I changed my curriculum immediately | 4 Phase Literature | Generations Homeschool | Kevin Swanson

[@mandy-maltz]

This video has been such a blessing to my family and I. We had to start over with our curriculum planning and really look into what our kids would be studying. The video I'm referencing is linked in the description.

[@coolcaptain1]

We were so grateful to find Generations for our family right as we were starting the homeschool journey! It was one of a handful we had looked at and once we found them, we never needed to look elsewhere!

[@FamilyStyleLearning]

My husband and I have always struggled with the glorification of these authors but struggled to explain why. I watched that video from Generations too. So good!

[@Masonsept2011]

I have always had a conviction with books that curriculum I’ve purchased recommended over the years and have opted out of so many, wondering why I seem to be the only one questioning this. I’m so thankful to have found generations curriculum. They have confirmed all my convictions, have given me understanding and have provided a path that I feel so confident using to guide my kids in building a solid worldview. I’m so thankful for your strong voice in all the noise Mandi. You have encouraged me to stand in my convictions over the years.

[@jubileedo7360]

I think it’s so cool that your husband participates with you and you both seek the best for your children. Please pray for me because I am all alone when I do these things. If it wasn’t for your videos and other Christian men and women of God posting videos I would be lost as I said I’m the only one that cares and is doing the research.

[@LacyO86]

I felt the exact same way when I found Generations last fall. I ordered all 3 of my kids (grades 9, 10, 12) generations after doing MFW for 10 yrs!! Really makes you realize how watered down your "Christian curriculum" is when you look into Generations. I wish I had enough time to immerse myself into each grade ❤

[@mandy-maltz]

@@LacyO86 yes! 🙌

[@amandakoppana4509]

I love your humility and willingness to learn and grow! This video rocked my world as well. I have always been wary of the content in the "classics" and wondered why Christians read these and encourage their children to read these as well.

[@RaisingThreeMarigolds]

I totally respect this and agree with making sure that we are teaching our kids a biblical worldview through literature. One thing that’s also really important for us to do while our kids are home with us is to expose them to literature that does not align with our worldview so that when they get to college or meet others with a different worldview they don’t have their “bubble” popped and earth shattered, if that makes sense. I heard a college professor say how hard it can be for Christian homeschooled kids to transition into college when they haven’t been exposed to literature or thinking that challenges their worldview. Just something I’m keeping in my mind for when my kids are older and I start to shape their curriculum. I want to make sure they are set up for success outside of my home in a world that doesn’t have the same worldview as them.

[@mandy-maltz]

The 12th grade curriculum does that really well. Worldviews in Conflict is the name of it on Generations and it's linked above. We're using it this coming year!

[@gwengwen4535]

This reminds me of Mama Bear apologetics! We have to equip our soldiers amen🙌🏼

[@Melissa-jp2oz]

Yes!!!! I have homeschooled since 2007. This has always been our stance! I don't think we know any other homeschoolers here who would agree.

[@anitrarn]

Just sent this video to my daughter who homeschools my grandbabies.

[@jessicabullock3846]

For me, this awareness began in teaching pre-K and kindergarten. There were a number of fairy tales and nursery rhymes that I simply would not even touch. These were “the classics”. But these stories were filled with Gnosticism and occult underpinnings. Watch what we feed our children. It is our responsibility to safeguard them and fill their minds with what is pure and holy.

[@homegrownarrows]

I appreciate your bold conviction SO MUCH, Mandy. This world is not our home, and we are raising children for where they’ll spend eternity. We have such a short time to pour into them, and EVERYTHING they consume shapes them, so why would we NOT be so super careful as to what is shaping their worldview? THANK YOU! For those of us who don’t have 2 hours to watch the whole webinar, is there a list of authors somewhere that are dark vs. light? 🤣

[@latoyashowers8906]

Amen

[@Commonmomhomeschooler]

Finding ur channel which led me down the generations rabbit hole - has been such a blessing to my little family!! My kids are 5 and under so we’re just starting to figure out our homeschool curriculum. I can guarantee generations is going to be our spine! Prior to this I was going. To be hardcore Ambleside online and Charlotte mason but now I’m having to deep dive and re figure out what’s good and bad literature! Thank u for sharing your life and homeschool with us!

