know happy with the curriculum? Do they have to swap a lot of books? I honestly feel like this is the first curriculum I've seen that makes sense for both me and my children. It sounds perfect! I don't think the hymns and Bible verses would be an issue at all. I'm mainly concerned with some curriculums being very anti-Catholic, which usually only comes up in Reformation study. I'll look into the Dangerous Journey book. Is that a big part of the course?

[@gilusoph]

Thank you so much for your kindness and quick reply! I'm so thankful I stumbled upon your channel!

[@kindletogetherness]

@@gilusoph A Dangerous Journey is used during the Morning Time of only one history cycle. It’s not a large part, but is one part of one year of learning. From what I’ve seen, it works for Catholic families but as I said above, some choose to change a few things. There isn’t a lot of religious history in this curriculum. You could join the public FB group and as in there as well if you’d like to hear directly from Catholic families that have used AGF.

[@gilusoph]

Thank you so much! I subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos. You feel like a good friend when you're talking. 😊

[@lauraweir85]

Do you find it saves you much time and energy to do the same cycle for the whole family even when you have kids in different forms? I have 3 kids and they're all 3 years apart so I've been trying to figure out if I'll ever be able to do any of our homeschooling family style 😄😩

[@kindletogetherness]

Hi Laura! In different forms they still read different books unless you combine. I do combine our natural history (read to them all from the same book). We also do all of morning time together. It’s nice to do MT as a family and start our day off unified.

[@BirthingBravelyandBeyond]

Do they do any Canadian history?

[@kindletogetherness]

Yes! If you’re Canadian, they have a Canadian track. There is also CAN history in some cycles as students go up in forms.