[@mandy-maltz]

I’m so glad my videos have been helpful for you. May the Lord bless your family on your homeschooling journey ❤️

[@miss.baptist394]

ambleside and simply charolette mason reccomend some very wicked books on evolution and just ungodly books..they are tricky by sprinkling churchanity into their stuff LORD JESUS GUIDE

[@laurenj.5312]

I love the concept of Charlotte Mason but when I saw the book lists for Ambleside and the other curriculum, I knew I had to piece it all together. There are great books that society won't label "literature" due to them being unknown or international or minorities.

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Are you me?? 🤣 I was going to do Simply Charlotte Mason, but was put off by some of their lit (praising Mandela and Gandhi, for example). I wasn't sure what to do except substitute as needed. Now I'm excited about my curriculum again! Trying out the K program with my oldest, also 5, this year.

[@Commonmomhomeschooler]

@@sitcomchristian6886 well we just became best friends!! lol - 😂- here’s to our journey together with our 5 yo’s figuring our way!

[@Blessedwithmightyarrows]

I watched the generations video that you are referencing for literature and I thought it was amazing! Thanks for the video on this!

[@TarryWithTabs]

That webcast was awesome! I just recently finished reading Apostate, and it is very eye opening. It definitely has me re-evaluating some curriculum ideas that I had for future grades.

[@jmsilhavy]

I am right with you in this thinking. This was the second webinar I watched with Generations about the literature we read. I did the same thing you did after the webinar - I started adjusting my literature plans. My husband thought I was crazy for going through and pulling the books off my shelves. He said they are classics and that I shouldn't get rid of them. Then I discussed the webinar with him and he understood. I was a teacher too and was under the belief that "classic" meant the best and should be read. I am now processing a new belief structure about literature.

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Ha, my husband and I have also had to revisit some books. We're still debating about Orwell, who hated Christ. Maybe for late high school :p

[@tatyana1324]

Thank you for sharing 🙏 Agree with "if you know, you know" ...👍

[@mandy-maltz]

🙌🙌

[@amandamendoza4181]

I had no idea! Thanks for the eye opener!😊❤

[@amandakoppana4509]

Apostate was a great read! It was so informative and helpful for me to discern what we should read.

[@mandy-maltz]

@@amandakoppana4509 yes!! I loved it!

[@melissacapps8453]

🤯 I have a box I’m sending back right now of curriculum. I had been on the fence and this pushed me over. Thank u for sharing.

[@mandy-maltz]

Go mama!! 🙌 I'm doing the same thing this week!

[@melissacapps8453]

@@mandy-maltz I’m looking at the Great Classics for LA. Have your kids used any of them? I have a 11th grader.

[@mandy-maltz]

@@melissacapps8453 yes! I did that one with my oldest year before last. It’s a great one!

[@latoyashowers8906]

Amen sister❤️

[@lisaspruill4512]

Thank you so much for this information! Will definitely watch/read more about it.

[@mandy-maltz]

Absolutely! ❤

[@melissacapps8453]

Ok I want a do over! LOL I wish Generations was still having their book sale. It would have been perfect to have a sale right about that video they shared. I can’t wait to see what your new plans are. I sent ours back and now I’m in the search. Looking at it w a new “lense”. Thanks again for sharing.

[@jenniferleblanc6476]

I just finished reading Apostate and it blew my mind too!

[@brianahaymond723]

Apostate is such a great book! I can't wait until my kids are old enough to use their curriculum.

[@taylorferrell8308]

Thank you for this video! So happy to see another mama removing these books from their home. C.S Lewis is one to look into as well, his writings are not what they appear to be.

[@rachaelscapardine6450]

Why is that? About CS Lewis

[@amanda_faithfamilyfitness]

Thank you soooo much for this video 😊 I definitely need to listen to the replay of the webinar 🤗

[@mandy-maltz]

You’re welcome! ❤️ It was so good. We listened to it twice, and I never do that lol

[@amanda_faithfamilyfitness]

@@mandy-maltzI just finished it. Sooo good. Now I’m going to doublecheck Generations to make sure I don’t need any other books. I know I’m going to grab the Apostate book

[@laurens4651]

I have always steered clear of those traditional classics. I prefer Christian books for my kids. We have used Gods big story and love it! It also has LA components which is nice. We are using Christian Classics Vol 1 for my 9th and 10 this year

[@MagnoliaViewAcademy-pm7yq]

Not to take away from Generations at all (because we love and use them too!!), but have you checked out Lamplighter books? They carry some of this literature (Stepping Heavenwatd, Titus, etc) plus 100’s more old, edifying novels!! Please check them out if you haven’t. I have a feeling you’ll be impressed. Oh, and they have a monthly subscription plan, we do the cheapest plan at one book for $22/month, but I usually add on some “damaged” books to my order that are half price (and by “damaged”, sometimes I can’t even notice what’s wrong!).

[@mandy-maltz]

I've heard great things about them!

[@MagnoliaViewAcademy-pm7yq]

They truly are amazing! I never have to worry what my kids pick either, because it’s all so Biblically solid.

[@SaraT-oy6op]

Logos Press also had a series of classics called “Worldview Edition”. I think it’s the same concept.

[@GodMadeAboyMom]

What are you going to send back? I love watching your videos by the way!! Thank you! You inspire me to become better. This is hard and the options are endless. I have an 11yo, soon to be 8yo, and a 1.5yo. Again, thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experience ❤

[@PathwayRanchTX]

Somehow, we confuse old with good. I don’t know why that is. Thank you for bringing this to light. While I have known that Shakespeare and other authors pretty trashy for their time, I never thought about teaching my kids about good literature so they can actually compare it later. I’ll be watching the video you attached later as well. Thank you.

[@autumfrench3624]

I am so glad we discovered generations curriculum. We discovered it part way through last year and started using it right away. Now this coming year my son will be using the 9th grade, my middle son will be using first grade which he has already started in the and is loving, and my youngest son will be using kindergarten as soon as it arrives. My eldest and only girl is in 12th grade and she already has all the credits she needs to graduate. So we're just going to do a literature study for one semester before she turns 18 and graduates so sadly no complete generations 12th grade for her

[@kristankaszynski965]

This feels like a throwing out the baby with the bath water situation. There are so many examples of flawed humans who have written amazing works. Our founding fathers are a good example. Same goes for people in scriptures. I just felt it was important to make that point. At the end of the day, only you and your husband know what’s best for you specific family ❤️ I always appreciate your content. Thank you for sharing your POV!

[@mandy-maltz]

It’s definitely not a throwing out of the baby. It’s viewing and analyzing those works and authors through a biblical lense. If you haven’t, I highly recommend watching the linked video, where it’ll be explained more in depth. We still read these works and authors, but it’s -how- we read them that makes all the difference ☺️

[@kristankaszynski965]

@@mandy-maltz yes, I completely agree with being aware of the lens through which we read works of literature! I took your clip to assume y’all don’t read any of those authors anymore because the authors weren’t the most stand up humans. To be clear- I do think it’s important to know whose works we are reading and to teach our kids how to filter truth as well as not idolize people- knowing we are all flawed. Hope that makes sense. (This is why I couldn’t keep up with my own channel- I’m not brave enough to deal with peoples assumptions 😂) I will def check out the video you referenced. Thank you again for sharing ❤️

[@Waterlilyy]

I am just starting out home schooling and am strongly considering Generations. I really appreciate your reviews of it. I’ve thought for a while that the classics are overemphasized and considered “great,” but really there are many more edifying books one could read instead, so why do it just for the sake of it being a “classic”? Just so you can have a familiarity of it or sound smart? I like that they will still get the exposure with Generations in 12th grade as you have said in another video.

[@molly8122]

Do the Great Classics curriculum teach literary terms and techniques?

[@Kiki-fe2le]

Although I disagree with reformed theology, it’s nice to see other homeschool moms that are careful about what they expose their kids too. Your Christian book suggestions have been excellent. You’ve gotten me hooked to Gabrielle Meyer’s books!

[@GardenMinistry.]

I agree we should always discern what we read to our children. I love Charlotte Mason's philosophy of approaching reading in living books, and educating not just the mind but the whole person. But as for the book Apostate, Im sure the writer had good intentions and calls out some very bad writers, but I dont agree that he includes Thomas Aquinas in this list. He was a Christian Theologian, a Saint, a Dominican friar, a humble servant of God. His works are beloved throughout Christian history and reveal beautiful truths of virtue and have helped people seek God. Just because the writer doesnt agree with Aquina's philosophy doesnt make his analysis correct, and it certainly doesnt make Aquinas a bad writer. This is purely his point of view.

[@taraparsons2740]

Good review!

[@amyparedes5033]

Do you know if the Redefining School literature courses you recommend take this approach? Do they teach the worldview of the authors or have any discussions on approaching literature through a biblical worldview? I’m considering using some of her courses in the future.

[@sitcomchristian6886]

I am so geeked that I stumbled across Generations. We are just starting out, my oldest is 5 :) I've ordered the Kindergarden program and eagerly await its arrival! Once I heard about this approach, I went through my list of books I had considered were MUST haves. One by one, I researched the lives and beliefs of the authors. OMG I was horrified! If you don't want your kids taught by God-hating pagans, why would you have them spend hours reading their creative works? For the purposes of learning, right, but learning what? Personally I was so relieved to find that there is very good reason to believe that Jane Austen was a believer 😅

[@brittanym58]

I have never, ever liked Shakespeare, Poe, or many other classic authors/poets. You can tell their worldview by their work.

[@shawnagay9120]

Any idea if there is a recording of the webinar to watch? I was going to be on it the other day but wasn't able to. Also, thank you for introducing me to Stepping Heavenward! After I finished it, I ordered several copies for the teens at church. I've also ordered some more of Elizabeth Prentiss' books.

[@mandy-maltz]

It’s linked in the description :) I’m so glad you liked the book! It’s one I plan on rereading.

[@shawnagay9120]

@@mandy-maltz thanks!

[@ShorelineHomeschool]

Taking a pause to watch the video. BRB bc I too know nothing about the classic authors backgrounds.

[@melissacapps8453]

Is Generations going to have any sales any time before school starts back?

[@SchoolingwiththeCools]

Schools tend to promote trashy books. Just look at what Scholastic sells in schools. Every Christian should be looking at what their kids are reading. When something contradicts your faith, take the time to discuss it so that they understand what's wrong with it. I love having my kids read God's Big Story. All the Generations literature sets are great.

[@mandy-maltz]

So true!

[@birdieroo3115]

I'm a believer and a homeschooler, but I just cannot get on board with this philosophy at all. I was an English major and literature is my favorite subject. We read a TON in our house. I do censor and control what my kids have access to, but I refuse to tie the artist to their art in the way you suggest is appropriate. Will you not allow your children any fine art or classical music because the painters and composers also have problematic histories? Shakespeare is valuable. To be honest, there is very little we actually know about him as a person. There is very little historical record of his life. Those demonizing him need to cite their sources. This kind of approach is short-sighted and lacks nuance.

[@mandy-maltz]

@@birdieroo3115 thanks for your opinion:) I’m thankful we can all homeschool the way we personally believe and according to our own convictions. Also, I'm not sure if you watched the entire video, but I mentioned that we WILL be studying Shakespeare, but in the right Biblical context. That's what that book I held up was, Worldviews in Conflict. We will study the same literature, but in light of Scripture. I tried to make that point clear, but maybe some missed it in the video.

[@angelsuniverse6021]

U still recomend iew? Ty

[@rayledavenport3492]

Hi Mandy. For the generations 9th grade curriculum... Would you consider this enough for writing/ language arts type of stuff? Or would I need to add a writing curriculum in with this. I had my 9th grader all set up with MFW to start but now I'm trying to figure out how to switch.

[@anmichele3829]

I recently found out that I. Shakespeare’s time writers were not allowed to write about Christ and Christianity. It was considered wrong to fictionalize the Christ which is why his works have other false things in them. I make sure to see view the historical point of view when analyzing literature. I have not listened to the podcast yet though just adding an interesting tidbit.

[@mandy-maltz]

I don’t think Shakespeare would have wrote about God even if he was allowed to. After reading about his life…that was the furthest thing from his mind.

[@genabrady1348]

I went to a Christian high school. We read The Scarlett Letter and The Great Gatsby. These are books whose main characters are sinful and unrepentant, they take no responsibility for their wrong doings. And they were taught as models of great writing. Awful. I didn't like those books then, I still don't like them. They are absolute garbage. I will not bring them into my homeschool.

[@jenniferborka8328]

Just my opinion, your opinion is totally valid, just wanted to share: I haven't read the Scarlet Letter but I did read the Great Gatsby as an adult. I loved it so much because of what a vivid picture of living your life for anything but Christ can do. I think if we have a strong worldview, teach our children a strong worldview, and discuss the problems that occur in the lives of these fictional characters that there can be value. Because they are going to face problems or temptations that might be similar to these people. What a great way to see the consequences of certain actions in a safer way than real life. That's why having a strong worldview is so important. So that you can read, hear, and see other views and still be completely sure of the truth.

[@GardenMinistry.]

​@@jenniferborka8328 I respect the original commenter's view, but I actually have your point of view. I was very interested in The Great Gatsby when I was exposed to it in grade school. My thoughts were, "Wow what a horrific tragedy, I definitely wouldn't want to live like these folks." I did a lot of learning of "what not to do" from books and from adults and peers I knew personally. It's kind of backwards, but that's just how it worked for me. And as a Christian, I knew all the Bible stories and that's definitely a book riddled with terrible tragedy and examples of "how not to live", from Adam and Eve disobeying God to David's adultery to Judas' betrayal, we all have something to learn from these stories and "what not to do."

[@gwengwen4535]

@@GardenMinistry.I also feel this way. I didn’t read it until I was in my twenties, but it made me understand the glamorous lie a little more. It was palatable and relatable and tragic. I wouldn’t use it for a literary tool, but it might be fun to get a summer report on, if you have a teenager who could get into it.

[@schindel6307]

​@@jenniferborka8328 this is a great point. Especially since it is a book loosely based on F. Scott Fitzgeralds life. Kids can deep dive on the book and authors life to see the despair of a sinful life that looks glamorous to those outside that life.

[@schindel6307]

​@@jenniferborka8328 also it speaks in the Great Gatsby about a real science book that was written at the time used to teach racism. Which is great to show kids how we can not put our faith in man and his laws or morals or science, we need to rely on God and His word for a moral and just life.

[@garlandofbooks4494]

I’m watching through the video linked. It’s interesting he praises George MacDonald. From what I remember, George MacDonald put on Shakespeare play with his many children, and was rather looked down on by Christians in his time for putting on plays at all. I’m a big fan of George MacDonald, so I’m not saying anything bad about him. I’m going to hear Kevin Swanson out, because I like more info, but I don’t think he will completely convince me. There are many things that you have to spit out the bad. If you read some of the Emily books, you will start realizing L M Montgomery seems to have some weird, wrong theology too, heretical.

[@mandy-maltz]

His main point here is that we don't just throw the secular books out, or refuse to teach them. He's making the point that -how- we teach them matters. We teach them through a Biblical worldview while understanding the meaning behind some of these works, rather than glorifying these authors. I agree with Kevin here, and I've seen this even in my own home.

[@garlandofbooks4494]

@@mandy-maltz that sounds pretty good. I must have misunderstood, I thought you were taking books off your shelf to be done with them. Thanks for the clarification! Of course we always want to teach coming from a biblical worldview. I’m looking at using Foundations Worldview Comparative religion curriculum aimed at 8-10 year olds, though it will likely be an evening family extra rather than a homeschool morning time thing. But that’s the goal, to show the truth claims of Christianity vs those of other worldview claims and apply it to everything!

[@ChristyLile]

Mark Twains writings are very dark, even in children's books.

[@mandy-maltz]

They are! I seriously had no idea!

[@ChristyLile]

@@mandy-maltz I didn't either until I started reading the Illustrated version of Tom Sawyer. It blew my mind.

[@ChristyLile]

@@mandy-maltz Look up the history/story behind Pinocchio.

[@karenbarth-vt7of]

😭

[@AstronomicalTutor]

Please don't burn books. Donate them to families that want them.

[@mandy-maltz]

LOL who is burning books?

[@kararamirez9599]

@mandy-maltz love generations, but I wish it had a complete language arts curriculum. I'm really struggling with what to do for 3rd grade. Do you have any suggestions? We've tried night zookeeper, but we don't love it. I bought Beowolf's grammar, Bible heroes iew, and wordly wise. I'm struggling with organizing my day. Honestly, I've contemplated tossing it all out and using TGTB because it has everything in one . Plus, a schedule to follow.

[@mandy-maltz]

I add in IEW and keep it simple :) They have a great elementary program for students. I wouldn’t toss it, many boxed curriculum programs don't have one or two elements and will have you add in something like science, math, or LA. That's totally normal. Generations has a more Biblical worldview, which is the most important thing to our family.

[@kararamirez9599]

​@mandy-maltz it's the most important thing to mine as well.

[@non-gmo]

While I really enjoy Generations literature that's pretty much the only subject we use from them currently. Just as a suggestion we currently use Latin for children as our entire grammar curriculum my daughter is going into fourth grade. She does a creative writing on the side, that's pretty much holding us over until grade 6. And it doubles as our foreign language :)

[@nikkithorsgard6524]

Christian Light Education is wonderful!

[@tiffany5824]

Masterbooks has a solid Biblically based language arts curriculum that works well for our family.